sketchpad, reading, or more often than not, drinking tea. The good news is that these illnesses do not worsen as your cat gets older. Search our database of over 14573 posts with up-to-date information from our experts and veterinarians. Whether this is required is up to your discretion; every cat is different, and you will always be the best judge of whether something is seriously wrong. Ear cultures, blood tests, and urine tests may also be ordered, as well as several scans (e.g., an MRI or x-ray). This is very informative post indeed. Avoid making changes to the layout of the environment. 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). This information from the inner ear is transmitted to the brain. Weve developed a step-by-step guide to creating a stress-free schedule that brings out your cats best. 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. The list of symptoms attached to encephalitis is long, but it can cause ataxia among other behavioral changes. Instead, you and your veterinarian will devise a strategy for dealing with them. May 4, 2022 Arm And Hammer Double Duty Cat Litter June 8, 2022 What Should I Do If My Cat Is Suddenly Wobbly Cat Suddenly Walking Like Drunk It can be extremely worrying when you notice any difference in your cats mobility or behavior. Cat Suddenly Walking Like A Drunk: Why Is My Cat Wobbly All Of A Sudden Once your veterinarian hasidentifiedthe causeof your cats ataxia, they should be able to give you more information about their outlook. Youll need to provide your veterinarian with a detailed history of your cats health, including the development of symptoms and any incidences that may have led up to this problem. Why Does My Cat Chirp Instead of Meow? Do Ferrets Need Vaccination Shots? Call your veterinarian immediately if your cat seems dizzy or drunkvestibular disease can happen quickly and can be scary, for both you and your pet! We straight anyway went to the vets and they suspecting this to be cat epilepsy but I am quite sceptical. If your cat is walking like theyre drunk or showing any of the symptoms described in this post, please contact your vet right away. 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. The ASPCA also lists a couple edible items that can make cats disoriented if they ingest them. I would like to ask about something as my cat experienced some of described symptoms. Loss of balance can occur when a disease or injury disrupts the vestibular apparatus in the inner ear. And, as always, show your cat a lot of affection. 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. The vestibular apparatus control your cats balance and coordination. You can help keep your cat safe by keeping them indoors and providing easy access to food, water, and a litterbox. When a cat is suddenly wobbly and uncoordinated, there is typically one primary cause: vestibular disease. If you can identify the cause of the wobble for example, by looking at its diet or environment then taking appropriate action can solve the problem and restore balance to your cats life. It usually happens without warning or as result of a concurrent condition, and can affect cats of any age. The information is current and up-to-date in accordance with the latest veterinarian research. The underlying cause determines treatment options. Updated on August 13, 2022 By MrBossCat Team. Although its vision seems to be all right, its head is oddly tilted to one side, and its . 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? I would appreciate any advise please. When your cat is stressed out, it can cause them to walk like theyre drunk and exhibit other strange behaviors. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); MrBossCat.com does not intend to provide veterinary advice. In that case, your vet will focus treatment on eliminating that underlying cause. Nov 22, 2014. Or at least not straight away. This appointment will probably include a physical examination and a series of tests to diagnose your feline with either central or peripheral vestibular disease. There are potentially many different causes of ataxia, depending on where the problem is located. This unconscious body awareness is called proprioception, and when there is a proprioceptive abnormality, movement is difficult and quite abnormal. As cats get older, they can sometimes become unsteady on their feet. Affiliate of Mars Inc. 2023 | Copyright VCA Animal Hospitals all rights reserved. Your email address will not be published. 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. When on the phone, make sure to give a detailed account of the symptoms you have noticed within the last hour. Problems with the inner ear can cause a cat to walk unsteadily and even fall over. 8 Reasons for This Behavior, Can Adult Cats Eat Kitten Food? Cat Suddenly Walking Like Drunk - TheSacredIcons Discover the secrets to creating a happy and healthy daily routine for your feline friend. Best Air Purifiers for Cat Hair & Allergies Some causes of this condition may be mental stress, environmental factors such as lack of exercise or food, medication or supplements given to the cat and even disease. However, suppose your cats loss of balance is found to be caused by an underlying condition such as those mentioned above. Make sure you enter your appointment prepared for questions about your furry friends medical history and any other symptoms theyve recently been displaying. Spinal cord disorders can cause degeneration of the spinal cord, which results in difficulties with movement 10. Cerebellar ataxia results in uncoordinated movement of the limbs, torso,and head. 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. One second, they a. Cats can sometimes walk strangely when they are stressed or anxious. Cat Suddenly Walking Like Drunk: Why & What You Should Do. Feeling unsteady on your feet Any cause of ataxia from neurologic disorders to multiple sclerosis and spinal cord injury can cause these symptoms. Changes in mental state, vertical eye movements, sensory impairments, and leg weakness are not examples of peripheral vestibular symptoms. If your cat is suddenly walking like he is drunk, it can be a sign of an underlying medical condition. Misplacing the feet is a common external indication of sensory ataxia, which is often accompanied by a gradual weakening as the condition progresses. Top 5 Humidifier for Cats with Asthma. 