Expert: Karen Craft - 8/22/2009

Question
QUESTION: First off, let me say that this isn't a 'diagnose my cat' sort of letter, so you don't need to worry overmuch on that.

I have a foster cat that I have been taking care of. Scared originally, she has blossomed into a sweet, extremely adoptable cat except for one problem: she has a case of the 'stumbles'. The vet originally said that it was an old hip injury, but I've come to discover that it's actually a balance issue, and therefore probably neurological in nature. In other words, it's likely a lifelong problem, and not something that will ever be totally 'fixed'.

My question here is twofold.

One: have you got a suggestion for something that I could do to help with getting her adopted? Obviously bringing her to the pound is probably not an option due to the 'competition', but should I just write on a poster 'has balance problems'? Try and get better information so I can define it for people to adopt her? Or a suggestion I'm not thinking about.

Two: until she is adopted, is there something I can do to potentially help her be more comfortable? I've gotten some rugs so she can move without slipping on the hardwood floor, but she is very fond of high areas (what cat isn't?) and has a habit of occasionally tripping off windowsills, tables, or just tripping over her own feet. I'm open to suggestions both on her living area and feeding/supplements.



ANSWER: Hi Trey,  

I would investigate further into what is causing those "stumbles". It may not be neurological.  Is she stumbling all the time? Does she shake her head? How old is she? Does she scratch at her head? Does she lean up against things? How are her eyes? After losing her balance are they darting back and forth? Does she lose balance only when she jumps up to her high perches? Did your vet do any tests on her? Take a good look at her. Is she in pain? Does she look like she is in distress at all?

Keep a journal of what happens before, during and after her stumble attacks for a week. The more information you gather the easier it is to make a diagnosis. I would then either go back to the original vet or go to another with this info. It could be Feline geriatric vestibular syndrome. The vet needs to see what is the underlying cause of this. It could be just as simple as an deep ear infection. This is something that should be further investigated. A good vet should be able to find out what is wrong with her.

In the meantime find her favorite perches and put pillows under them so if she does fall she won't hurt herself. Your best bet would be to keep her off them altogether but having many cats myself I know how hard that is. If the vet can't give you a definitive answer and you are adopting her out, I would list her as a special needs kitty. List her positive traits first and then list that she has a balance problem and should be an only pet. I would try to adopt her out to a senior or a home with no kids. Her food shouldn't play a part in her condition. Keep up with what she is eating now. Take a little extra time and find out what is causing her stumbles. If she is really sick then you in good conscience couldn't adopt her out. Hopefully it isn't anything too bad. Good luck.

Ciao, Karen

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Hi again, Karen!

She doesn't seem to be in any pain or discomfort. She's had the issue since I got her, which has been a few months now, but until recently I was under the impression it was a hip injury (as the vet had diagnosed just by watching her slightly wobbly gait in the hind end). It was only after watching her carefully and seeing her lean against the wall, topple herself over while trying to groom her back, or get a slightly shaky head and/or 'daring eyes' that I realized it was probably in her head rather than her butt.

I had suspected something akin to a mild case of Cerebellar Hypoplasia, as it seems she's quite normal aside from that.... well, as normal as a kooky kitty can get!

Also, I can assure you that if she's unadoptable, I'm planning to keep her my own self. :) She is a very sweet cat with an excellent temperament, other than her slight oddity. Living in an apartment, though, I only have so much space for fostering kitties, and I do enjoy being able to help out with taking a little load off the pound and getting a frightened kitty more adoptable. She's certainly not in any danger of being homeless, even if she's going to need too much care to go elsewhere. So your suggestions are greatly appreciated!

Answer
Hi Trey,

This definitely sounds like idiopathic vestibular disease. Most of the causes of this are an ear infection. And it usually clears up after a while. If it doesn't it may be something more causing this. I still would get her rechecked if it doesn't clear up after a few more weeks. You sound like you have everything under control. And I wish there were more like you around.Good luck.

Ciao, Karen