Ataxia in cats means trouble with balance and coordination. A cat with ataxia may look wobbly, unsteady, or like they’re "drunk." It can be caused by many things—some mild, others more serious. While any cat can develop ataxia, older cats and outdoor cats are more at risk due to illness or injury.

There are three main types of ataxia, depending on where the nervous system is affected: Proprioceptive ataxia: Caused by brain or spinal cord issues. Cats may drag their legs, walk unsteadily, or seem unaware of where their limbs are. Cerebellar ataxia: Comes from damage to the cerebellum (a part of the brain). Cats may have jerky or exaggerated movements and a wide-legged stance. Vestibular ataxia: Linked to inner ear or nerve problems. It affects balance and can cause head tilts, rolling, or falling to one side.

What to do if your cat develops ataxia

Ataxia is a serious symptom:

• Call a vet immediately if your cat suddenly develops ataxia. Your cat should be seen as an emergency.

• Keep them safe from further harm or self-injury: confine them to a small space or crate, away from stairs or sharp edges if they are struggling to keep balance.

• Reassure them: talk to them quietly, lower lights and turn off music or the tv

• Look for evidence of toxic chemicals, drugs or plants they may have eaten: photograph the packaging to help your vet identify potential causes. And any antidote there may be to ataxia resulting from poisoning.

• Put some sugar or honey on their gums or tongue to counter low blood sugar

What are the common causes of ataxia in cats?

The most common causes of ataxia in cats include:

• Inflammation or infection of the brain, spinal cord or inner ear: FIP, fungal infections, FeLV

• Cerebellar Hypoplasia: happens in kittens when mum gets Feline Panleukopenia infection and kitten is infected in the womb

• Trauma: road accidents, falls, malicious injury

• Vestibular Disease

• Low blood sugar

• High blood pressure: due to hyperthyroidism or chronic kidney disease

• Toxins: recreational drugs, alcohol, antifreeze

• Tumours of the brain, ear or spinal canal

• Side effects or overdose of certain medications: anti epileptic drugs, certain painkillers, antibiotics (metronidazole)

• Thiamine (Vitamin B1) deficiency if not eating food containing an adequate amount. Modern vet-approved commercial diets contain the right balance. May be lacking in alternative or home-prepared diets.

When to worry about ataxia in cats

Find your nearest vet if your cat is ataxic and:

• Unable to respond to you

• Falling over, rolling, distressed

• Has ingested alcohol, including anti-freeze or anything else unusual

• Has suffered a traumatic injury, especially a head injury

• Having seizures

Call a vet as soon as possible if your cat becomes ataxic after:

• Being outdoors with or without obvious signs of trauma

• Starting new medication or a new increased dose of medication

How to reduce some of the risks of ataxia in cats

Sometimes ataxia is sudden in onset and the underlying cause can’t be prevented. Preventing ataxia in other cases means addressing possible medical or poisoning causes.

• Take your cat for regular vet health checks: As owners, we don't always notice the changes happening day-by-day

• Keep up to date with regular vaccinations and preventive treatments for worms and other parasites

• Ensure your cat gets all medicines for other illnesses as prescribed by your vet

• Keep all toxins (drugs, chemicals , alcohol) out of sight, reach and smell of cats

• Feed your cat a veterinary-approved balanced diet

How is ataxia diagnosed in cats?

Diagnosing the cause of ataxia can be difficult:

• The first step is identifying the affected part of the nervous system, usually through a neurological exam. Complex cases may require a specialist assessment.

• Blood tests may be useful to check for metabolic disease or intoxications

• An otoscopic exam may be useful to check for signs of ear disease

• X-rays can sometimes be useful when there is disease of the spinal cord

• CT scans and MRI may be useful when brain disease is suspected or when more information is needed about the spinal cord

Looking after a cat with ataxia at home

Ataxia in cats indicates a problem with their nervous system. There are no home remedies or treatments. Call your vet without delay if your cat develops ataxia. Keep your cat safe from harm and self injury until you see a vet.

Once your cat is being treated by a vet, support them at home by:

• Helping them to access their litter tray to toilet regularly

• Massaging joints and muscles to support blood supply

• Ensuring they have all prescribed medicines at the correct times and dose

• Ensuring they have a high quality balanced diet to support recovery

• Protecting them from injury risks of falling against sharp objects, off of heights, down stairs

• Following advice for strict rest to the letter: a cage may be the most suitable option.

How do vets treat ataxia in cats?

Vet treatment for ataxia will depend on the underlying cause(s). The possibilities include:

Emergency treatment

• Emetic injections to induce vomiting and empty your cat's tummy of any toxins

• Sedative medicines to control severe ataxia and seizures

• Special medication to reduce swelling around the brain

• Emergency fluid therapy

• Restoring blood sugar and electrolytes (salts) to stabilise nerve function

• Emergency surgery to relieve pressure due to a spinal injury

Medication

• Anti-inflammatory painkillers to reduce swelling

• Antibiotics to treat middle and inner ear infections

• Anti-nausea medication to treat the sea-sickness feeling associated with ataxia

• Anti-epilepsy medication

• Treatment for hormonal diseases if part of the cause, such as thyroid medication or treatment for diabetes

• Thiamine supplements to sort deficiency

• Chemotherapy for cancer

Advanced options

Referral to specialist hospitals for:

• Complex surgery on the brain or spine for tumours or prolapsed discs

• Radiotherapy

• Surgery to correct liver shunts

Which cats have more risk of developing ataxia?

Ataxia has many possible underlying causes, so cats of various ages and breeds may be susceptible to different causes.

• Older cats: vestibular disease, cancer, hyperthyroidism

• Younger cats: birth defects such as cerebellar hypoplasia , liver shunts, inherited brain disorders

• Cats who go outdoors

• Cats on home prepared or non-commercial diets are more vulnerable to nutritional imbalances and deficiencies

• Cats with other illnesses: chronic kidney disease, hyperthyroidism, diabetes, dementia

What else can look like ataxia?

Ataxia causes mobility problems but it is a problem with the nervous system, rather than the muscles themselves.

• Cats with sprains, strains, or breaks will have an abnormal gait, but still know where their legs are.

• Exhaustion and weakness similarly can affect gait and mood, without causing true ataxia.