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Why is my senior cat having sudden drooling and twitching episodes?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Mixed Breed | Female | spayed | 12 years and 4 months old | 20 lbs

My cat, age 13, started having episodes in which she suddenly begins drooling and twitching a lot. She become very jumpy during this. She is generally a very quiet cat but during these episodes, she becomes very vocal and even hissed at nothing which is very rare. After the episode, she goes back to her normal self. She is eating okay and all of her teeth have fallen out over the years.

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

Linda G,  MS, DVM

Answered By Linda G, MS, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on May 25th, 2020

Hello. I am sorry that Shadow is having these episodes. It sounds a bit like hyperesthesia syndrome, a condition thought to have underlying compulsive behaviors, but can certainly be brought on by other factors such as allergies ( including fleas bites ), but environmental stress ( anything change at home ? ), myositis, seizures, spinal & neuropathic pain. In a 13 year old cat, I would be investigating pain as the cause of these episodes. Have Shadow evaluated by your veterinarian at your earliest convenience to see if this might be the underlying cause. Thanks for contacting Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.
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