Why do kittens lean to one side?
Vestibular disease is a condition in which a cat suddenly develops incoordination, falling or circling to one side, involuntary darting of the eyes back and forth (called nystagmus), a head tilt, and often nausea or vomiting. Vestibular disease is a disease that can affect cats of all ages.
What causes head tilt in kittens?
Vestibular syndrome is a condition that occurs suddenly. It can cause your cat to stumble, fall, list to one side, or tilt its head. You may notice your cats’ eyes moving erratically from one side to another as it struggles to keep its balance. Head tilt is usually one of the first obvious signs of vestibular syndrome.
Why does my kitten walk with his head tilted?
The vestibular system, inside the inner ear, is responsible for balance and orientation. Problems with the vestibular system send your kitten’s balance and sense of direction out of whack, causing him to walk like he’s had a little too much catnip.
What are the symptoms of cat head tilt?
The most obvious symptom of head tilt or vestibular syndrome in cats is the odd slant at which your cat holds its head upright. This head tilt occurs in both inner ear and brain stem disorders. Other symptoms may include the following: Lack of balance (ataxia)
Why is my cat holding his head on an angle?
If your cat is holding its head on an angle and having trouble keeping its balance, it may be suffering from vestibular syndrome. Vestibular syndrome is a condition that occurs suddenly.
Why does my cat walk around in circles?
Vestibular disease affects every aspect of coordination and can cause frequent falling and walking in circles. His eyes may dart quickly back and forth, and this assault on his senses can cause nausea and vomiting. Many cats with this condition are deaf as well.
What does it mean when a kitten tilts his head?
A brief cock of the head, not a problem. No doubt every kitten cocks his head to one side or the other countless times a day as he explores and listens and absorbs. But a constant head tilt indicates a medical issue. If your kitten goes crooked young, he may have been born with a non-life-threatening condition.
When to take your cat to the vet for head tilt?
Your veterinarian will want to see your cat on a routine basis until it is completely healed. If your cat experienced severe vomiting along with the head tilt, your veterinarian may need to keep your cat on IV medications until the vomiting resolves.
Why does my kitten have a crooked head?
But a constant head tilt indicates a medical issue. If your kitten goes crooked young, he may have been born with a non-life-threatening condition. Head tilts that appear in young kittens, those under 6 months of age, usually occur from a congenital condition called vestibular disease.
What are the early signs of fading kitten syndrome?
Preventing crises is key to reducing fatality from fading kitten syndrome. The early signs of fading kitten syndrome are subtle but often detectable. Sick kittens may not right themselves when turned on their backs. They may not root and suckle normally. Their eyes may not open at the usual age of five to 14 days.
