Cats with ataxia: what cat owners need to know
Ataxia can be caused by various triggers in cats and manifests with a range of symptoms. The most noticeable are the coordination disorders, such as an unsteady gait and occasional stumbling, which is why owners sometimes refer to their cats affected by ataxia as 'wobbly cats'.
Although it may not seem apparent at first, a cat with ataxia can often lead a normal life with minimal impairment. In the following, we will explain how you can support your pet in coping with ataxia.
Cat with ataxia: what does it mean?
Feline ataxia is a disability that encompasses a range of different coordination disorders in cats. As a result, the causes and severity can vary. However, all cats with ataxia share the inability to control their muscles properly, leading to uncoordinated movements.
Typical symptoms of a cat with ataxia
Cats with ataxia primarily suffer from balance disturbances, resulting in an unstable stance and frequent falls. Additionally, their gait is stiff and wobbly, with their front legs often overextended while their hind legs appear noticeably bent during movement.
Other symptoms that may indicate ataxia in cats include:
- Increased stumbling and staggering
- Sensitivity to noise
- Impaired consciousness and perception
- Spatial vision problems
- Tilted or trembling head
- Tremors of the eyes
What causes ataxia in cats?
There are various potential causes for a cat to develop ataxia. Damage to the central nervous system is often responsible for ataxia. Additionally, accidents, genetic defects, infectious diseases, as well as nutritional deficiencies and metabolic disorders in cats can also contribute to the development of ataxia.
Different types of ataxia in cats
Various types of ataxia can occur in cats, categorized based on the underlying trigger of the coordination disorders. The most common types in cats are sensory ataxia, cerebellar ataxia, and vestibular ataxia.
Sensory ataxia in cats
The main cause of sensory ataxia is damage to the spinal cord. This can result from conditions such as joint diseases, a deformed spine, or spinal cord injuries. Sensory ataxia in cats is characterized by muscle weakness, uncoordinated movements during walking, and a noticeably wide stance of the front and hind legs.
Cerebellar ataxia in cats
Cerebellar ataxia, which is frequently seen in cats, is caused by damage to the cerebellum, which is responsible for coordinating movements. This form of ataxia often occurs as a result of a pregnant cat contracting panleukopenia (feline distemper), which affects the brain development of unborn kittens, leading to noticeable abnormalities in affected animals from an early age. However, it is also possible for cats to develop this form of ataxia later in life due to poisoning, tumor diseases, or accidents.
Vestibular ataxia in cats
Vestibular ataxia in cats is a consequence of damage to the balance organ, which can be caused by conditions such as inner ear inflammation or disorders of the nerves connecting the brain and inner ear. Typical symptoms of this form of ataxia include head tilt, regular stumbling, and eye twitching.
How is ataxia diagnosed in cats by a veterinarian?
The movement disorders associated with ataxia should not go unnoticed by any cat owner. Experienced veterinarians can often identify the exact form of ataxia through observation of the cat, given the sometimes distinct range of symptoms.
Nevertheless, a more thorough examination of the cat is necessary. In addition to using imaging techniques, the veterinarian may also conduct muscle and brain wave measurements. Furthermore, the veterinarian will likely examine your cat for various feline diseases such as panleukopenia (feline distemper) to rule out or treat them as possible causes of the symptoms.
Treatment and prognosis for ataxia in cats
It is difficult to predict the specific effects of ataxia on your cat. If cerebellar ataxia is diagnosed by the veterinarian, you can expect that the condition will generally not worsen over time. In the absence of additional diseases, there may even be some improvement in the cat's condition.
In such cases, your cat can lead a relatively normal life with minimal impact on its quality of life. However, achieving this requires your support.
What cat owners should consider with a cat with ataxia
The risk of injury is naturally higher for cats with ataxia, so certain precautions are essential. Free-roaming is not possible for affected cats. Instead, it is important to make the daily life of your indoor cat as pleasant and safe as possible. Secure stairs and furniture that the cat can climb to prevent falls and associated injuries.
Additionally, laying carpet flooring can provide better traction for the cat when walking. Elevated food and water bowls and a litter box with a cover can also be helpful for stability and support.
Training and games for your cat with ataxia
If your cat has ataxia, agility games and sound training can help promote motor skills and strengthen the cat's muscles. Although you should not expect miracles from your efforts, these activities can often significantly improve the cat's condition. Therefore, it is worth being patient and giving your cat the necessary attention.
Conclusion on ataxia in cats
As you can see, the diagnosis of ataxia does not necessarily mean that your cat cannot lead a fulfilling life. Although their daily life may differ significantly from that of most other cats, your cat with ataxia is just as lovable as fully healthy companions.
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