Ataxia in Cats
Written By hannah hollinger
Published: 12/28/2016Updated: 04/15/2021
Veterinary reviewed by Michele K.
Ataxia in Cats - Signs, Causes, Diagnosis, Treatment, Recovery, Management, Cost
What is Ataxia?
Ataxia itself is a symptom of an underlying disorder negatively affecting the cat's sense of motion and balance. There are a number of possible disorders that can lead to an unbalanced gait. Both the duration of the loss of control and the severity of the instability may vary, depending on what is causing the issue to exist. Ataxia may be a sign of something relatively benign, or of a life-threatening disease. 
When a cat experiences a period of limited or no muscle coordination, the condition is referred to as “ataxia”. 
Youtube Play
Ataxia Average Cost
From 311 quotes ranging from $200 - $4,000
Average Cost
$1,200
Wag Compare logo

Get a free pet insurance quote in less than 60 seconds!

Easily compare quotes from the most trusted pet insurance companies in the United States.

Get a quote

background
Symptoms of Ataxia in Cats
The range and severity of signs associated with ataxia will vary greatly depending on the type of ataxia present, and the cause of the occurrence. Signs to watch for include:
  • “Wobbly” gait
  • Clumsy movements
  • Weakness
  • Swaying
  • Head tilting
  • Leaning
  • “Goose-stepping” (abnormally high steps)
  • Tremors
  • Vomiting
  • Abnormal eye movements
  • Behavioral changes
Types
There are three different categories of ataxia that can develop. 
Cerebellar 
Cerebellar ataxia involves the part of the brain in charge of balance and coordination. This lack of control is often present from birth, but may also be brought on by damage or inflammation to the brain. 
Vestibular 
Vestibular ataxia relates to the function of the inner ear. The nerves surrounding the inner ear send information to the brain to maintain balance. It is thought that endolymphatic fluid (the fluid in the membranes of the inner ear) can become abnormal and irritate receptors causing inflammation. 
Sensory 
Sensory ataxia often involves damaged nerves or compression of the spinal cord. This inhibits the cat's proprioception (spatial awareness of self).
Causes of Ataxia in Cats
A great number of diseases or occurrences can cause ataxia to develop in cats. The causes are generally divided by types of ataxia.
Cerebellar
  • Bleeding of the brain (from stroke or blunt trauma)
  • Genetic defects
  • Exposure to toxins before birth
  • Viral infection (such as feline infectious peritonitis)
  • Parasitic infection (such as toxoplasmosis)
  • Meningitis
  • Insect bites
  • Benign or malignant tumors
  • Decreased blood supply to the brain
  • Hydrocephalus (water on the brain)
  • Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar)
  • Hypocalcemia (low levels of calcium)
  • Immune system disorders
  • Glycogen storage disease
  • Central nervous system vasculitis
  • Encephalitis
  • Vitamin E deficiency
Vestibular
  • Bacterial ear infection
  • Fungal ear infection
  • Nasal cavity or soft palate polyps
  • Exposure to toxins
  • Bone cancer near vestibular nerves
  • Congenital disorders
  • Medication
Sensory
  • Spinal trauma
  • Tumor on the spine
  • Diabetes
  • Spinal stroke
  • Bacterial infection
  • Metabolic disorders
  • Exposure to toxins
Diagnosis of Ataxia in Cats
Because so many possible causes of ataxia exist making a proper diagnosis can be difficult, but is necessary to provide appropriate treatment. Provide your veterinarian with your cat's full medical history to assist in the diagnostic process. Answer any questions about medications your cat is on and possible exposure to toxins, and provides a detailed explanation of your cat's diet. If severe trauma exists, the most threatening injuries will be addressed and treated first. The vet will note all symptoms and attempt to match them to the closest fitting disorder.
Full blood work will need to be run, including a complete blood count, which can indicate possible cancer growth. A biochemical profile and urinalysis can reveal how the organs are functioning, if inflammation is present and if mineral levels are abnormal in the body. An otoscopic examination of the middle ear may be performed to look for the presence of polyps, infection or foreign objects. A cerebrospinal tap may also be performed. A CT scan of the middle ear can provide information on the parts which are not visible. X-rays or ultrasounds may be needed to look for brain or spinal tumors or abnormal fluid deposits. Parasites, bacteria, fungi and viruses should be tested for.
Treatment of Ataxia in Cats
The appropriate course of treatment will vary depending on the diagnosis and location of the underlying cause of the issue. Many conditions will require a period of hospitalization.
Supportive Care 
Many injuries and infections require supportive care to return stability to the cat. This often involves intravenous fluid administration, feeding tubes and maintaining the general comfort of the cat. 
Antibiotics 
If a bacterial infection has been found or if wounds exist, an antibiotic may be prescribed. These prescriptions may last from one to four weeks.
Surgical Removal 
If tumors or polyps are found to be causing the ataxia, they should be surgically removed if possible. This procedure requires the use of a general anesthetic.
Medication 
Certain conditions such as diabetes and mild cases of hydrocephalus can be alleviated with medication prescriptions. These generally do not cure the condition, but do provide relief and improved quality of life.
Petted logo

