If your cat is having side effects from their medication, they will need to see a vet for treatment. There are two types of vestibular disease: peripheral and central. When your cat starts walking weirdly with its back legs it can be a cause for concern. However, the exact form of treatment depends on the source of the disease. They may have head and/or body tremors and swaying of the torso. Its frightening to see your cat lose their ability to walk, appear inebriated, fall over to one side, tilt its head, or act neurologically inappropriately (e.g., seizure). Cats age really quickly as kittens - their first 2 years are equal to our first 25! If you report that your kitty has been vomiting, your vet will likely want to examine them in person. As I already established, the vestibular apparatus runs the balance and coordination for cats. This is most common in Siamese and Burmese cats but dont worry; the symptoms should be able to be treated, nevertheless. This unconscious body awareness is called proprioception, and when there is a proprioceptive abnormality, movement is difficult and quite abnormal. If your cat has this condition, they will need to see a vet for treatment. Signs of Infection After Neutering Cat & How You Can Help. There is a form of calicivirus that causes arthritic symptoms. If youre concerned about your cats health, talk to your vet about which breed-specific conditions you should be on the lookout for. The veterinarian will examine your cat, their blood and urine will be tested for infection or disease, and an X-ray or ultrasound will be requested. The word ataxia incoordination within the nervous system. For example, if it is due to mental stress, try addressing the root of the issue: by talking about it, exploring solutions together, and so on. If your cat has neurological problems, they will need to see a vet for treatment. Sometimes, they may ask you to continue observing your kitty at home. One second, they are their usual agile self. If you notice a sudden loss of balance in your cat, you must watch for other symptoms that could point toward vestibular disease. PetKeen.com does not intend to provide veterinary advice. Sensory (spinal orproprioceptive):Sensory ataxiaistypically caused bylesions in the spinal cord, especially spinal cordcompression. I would appreciate any advise please. If your cat is in pain, they may walk hunched over or be reluctant to move. It can also occur from a bleeding blood vessel within the spinal cord, or a failure of the nerve conduction capacity of the spinal cord. A lifelong cat lover, now based in South East Asia, Christian and his wife are the proud parents of an 11-year-old son and four rescue cats: Trixie, Chloe, Sparky, and Chopper. The most common sign of ataxia, regardless of the cause, is an abnormal gait in which the cat is very unsteady on her feet. Finally, pain can also make a cat walk oddly. Seeing your cat suddenly walk like a drunk can be a terrifying sight. The information is current and up-to-date in accordance with the latest veterinarian research. If you notice your cat is walking oddly, its important to take them to the vet for an evaluation, yes, but in the meantime, you can help by making sure their nails are trimmed and their paws are clean and free of debris. Peripheral vestibular disease (PVD) directly affects the nerves and brain and is usually caused by some sort of infection, drug reaction, or tissue growths within the ear canal itself. The vestibular apparatus is in the inner ear and is responsible for . In the meantime, here are some of the most common reasons why cats walk like theyre drunk. Although its difficult, the first thing you have to do is make sure you dont panic. He had a similar incident about eight or nine years ago same symptoms and same short duration. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Cat suddenly walking drunk. Tweet If your cat ever suddenly acts drunk (wobbling, vomiting, and tilting the head to one side), it's probably a vestibular problem. Loss of balance can occur when a disease or injury disrupts the vestibular apparatus in the inner ear. The reason behind your cat suddenly walking like a drunk could be that she is suffering from vestibular disease. This leads to the cat not knowing wherehisfeet are in space,which may causeknuckling of toes, crossing of legs, etc. It may be worth confining your cat to a well-padded area that doesnt have access to high places during this time to reduce the chances of further injury due to falling over. Talk to your vet about what might be best for your cat. Diagnosis/TreatmentOnce consulted, your veterinarian will perform a thorough physical exam, looking carefully at your pets ears, and may recommend diagnostic tests to look for concurrent conditions and to rule out