Mary Allen
Healthy cats have an excellent sense of balance. They climb, jump, balance, and usually appear extremely elegant. If you suddenly notice a balance disorder in your cat, there can be various reasons behind it. They should be checked by a vet as soon as possible.
Thanks to their anatomy, cats have an incredibly good sense of balance. They have a highly functional balance organ in the inner ear, the so-called vestibular apparatus. It ensures that the cat can reflexively correct its posture when it is in danger – for example, if it falls. But their physique also makes the cat a master of balance. If she loses this gift, action is required.
Symptoms: This is How Balance Disorders in Cats are Expressed
A cat with balance problems will stumble, fall, or move more unsteadily than usual. Apart from that, the following symptoms indicate your cat has balance problems:
- Constantly running in circles
- Cat suddenly no longer wants to climb, jump or use the beloved scratching post
- Persistent tilting of the head
- Unusual eye movements
If you observe these and similar signs in your cat, you should definitely take them to the vet as soon as possible.
Possible Causes of Balance Problems
Loss of balance is in most cases a symptom of injury or illness. A common cause of balance problems is inflammation or injury in the area of the inner ears, where the cat’s sense of balance is located. But inflammation of the eyes and poor eyesight can also affect balance.
Does your cat stretch its front legs a lot when running, but tend to bend its hind legs? Then so-called ataxia can also be considered as the cause of the balance disorder. This is a disability that manifests itself through various coordination disorders. It can be triggered by infections, accidents, or a nutrient deficiency. Gene defects can also cause ataxia.
If old cats have balance problems, joint pain or osteoarthritis can be the trigger. Other problems with the musculoskeletal system can also be a cause.
However, you usually do not notice at first that something is wrong with your cat. Your velvet paw usually only shows noticeable symptoms such as tilting its head when the problems with balance are already well advanced.
Other Causes: Injuries & Poisoning
Has your cat recently fallen or been involved in an accident? Injuries to the head, back, hind and front legs or pelvis can cause your cat to struggle with balance. They make themselves noticed by an unsafe gait. A broken tail is also a possible cause of balance problems. Your house tiger’s long tail helps it to keep its balance.
The ingestion of toxic substances such as slug pellets or aspirin, which is harmful to cats, can also cause balance problems. In the event of poisoning, rapid action is vital. If you notice any of the symptoms in your cat, you should visit the vet as soon as possible.
Treatment: What to Do If Your Cat Have a Balance Disorder?
If you notice balance issues in your cat, the first thing you should do is see your veterinarian. He will examine your fur nose closely to determine whether there are organic causes. The treatment is ultimately based on the result of the examination.
For example, is an inner ear infection or a broken tail the cause of your kitty’s imbalance? Then the veterinarian will prescribe appropriate medication or other appropriate treatment.
However, it may also be that the balance problems turn out to be untreatable. For example, if they are simply due to the age of your cat. In this case, the treatment is limited to making everyday life as pleasant and safe as possible for your furry friend.
Secure dangerous spots and help her to reach her favorite places with appropriate “bridges”. You can replace the scratching post with a scratching board, for example. Unattended freedom is also taboo for cats with a permanent balance disorder – the risk of injury is simply too great.