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. The next, you see your cat walking weird with its back legs and having issues with its balance. The abnormal movement can occur in the legs the head the torso or. Finally, pain can also make a cat walk oddly. 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. 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 the ataxia is caused by a lesion in the cerebellum, the cat will walk with an exaggerated "goose-stepping" gait called hypermetria. - but once they hit adulthood they age at around four-times as fast as humans. There is a long list of possible causes of ataxia,depending onwhether theconditionis vestibular, sensory,or cerebellar. Instead, take a deep breath and follow the steps Ive outlined below. It's important to take your cat to the vet to get a proper diagnosis and treatment. 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. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you. And don't assume this drunk-like wobbly and unsteady walk is the result of too much catnip! Why Does My Cat Bite Me Gently While Purring? 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. Other than that I dont see anything else wrong. Hi there, Old Cat Suddenly Walking Like Drunk - GitHub Pages Among other things, moving abnormally is sometimes the result of trauma to the head or ear. . In the meantime, here are some of the most common reasons why cats walk like theyre drunk. Ataxia in Cats | VCA Animal Hospital | VCA Animal Hospitals Some instances of ataxia are caused by sensory/spinal cord issues like the following. 4 Possible Causes! To avoid harm when trying to rise up or walk, your cat may be kept in a cage rest in a well-padded area. Thanks for laying out everything so neatly and understandably on this page. Caring for a cats paws is an important part of cultivating its health and happiness. Talk to your vet about what might be best for your cat. In that case, you must take them to the vet so they can be checked out by a professional. You know your cat best, so mention any behaviors that seem out of the blue, even if they may be normal in another one of your pets. Inflammation or Infection in the Brain. If you notice signs of ataxiain your cat, its important to see your vet immediately. One of the most common illnesses that cause cats to walk like theyre drunk is idiopathic vestibular disease. In idiopathic vestibular disease, treatments aimed at . I dont have the money to take him to the vet. What happens if you have been following your vets instructions and your cats condition doesnt get better, or worse, deteriorates? If your cat is in pain, your vet may prescribe medication to help relieve their symptoms. They are affected from birth, so they do not know life in any other condition. He was back to normal within fifteen minutes. Swaying. Taking care to protect your feline from ear infections or other conditions linked with vestibular syndrome also helps improve recovery and prevent the disease from recurring. If you suspect one of these diseases is affecting your cat, take them to the vet for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan as soon as possible. There could be several reasons why this might be the case, and in some cases, it may warrant an emergency vet visit. AskMyCats.com does not intend to provide veterinary advice. The entire incident, as frightening as it was, seemed to pass quickly. There is no way to prevent inner ear problems, but you can talk to your vet about investigation and treatment. When your cat loses their sense of coordination, it can be quite frightening. If your cat is in pain, they may walk hunched over or be reluctant to move. Once you get off the phone with your vet, follow the instructions they give you carefully. A stroke, which is caused by a blood clot or rupture in the blood vessels within the brain, can cause symptoms like weakness, circling, walking abnormally, and head tilt. Ataxia is a condition that affects the coordination of the bodys movements and can reduce life expectancy. Image Credit: Sarah2, Shutterstock 2. Instead, you and your veterinarian will devise a strategy for dealing with these. This may involve medication, special diets, or hospitalization. It is treated on a case-by-case basis, but care typically includes supportive therapy to help the cat recover from the episodes. 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. You may also be asked about your felines diet, current health conditions, and any new medications they may be taking. Loss of balance can occur when a disease or injury disrupts the vestibular apparatus in the inner ear. Thiamine deficiency can cause a lack of coordination, circling, and an unusual gait. If your cat is walking like theyre drunk, its important to take them to the vet so that any underlying health problems can be treated. Buying . Damage to the vestibulocochlear nerve can result in head and neck position changes because the affected cat may experience a mistaken sense of movement or have hearing issues. 1. The route your vet takes will depend on whether the underlying cause of your kittys condition is known. 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). There are several types of congenital defects affecting the spine or vertebrae, including but not limited to spina bifida, occipital bone deformation, and transitional vertebrae 9. The reason behind your cat suddenly walking like a drunk could be that she is suffering from vestibular disease. Cat Vestibular Disease Treatment - Cat Meme Stock Pictures and Photos Changes in limb coordination occur in all three types, although vestibular and cerebellar ataxia also affect head and neck movement. Learn more. Depending on the information you provide, your vet may suggest you keep your furry friend at home and observe their symptoms over the next few days. We do our best to help you better understand your cats, but the information on this blog is not a substitute for veterinary guidance. It could be cerebellar hypoplasia. There is a form of calicivirus that causes arthritic symptoms. If a mother cat suffers from panleukopenia virusalso known as feline distemperit can cause structural abnormalities in kittens cerebellums. This comprises a neurological examination as well as an otoscopic (ear) examination. Vestibular Syndrome | Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine There is no cure for ataxia, but cats can manage it with medication and therapy. Routine health care and physicals including diagnostic tests can identifysooner rather than laterany underlying conditions that could possibly cause vestibular disease. 