other disorders that mimic vestibular disease. It can lead to health problems such as chronic pain, arthritis, diabetes, and kidney failure. Ataxia is caused bydecreasedsensory functionof the nervous system, whichin turncan be caused by a wide range of diseases. The vestibular apparatus control your cats balance and coordination. They become very unsteady on their feet, possibly due to spinal cord injury or stroke. They may have head and/or body tremors and swaying of the torso. Sometimes a cause cannot be determined even with extensive testing, but it is very important to rule out as many causes as possibleso your vet can create atreatment plan. The list of symptoms attached to encephalitis is long, but it can cause ataxia among other behavioral changes. Our mission at Pet Keen is to make the life of you and your pets easier and even more enjoyable. If your cat is walking like theyre drunk or showing any of the symptoms described in this post, please contact your vet right away. If this is the case for your kitty, dont worry, there are still treatment options available that are highly effective in relieving symptoms, as you will find out below. Some conditions causing ataxia can be very serious and require immediate treatment, so if you spot any of the symptoms of ataxia in your cat or, indeed, any changes relating to their motor functions, please contact your vet at once to get to the bottom of whats going on. Discover the secrets to creating a happy and healthy daily routine for your feline friend. What happens if you have been following your vets instructions and your cats condition doesnt get better, or worse, deteriorates? This may involve medication or a wait-it-out approach. Loss of balance can occur when a disease or injury disrupts the vestibular apparatus in the inner ear. This is a type of ataxia that affects the vestibular apparatus found in the inner ear. Some medications can cause side effects that make a cat walk unsteadily. My cat had a few seizures last night and now cant walk straight. These can include problems with memory and balance, leading to them behaving erratically or even dangerously. This information from the inner ear is transmitted to the brain. Check for potential causes: "Drunk" behavior in cats can be caused by a variety of factors, including inner ear infections, neurological issues, or poisoning. Buying . A proprioceptive defect most commonly occurs when pressure is placed on the spinal cord from a bulging intervertebral disk or tumor, or from a tumor within the spinal cord itself. We would like to get second opinion from the other vet as well. In most cases, it is a sign that they have sustained an injury or are suffering from a medical condition such as diabetes. In some cases, like when a cat has a tumor or a defect in the spine or vertebrae, it can cause compression or injury to the spinal cord leading to ataxia. It can be extremely worrying when you notice any difference in your cats mobility or behavior. The good news is that the symptoms normally go away and dont come back. The range and severity of signs associated with ataxia will vary greatly depending on the type of ataxia present, and the cause of the occurrence. A follow-up visit allows your veterinarian to ensure that the underlying cause has been treated or eliminated. Kittens are especially susceptible to ataxia. For example, note if your cat is also noticeably tilting their head, continuously moving their eyes from side to side, or vomiting so that you can give as much information to your vet as possible. Be vigilant for any changes in your cats behavior and health and consult with your vet. If your cat has an inner ear infection, it will be treated with antibiotics, which will likely result in your cats dizziness being resolved. The first type is a failure of the unconscious awareness of where the limbs are located in space. Prevention There is no way to prevent age-related health problems, but many of them can be treated or managed with the help of your veterinarian. Cat Locomotion Explained by Our Vet. The vestibular system includes a fluid-filled part of the inner ear called the cochlea and a part of the brainstem that helps your cat maintain balance. Unfortunately, in cases such as brain injuries where the situation cant be improved, the symptoms can only be reduced, never fully resolved. From playtime to mealtime, sleep to grooming, our expert guide will show you how to make every day a purrfect day for your cat. Symptoms of the disease are usually worst over the first day or two, and then you should notice a steady improvement. Ill also explain why your furry friend may feel this way and what steps you should take to ensure they get the help they need. Like middle and inner-ear tumors, brain tumors are responsible for a