Has your cat seemed a bit ‘off’ recently? Does it look like their balance is not quite there? Your cat may be suffering from ataxia, the technical term for losing their coordination. While you should always call your vet if you suspect your cat is unwell, we hope to help answer some common questions about ataxia in cats.

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What is ataxia?

Ataxia is the technical term for loss of coordination. This can vary considerably from mild cases that are stumbling or tripping occasionally when walking, through to cats who are rolling around and ‘looking drunk’. Ataxia in cats occurs when there is a problem with the messages from the brain telling the rest of the body what to do. This is a very different problem to animals that have generalised muscle weakness or joint disease that is affecting their mobility.

What causes ataxia?

There are 3 main reasons for ataxia to occur in cats –

An issue with the cerebellum (a brain problem)

The cerebellum controls fine motor movement, and allows your pet to accurately control their limbs as they move them. When this part of the brain is diseased your cat may step their feet up high, in an exaggerated walk (‘goose stepping’, or hypermetria), their body might sway, and they could have a fine head tremor. Examples of diseases that can affect the cerebellum include –

Proprioceptive issues (a problem with the brain or spine)

Proprioception allows us to know where our limbs are, without having to look at them. It is an awareness of where your body is at any given time and allows us to sense how much force we need to apply with our body in order to do something. Proprioception is controlled by the cerebral cortex in the brain and also by the spinal cord. Without proprioception, animals are unaware of whether their foot is turned the wrong way and whether they are standing up straight or not. 

Affected animals may sway, seem unsteady on their feet and knuckle over on their paws as they walk. Their feet may also cross over as they walk. One or more limbs can become affected, as well as the animal’s body. 

Examples of conditions commonly causing proprioceptive issues include the same list of brain diseases that we might see causing cerebellar problems (see above) but in addition to this spinal cord disease. This includes disc issues or tumours in the spinal cord.

Vestibular problems (an issue affecting the inner ear)

The vestibular system acts as the balance centre for your pet. This is found in the inner ear and helps your pet to stay upright and walk in a straight line. The vestibular system sends signals to the brain and eyes to let them know what is needed to remain balanced. 

Animals that have problems in their vestibular system may have a head tilt and walk in circles rather than being able to go straight. They may also lean or fall over to one side and have a rhythmical flicking movement of the eyes called nystagmus. Cats with this can become nauseous and vomit, as well as go off their food. Conditions that can affect the vestibular system include –

  • Inner ear infections
  • Tumours (malignant or, commonly in cats, more benign polyps)
  • Adverse reaction to medications (e.g. certain antibiotics like streptomycin)
  • Idiopathic (unknown cause, often the most common cause seen in older patients)

The vet will start with a physical examination

Your vet will start by examining your cat and discussing their symptoms with you. They will perform a general check over but will also want to do a more detailed neurological exam. 

This will include assessing your pet’s mentation (are they bright or depressed?), how they walk around the room and how they move their limbs. They may check your pet’s proprioception by seeing how easily they can place their foot back in the correct position when it is moved and also check whether your cat can feel pain. This test to see if normal sensation is present may be performed by pinching your pet with some small forceps to see if they can feel it. While this test may seem a little crude, it gives your vet a lot of information about your cat. They may also feel your pet’s spine and check their reflexes.

If a vestibular issue is suspected then your cat may wish to look in your cat’s ears, as well as check their eyes for nystagmus.

Further diagnostic tests and treatment for ataxia

Further diagnostic tests and treatment will depend on the findings from your vet’s initial examination.

In some cases, the only way to get a definitive cause for your cat’s ataxia is to do advanced diagnostic imaging (for example an MRI scan). X-rays are less sensitive at diagnosing brain and spinal issues. Blood tests may also be helpful as a screen for your pet’s overall health and may give some further clues as to the underlying disease process, More specific tests may be used to help identify infectious or inflammatory disease processes.

The exact treatment required will depend on your pet’s diagnosis. For some patients, this may include anti-inflammatory medication and/or antinausea medication. Hospitalisation could be required for intravenous fluids and supportive care in very sick patients.

Will my wobbly cat be ok?

If your cat keeps losing their balance, then you will understandably be concerned about them. As there are a variety of different causes of ataxia in cats it is important to get them examined by a vet, sooner rather than later. Some of the conditions we have briefly explored carry a better prognosis than others. Cost constraints may also affect what type of diagnostics and/or treatment you choose to do for your pet, but your vet will be able to talk you through this.

If you have any concerns about your cat then give your vet a call, they are waiting to help.

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