Mary Allen
If the cat behaves “differently”, diseases of the brain and nervous system can be the cause.
Causes
Injuries, poisoning, hormonal imbalances, infections, liver or kidney damage, and many other diseases can damage the brain and nervous system.
Symptoms
The changed movements and posture of the animal are usually noticeable. If the inner ear is damaged, the animal will hold its head askew and have a “twist” to one side of the body. Atactic or clumsy movements or excessive movements indicate disorders of the brain or spinal cord. Twitching and fly-snapping can be consequences of epilepsy. Also, if the cat’s back is overly sensitive to touch, it can be a symptom of a serious illness.
Measures
Remain calm so as not to frighten the cat. Take the cat to the vet in a well-padded carrier. Think about what could be the cause while driving. Is an accident possible, poisoning or does the cat have a previous illness, e.g. liver damage?
Prevention
Poisons in any form should be kept out of the cat’s reach. With an annual health check at the vet, chronic diseases can be detected and treated at an early stage.