variety of symptoms relating to movement, including a wobbly gait, bumping into things, and, one of the most giveaway symptoms, seizures. I look at a few of these predisposing conditions below: In some cases, it may also be that your kitty inherited the disease from one of their parents and has been affected since birth. If youre wondering what to do if your cat is walking like a drunk person, the answer is simple call your veterinarian. Tumors or polyps in the middle or inner ear can cause a loss of balance and head tilting 3. Your veterinarian may prescribe antibiotics to treat an illness or medication toxicity. The reason behind your cat walking off balance / wobbly could be that she is suffering from ataxia. Ataxia is a condition that affects the coordination of the bodys movements and can reduce life expectancy. The symptoms can vary but usually include unsteady walking and coordination problems. Vet-Reviewed Facts & FAQ. Seeing your cat suddenly walk like a drunk can be a terrifying sight. If your vet suspects vestibular disease, your cat will be diagnosed with one of the following types of the condition: In many cases, the underlying cause of the disease goes undiagnosed, which is called idiopathic vestibular disease. How Many Babies Do Hamsters Have In A Litter? Learn more. You can help prevent injuries by keeping your cat indoors at dawn and dusk and providing them with plenty of toys, scratching posts and stimulation instead. You may hear you vet describe your wobbly cat as ataxic or having ataxia. In cats, this disease is idiopathic, meaning its cause is not known. Why Is My Cat Walking Off-Balance / Wobbly? The clinical symptoms of vestibular syndrome in cats are usually easy to identify: If your cat has any of these symptoms disorientation, a head tilt . Other symptoms include diarrhea, vomiting, drooling, trouble breathing, and twitching. Its unnerving to see your once-graceful cat stumble around with his head tilted and eyes flickering madly. The reason behind your cat suddenly walking like a drunk could be that she is suffering from vestibular disease. Your veterinarian will also ensure that your cat has not become ill or injured as a result of the loss of balance. Here are some possible causes: 1. Although these behaviors should be taken seriously, it is unlikely they warrant emergency status. Physical examination did not shown any abnormalities as well. If you have an older cat, make sure to feed them a healthy diet, give them plenty of attention and take them to yearly vet checkups to spot issues before they become bigger problems. Symptoms of Ataxia in Cats. In most cases, they should be back to their usual able-bodied selves within a week or two but remember to call your vet back if they injure themselves or their condition starts to deteriorate. Ataxia and vestibular disease are common problems in cats that are difficult to diagnose. What can I do. Take him to the vet for diagnosis and treatment: he should soon be back on all four legs. https://www.germantownah.com/site/blog-memphis-vet/2021/07/15/ear-infection-in-cats, https://www.msdvetmanual.com/cat-owners/ear-disorders-of-cats/tumors-of-the-ear-canal-in-cats, https://www.memphisveterinaryspecialists.com/site/blog-cordova/2020/03/13/cat-poisoning, https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/feline-infectious-peritonitis, https://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/neurological/c_ct_brain_injury, https://www.vscot.com/site/blog/2021/08/30/vestibular-disease-cat#:~:text=Idiopathic%20vestibular%20disease%20or%20feline,located%20within%20their%20inner%20ear, https://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/endocrine/c_ct_hypothyroidism, https://www.hillspet.com/cat-care/healthcare/cat-metabolism, https://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/musculoskeletal/c_ct_spinal_malformations, https://www.msdvetmanual.com/cat-owners/brain,-spinal-cord,-and-nerve-disorders-of-cats/disorders-of-the-spinal-column-and-cord-in-cats#:~:text=Degenerative%20lumbosacral%20stenosis%20is%20a,difficulty%20using%20the%20hind%20legs, https://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/neurological/signs-stroke-cats, https://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/digestive/c_ct_vitamin_b1_thiamine_deficiency, https://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/cancer/c_ct_brain_tumors, https://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/neurological/c_ct_encephalitis, https://www.vetneurochesapeake.com/vnioc-blog/metronidazole-neurotoxicity-and-treatment#:~:text=Cats%20have%20been%20reported%20to,signs%20may%20mimic%20generalized%20seizures, https://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/neurological/c_ct_ataxia#causes, https://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/infectious-parasitic/c_ct_feline_panleukopenia#symptoms, 