2. Does My Cat Have Allergies or a Cold? A cat suddenly limping on its back leg is not normal and suggests that it may have hurt itself by falling onto a hard surface. Tumors or polyps in the middle or inner ear can cause a loss of balance and head tilting 3. https://www.pethealthnetwork.com/cat-health/cat-diseases-conditions-a-z/idiopathic-vestibular-disease-cats#:~:text=Call%20your%20veterinarian%20immediately%20if,both%20you%20and%20your%20pet! Obesity is a significant problem in our society, affecting not just humans but also our feline friends. Cat Walking Like Drunk or Cat Walking Sideways: Possible Reasons Loss of balance in cats can happen when something like a disease or injury disturbs the vestibular apparatus in the inner ear. Standard tests, such as a blood chemical profile, a complete blood count, a urinalysis, and an electrolyte panel, will be ordered by your veterinarian. 2023 IDEXX Laboratories, Inc. All rights reserved. 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. They may also have more subtle symptoms,such as a mild head tilt or a curling under of the toes while walking. What causes ataxia? When your cat starts walking weirdly with its back legs it can be a cause for concern. If you are experiencing any of the following symptoms, it is essential to see a doctor as soon as possible: @media(min-width:0px){#div-gpt-ad-mymoggy_com-medrectangle-4-0-asloaded{max-width:580px!important;max-height:400px!important}}if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[580,400],'mymoggy_com-medrectangle-4','ezslot_2',104,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-mymoggy_com-medrectangle-4-0');However, there is no cure for this disease, but there are various treatments available that can help improve quality of life. Possible Reasons Your Cat is Walking Like They're Drunk 1. My 17 yr old girl was doing very well until 5 weeks ago when she started drooling and wouldnt eat. The good news is that these conditions do not worsen with age. Sometimes, they may ask you to continue observing your kitty at home. Loss of balance can occur when a disease or injury disrupts the vestibular apparatus in the inner ear. What Is Vestibular Disease and Loss of Balance in Cats? 1. SymptomsThe most common symptom of vestibular disease in cats is dizziness. Infection, trauma, or a condition such as cancer can cause it. Ill be the first to say that I often overreact at the slightest change out of the fear that something is seriously wrong. The reason behind your cat suddenly walking like a drunk could be that she is suffering from vestibular disease. @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. 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. Cat Suddenly Walking Like Drunk Treatment includes: . 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. Your email address will not be published. Then, consult with your veterinarian and start recording the time and date of each fall. They may have head and/or body tremors and swaying of the torso. It will also allow other illnesses to be picked up sooner when there are more treatment options. If your cat has kidney disease, he may also have other symptoms such as weight loss, increased thirst, vomiting, and diarrhea. 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. Its unnerving to see your once-graceful cat stumble around with his head tilted and eyes flickering madly. Some other possible causes of the behavior could include neurological problems or injury. Siamese and Burmese breeds have a higher risk of developing this disorder at birth. It's usually found in young cats and it doesn't explain the head shaking or the way she was walking off of the bed. Why is my cat wobbly when walking? - Lets Healthify We are reader-supported. If your cat has had an injury, it could affect their balance and make them walk strangely. Its important to see a vet if your cat starts walking like theyre drunk and you cant figure out a cause, especially if its combined with other symptoms including: If you notice any of these symptoms, its important to take your cat to the vet so that they can rule out any serious medical conditions. Why Is My Cat Suddenly Walking Like They're Drunk? 10 - Excited Cats Ataxia, a disorder with comparable symptoms, causes a loss of balance as well. You can help prevent stress by providing your cat with a comfortable home and plenty of attention. 14 Rabbit Myths And Misconceptions You Need To Stop Believing Now! That hind leg neuropathy indicates he's probably suffering from feline diabetes mellitus. Other symptoms include diarrhea, vomiting, drooling, trouble breathing, and twitching. The reason behind your cat suddenly walking like a drunk could be that she is suffering from vestibular disease. If youre wondering what to do if your cat is walking like a drunk person, the answer is simple call your veterinarian. There is no way to prevent pain per se but you can talk to your vet about ways to manage it. Take him to the vet for diagnosis and treatment: he should soon be back on all four legs. If your cat has an inner ear infection, it will be treated with antibiotics, which will most likely cure his dizziness. 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. The medical term for this is ataxia, which basically describes the symptoms a cat displays when a loss of coordination occurs, like walking in a wobbly fashion or as if drunk, rolling to one side, showing strange eye movements, drowsiness, head tilt, or nausea. At other times, they may want you to bring your furry friend in for an appointment. Hind Leg Neuropathy in Cats | Pets - The Nest Your veterinarian will take a thorough medical history and then perform a thorough physical exam to evaluate for neurological(nervous system)abnormalities. She has parented various furry beings over the years and is currently a proud cat mom of twoone very chilled (unless hungry) Siamese and a skittish but adorable Domestic Shorthairand dog mom of onean adopted Bichon Poodle cross. The reason behind your cat suddenly walking like a drunk could be that she is suffering from vestibular disease. The second type of ataxia occurs as a result of abnormal function of the inner ear or brainstem that causes a disruption in balance. The detection of any concomitant conditions or underlying causes will determine the course of treatment. 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. If your cat has this condition, they will need to see a vet for treatment. 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.
