Ataxia in cats
What to do
Causes
When to worry
Prevention
Diagnosis
Home treatment
Vet treatment
Risk
Ataxia in cats
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 >What to do if your cat develops ataxia [What to doWhat are the common causes of ataxia in cats? >What are the common causes of ataxia in cats? [CausesWhen to worry about ataxia in cats >When to worry about ataxia in cats [When to worryHow to reduce some of the risks of ataxia in cats >How to reduce some of the risks of ataxia in cats [PreventionHow is ataxia diagnosed in cats? >How is ataxia diagnosed in cats? [DiagnosisLooking after a cat with ataxia at home >Looking after a cat with ataxia at home [Home treatmentHow do vets treat ataxia in cats? >How do vets treat ataxia in cats? [Vet treatmentWhich cats have more risk of developing ataxia? >Which cats have more risk of developing ataxia? [Risk
When to worry about ataxia in cats >When to worry about ataxia in cats [When to worryHow to reduce some of the risks of ataxia in cats >How to reduce some of the risks of ataxia in cats [PreventionHow is ataxia diagnosed in cats? >How is ataxia diagnosed in cats? [DiagnosisLooking after a cat with ataxia at home >Looking after a cat with ataxia at home [Home treatmentHow do vets treat ataxia in cats? >How do vets treat ataxia in cats? [Vet treatmentWhich cats have more risk of developing ataxia? >Which cats have more risk of developing ataxia? [Risk
How is ataxia diagnosed in cats? >How is ataxia diagnosed in cats? [DiagnosisLooking after a cat with ataxia at home >Looking after a cat with ataxia at home [Home treatmentHow do vets treat ataxia in cats? >How do vets treat ataxia in cats? [Vet treatmentWhich cats have more risk of developing ataxia? >Which cats have more risk of developing ataxia? [Risk
How do vets treat ataxia in cats? >How do vets treat ataxia in cats? [Vet treatmentWhich cats have more risk of developing ataxia? >Which cats have more risk of developing ataxia? [Risk