9. It is treated on a case-by-case basis, but care typically includes supportive therapy to help the cat recover from the episodes. Vestibular disease in cats can be diagnosed by a physical exam that is usually performed to check your cats overall health. There is no way to prevent inner ear problems, but you can talk to your vet about investigation and treatment. Ataxia is a word that describes unco-ordinated body movements. In that case, you must take them to the vet so they can be checked out by a professional. Idiopathic vestibular disease is a condition that can cause a cat to walk like theyre drunk. Obesity can also lead to balance problems in cats. Once the type of ataxia(sensory, vestibular, or cerebellar)is identified,additional testing such as blood work, a urinalysis, radiographs,and advanced imaging arelikelynecessary to determine the cause. During rehabilitation from this illness, your cat may require assistance with feedings, hydration administration, and shifting positions. Luckily your furry friend can be treated whether an underlying condition behind the disease is identified or not. Several health conditions can be behind the onset of vestibular disease, but most often, the cause isnt found without thorough testing. Instead, take a deep breath and follow the steps Ive outlined below. However, the information found on Excited Cats should not be viewed as veterinary advice. For example, antibiotics may be prescribed to improve an ear infection. 8 Reasons for This Behavior, Can Adult Cats Eat Kitten Food? Your vet will take all this into account when advising the best plan of action. There could be several reasons why this might be the case, and in some cases, it may warrant an emergency vet visit. Many cat owners assume that these symptoms are the sign that their furry friend has had a stroke, a fate no owner wants for their feline. Standard tests, such as a blood chemical profile, a complete blood count, a urinalysis, and an electrolyte panel, will be ordered by your veterinarian. Some instances of ataxia are caused by sensory/spinal cord issues like the following. Make sure to book this appointment as soon as possible so that the correct treatment can be determined. Although this sounds scary, once diagnosed, the disease is usually treatable whether the underlying cause is found or not. There is no way to prevent age-related health problems, but many of them can be treated or managed with the help of your veterinarian. These clinical signs usually appear suddenly, often in less than an hour. Degenerative Diseases of the Spinal Cord, 13. However, their environments should be made safe so they cannot fall from any height or become injured. If your cat is stressed, you may need to provide them with more environmental enrichment (such as toys, climbing structures, and hiding places). The abnormal movement can occur in the legs, the head, the torso, or all three. On one hand, you might be tempted to dismiss your cat's circling as another quirky cat behavior. Recovery of balance loss in cats could be done by: . Obesity is a significant problem in our society, affecting not just humans but also our feline friends. Also, with vestibular syndrome, the cat may be unable to stand and may roll toward the side of the lesion, sometimes rolling completely over time and time again. Do you still have any queries related to cats or want to share some experience with your feline friend, why don't you join us on Facebook with other cat lovers? OverviewIf you spin around in circles as fast as you can and then attempt to walk in a straight line, youll experience what your cat probably feels like if hes suffering with vestibular disease. Idiopathic ataxia, or ataxia without a known cause,will be treated with supportive care such as anti-nausea medications, and the cat should be kept in a safe, padded environment where they cannot hurt themselves whileshowingsymptoms. The . If you notice these symptoms in your cat, consult a veterinarian immediately! The cat appears drunk and disorientated, and it may eventually vomit the dough. When it comes to cats, accidents happen. Thankfully, this sudden dizziness is not a reason to panic. If your cat has consumed or been in contact with something toxic, for example, a toxic plant or household substance, it may cause them to walk unsteadily 2. Cat Suddenly Walking Like Drunk Treatment, 2. Cats may stand with their feet wide apart in an effort to stay upright. The reason behind your cat suddenly walking like a drunk could be that she is suffering from vestibular disease. Your veterinarian may do a series of tests to rule out other problems or look for an underlying reason for your cats lack of balance. Try to keep an eye