Neurological disorders in cats can change the way they move, behave, and interact with their environment. Although many cats never develop these conditions, recognizing the warning signs can help pet parents seek veterinary care quickly.
Understanding common neurological diseases can also help you know when a specialist, such as a veterinary neurologist, may be involved in your cat's care.
Key takeaways
- Neurological disorders in cats affect the brain, spinal cord or nerves and can cause weakness, seizures, balance problems or behavioral changes.
- Common feline neurological problems include brain tumors, vestibular syndrome, infectious diseases, spinal cord injuries, and neuromuscular disorders.
- Diagnosis usually requires a neurological examination and advanced imaging such as MRI or CT scan.
- Treatment depends on the underlying cause and may include medications, surgery, or supportive care.
What does a cat's nervous system do?
The cat's nervous system controls thinking, behavior, movement, balance and organ function.
It includes the brain, spinal cord and nerves. The brain enables decision making, memory and emotional control. The nervous system also coordinates muscle movements, giving cats their agility and dexterity.
Signs of neurological disorders in cats
Common signs of feline neurological problems include:
If you notice these signs, contact your veterinarian for an evaluation.
Most Common Neurological Disorders in Cats
Neurological disorders in cats can result from birth defects, infection, trauma, aging, or underlying disease.
Brain tumors
Brain tumors most commonly affect older cats and can cause seizures. Common types, including meningiomas and pituitary macroadenomas, are often treatable and, in some cases, can be cured.
Because primary epilepsy is rare in cats, seizures that occur later in life often warrant further investigation for an underlying brain tumor.
Cognitive dysfunction
Cognitive dysfunction is an age-related disease similar to Alzheimer's disease in humans. Affected cats may appear confused, disoriented, or may not recognize familiar people. Management may include environmental enrichment, nutritional support, and medications that help regulate sleep.
Hydrocephalus (water on the brain)
Hydrocephalus is a congenital condition caused by a buildup of cerebrospinal fluid in the brain.
Affected kittens may appear confused or disoriented and have difficulty with coordination, social interactions, or learning litter box habits.
Although they may require special care, many cats with hydrocephalus can live good quality lives with careful management.
Cerebellar hypoplasia
Cerebellar hypoplasia is a birth defect caused by exposure to the feline panleukopenia virus during pregnancy.
The cerebellum controls coordination and balance, so cats with this condition are permanently wobbly but not painful, and their quality of life is generally good.
Infectious disease
Certain infectious diseases, including toxoplasmosis, fungal infections, and feline infectious peritonitis (FIP), can cause neurological damage in cats.
FIP develops when the feline coronavirus mutates in the body. While the virus usually causes mild gastrointestinal illness, the dry form of FIP is most often associated with neurological signs.
Vestibular syndrome (vertigo)
Vestibular syndrome causes sudden loss of balance, head tilt, falls, and abnormal eye movements.
Possible causes include:
- Idiopathic vestibular disease (unknown)
- Inner or middle ear infections
- Stroke
- Brain tumors
- Feline infectious peritonitis (FIP)
- Parasite migration in certain regions
Idiopathic vestibular disease is the most common cause in older cats and often improves with time.
Spinal cord problems
Spinal cord disorders can cause weakness, paralysis, or abnormal gait in cats.
Possible causes include trauma, infectious diseases such as feline infectious peritonitis (FIP), and intervertebral disc disease.
Advanced imaging, such as MRI or CT scan, is often necessary to diagnose spinal cord conditions.
Neuromuscular disorders
Neuromuscular disorders affect the communication between nerves and muscles.
Signs may include:
- Head and neck weakness
- Walking on wrists or ankles
- Exercise intolerance
Possible causes include myasthenia gravis, thiamine deficiency, and complications of metabolic diseases such as diabetes or kidney disease.
How Veterinarians Diagnose Neurological Problems in Cats
Diagnosis of neurological disorders in cats begins with a detailed medical history and a complete neurological examination.
The exam evaluates behavior, posture, reflexes, pain response, coordination and gait. These results help veterinarians determine which part of the nervous system may be affected.
Additional diagnostic tests may include:
- Blood tests
- X-rays
- CT or MRI scan
- lumbar puncture (analysis of cerebrospinal fluid)
- Electrodiagnostic tests
Videos of abnormal behaviors can also help veterinarians identify subtle neurological signs.
Treatment of neurological disorders in cats
Treatment depends on the specific neurological condition affecting your cat.
Possible treatments may include:
- Antibiotics or antifungal medications for infections
- Steroids or other anti-inflammatory medications
- Antiepileptic drugs
- Surgery for spinal tumors or lesions
- Chemotherapy or radiotherapy for certain cancers
- Nutritional management of diet-related deficiencies
Many neurological disorders can be treated or managed successfully with proper veterinary care.
Can you prevent neurological disorders in cats?
Some neurological disorders cannot be avoided, but regular preventive care can help reduce the risks.
Recommendations include:
- Regular veterinary exams
- Age-appropriate laboratory work
- Blood pressure monitoring
- Keep vaccinations up to date
- Pest prevention
- Balanced diet
These measures help detect or manage underlying conditions, such as kidney disease, hypertension and diabetes, which can lead to neurological complications.
Avoid giving medications that are not approved for cats, as some dog products may cause seizures or tremors.
Frequently Asked Questions About Neurological Disorders in Cats
What are the first signs of neurological problems in cats?
Early signs often include weakness, swaying, behavioral changes, seizures, or loss of balance.
Are neurological disorders in cats treatable?
Many feline neurological problems are treatable or manageable depending on the cause. Early diagnosis improves outcomes.
When should I see a veterinary neurologist?
You should consider seeing a veterinary neurologist if your cat exhibits seizures, progressive weakness, unexplained balance problems, or if advanced imaging such as MRI is recommended.
Can older cats develop neurological problems?
Yes, older cats are more likely to develop brain tumors, cognitive dysfunction, or stroke-related neurological disease.
