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Expert: - 2/11/2011


Question
I am having trouble figuring out an odd cat problem.  My 9 month old cat has twice in the last month or two had a back left leg contraction for lack of a better word.  Her leg contracts up under her hip like it's gone up into her leg.  She then falls/tips over and is quiet and peaceful & does not appear in pain.  She tries to get up but she can't straighten/use her contracted leg so she tips over.  After about 1 minute or so it
subsides and she seems fine.  She  can walk normally and is herself. Any idea what this might be?

Answer
Shelia,

Please remember that I am not a veterinarian and therefore I cannot diagnose any ailment or prescribe any medical treatmenats. That having been said after reading the information that you provided this sounds to me like it may be neurological in origin, possibly a seizure disorder such as epilepsy. My advice would be to videotape this the next time that it happens then make an appointment with your family veterinarian. If your kitten has epilepsy she'll need daily medication, but it's relatively easy to treat and usually not that expensive. If you have any further cat related questions or concerns, please feel free to contact me again - I'm more than happy to help in any way that I can.

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Ali

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I am the proud guardian of 5 mixed breed cats ranging from 12 weeks to 13 years old and one purebred ragdoll. I have 20+ years experience working with mixed breed cats from a variety of different situations. I have fostered cats/kittens with special needs/behavioral issues. I have rescued/rehabilitated/re-homed a variety of stray/abused cats. I can offer advice on managing feral cat colonies, rehabilitating strays and finding them forever homes. I can help you to determine whether a cat is stray or feral, there IS a significant difference. Improperly introducing a new cat/kitten can result in aggression between newly introduced cats because cats are territorial by nature and they don't like sudden changes in their environment. To learn more about a peaceful way to introduce a new cat into a home with other cats please check out my previous answers on this subject. Proper nutrition for cats can be confusing, I recommend checking out catinfo.org which was created by a veterinarian (Dr. Lisa Pierson) who takes a common sense approach to explaining feline nutrition. Cat behavior and instincts are different from those of humans, I can help you understand your cat's needs so that you can meet them adequately and have a balanced, psychologically and physically sound kitty. Cats vary in personality, energy level and intelligence, different approaches may be required to achieve results in terms of training and interaction with your feline companion. An intelligent, high energy cat must be kept busy or they will make their own fun. I am NOT a licensed veterinarian and I can't offer medical advice. If your cat is ill/injured my advice is always the same: get prompt medical treatment provided by a veterinarian. If finances are an issue I will try to find resources in your area that can help with medical costs or make other choices to ensure the welfare of your cat.

Experience

I have fostered feral and stray cats, rehabilitated and homed cats that many people recommended euthanasia for. I am willing to make an effort to do the research and ask questions because I care enough to find solutions to behavioral problems rather than giving up. I have an interest in the use of alternative therapies to help provide the best possible care for all cats and I can say in all honesty that I've seen some incredible things happen for some incredible cats and their human caregivers when the right alternative therapeutic modality is used by a qualified veterinarian with expertise and experience in the field.

Education/Credentials
I've earned my diploma as a veterinary assistant with honors.

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