out for the following signs. If the ataxia is secondary to something like infection, toxicity,or a tumor, it may be curable. Does your cat look like they have been down the pub and had one too many? If you notice your cat is limping but not crying, it is likely a sign that they may have injured themselves by falling over. He also cried, as if frightened or upset. Other causes of unusual walking behavior could also be looked into, such as Alzheimers disease or dementia in older cats and Feline Interstitial Cystitis (FIC), which is an inflammation of the bladder and urethra in cats. There are two ways of treating vestibular syndrome, targeting either the symptoms or the cause. Keep your cat indoors and away from stairwells and bodies of water. Your kitty is likely suffering from some form of vestibular disease, a type of ataxia that interferes with the functioning of the system in charge of balance. What Are The Symptoms And Causes Of Ataxia? Your email address will not be published. Are Certain Breeds More Likely To Walk Like Theyre Drunk? We straight anyway went to the vets and they suspecting this to be cat epilepsy but I am quite sceptical. An ataxic cat may look like they are drunk, with a wobbly gait, swaying, and increased drowsiness. This article will talk about why your cat is walking like a drunk and how you can cure it. In this instance, you must get back in contact with the vet and explain the situation immediately. Does My Cat Have Allergies or a Cold? Simba, Snowball and Oreo: My 3 musKITTYeers! This can include prescriptions for things such as motion sickness, nausea, and vomiting, or it could be more assistance based, for example, helping your feline to eat and drink. Catnip, The record holder for the longest whisker on a cat belongs to Missi, a Maine Coon in Finland with an, If your cat is making more noise than they usually do and constantly visiting the water bowl, it might be, Possible Reasons Your Cat is Walking Like Theyre Drunk, A Word About Idiopathic Vestibular Disease in Cats. One of the most common illnesses that cause cats to walk like theyre drunk is idiopathic vestibular disease. If the ataxia is caused by a lesion in the cerebellum, the cat will walk with an exaggerated goose-stepping gait called hypermetria. Writer and Mommy of 3 furr babies: We go to great lengths to help users better understand their pets; however, the content on this blog is not a substitute for veterinary guidance. Within an hour, you should make sure to contact your vet. In that case, your vet likely thinks that your kittys sudden incoordination is due to idiopathic vestibular disease, and the symptoms will resolve on their own. If you notice that your cats behavior has changed since they started feeling more stressed, there may be a reason for it so be sure to take action! @media(min-width:0px){#div-gpt-ad-mymoggy_com-box-4-0-asloaded{max-width:250px!important;max-height:250px!important}}if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'mymoggy_com-box-4','ezslot_6',108,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-mymoggy_com-box-4-0'); If changing the environment doesnt help or if theres no known cure for whatever caused walking like a drunk cat in cats first place, then consulting a vet might be necessary. Cat suddenly walking like drunk treatment. The brain then sends signals to change the rest of your cat's body including their muscles and eyes in response to these head movements. It's scary to see your cat suddenly not be able to walk, look drunk, fall over to his or her side, have a head tilt, or act neurologically inappropriate (e.g., seizure). However, neither cerebellar hypoplasia nor some types of ataxia are curable. Kidney disease: Kidney disease can cause cats to become disoriented and weak. Thanks for laying out everything so neatly and understandably on this page. A series of tests are required for proper diagnosis, but, in most cases, the cause of the disease will remain unknown. Your cat may experience issues with standing on all four legs and you may even notice. Protect your cat from further harm if they begin to stumble, wobble back and forth, or fall down. The good news is that these conditions do not worsen with age. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Cats suffering from trauma may also lose consciousness, have seizures, have difficulty breathing, and have an irregular heartbeat among other symptoms 6. Why is my cat suddenly wobbly? You dont need to book an appointment unless advised to do so, but a telephone consultation will help you to identify the next steps that should be taken. To begin with, your vet will check your kittys overall health by looking in their ears using an otoscope and performing a neurologic exam.
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