Worried about the cost of treating your pet's symptoms?

Pet Insurance covers the cost of many common pet health conditions. Prepare for the unexpected by getting a quote from top pet insurance providers.

Get a quote

background
Recovery of Ataxia in Cats
Recovery time and overall prognosis depend on the health condition that has been identified. Some issues are benign and will not affect the cat's length of life, such as cerebral hypoplasia. Other issues are incurable and may lead to death, such as lysosomal storage disease, severe hydrocephalus, feline infecctious peritonitis or glycogen storage disease. If the cat has experienced head trauma, any brain damage may be permanent.
During severe episodes of ataxia, it may be difficult for your cat to get to its litter box or food and water dishes. It is best to move these items close to the cat's bed so that it may access them. Clean your cat's bedding regularly, as it may soil it when it can not make it to the litter box. Dietary changes and supplement administration can alleviate certain conditions such as hypoglycemia or thiamine deficiency. Be sure to provide all recommended postoperative care if your cat has undergone surgery. Some cases of ataxia may spontaneously go away, while others will require life long treatment.
Ataxia Average Cost
From 311 quotes ranging from $200 - $4,000
Average Cost
$1,200
arrow-up-icon
Top
Ataxia Questions and Advice from Veterinary Professionals
dog-breed-icon
domestic short hair cat
dog-name-icon
dog-age-icon
2 Years
thumbs-up-icon

1 found this helpful

thumbs-up-icon

1 found this helpful

My pet has the following symptoms:
Wobbling Rear Gait And Weight Loss
My cat has lost 2 pounds from 9 to 7. I just noticed yesterday, that his hind legs wobble when he walks. He is a bit lethargic too, but that may be because he doesn't want to walk because of his legs. He is not quite 2 and up until now has been healthy. He is eating.
July 16, 2020
Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM
1 Recommendations
Thank you for your question. Sudden weight loss and weakness are good reasons to have him seen by a veterinarian, and they may want to run some lab work to see what is going on with him. They will be able to give you a better idea as to what might be the cause of this once they have seen him and have more information. I hope that all goes well for him.
July 21, 2020
Was this question and answer helpful?
dog-breed-icon
Unknown
dog-name-icon
dog-age-icon
Four Months
thumbs-up-icon

2 found this helpful

thumbs-up-icon

2 found this helpful

My pet has the following symptoms:
Wobbling When Walking. Crying. No Energy Compared To Normal
I don’t know what’s going on with my kitten. One minute she was fine and now she’s wobbling around while walking and crying all the time. She has no energy when usually she is very playful all the time.
July 13, 2020
Answered by Jessica N. DVM
2 Recommendations
I would recommend taking your kitten to the veterinarian immediately. She may have gotten into something toxic, or it could be an infectious or inflammatory cause. With ataxia I get worried about neurologic disease, Otherwise she may have low blood sugar if she hasn’t been eating well recently. Either way a trip to your veterinarian and some bloodwork is warranted. I hope she feels better soon!
July 13, 2020
Was this question and answer helpful?
dog-breed-icon
Shorthair
dog-name-icon
dog-age-icon
Twelve Years
thumbs-up-icon

1 found this helpful

thumbs-up-icon

1 found this helpful

My pet has the following symptoms:
Ataxia
My cat suddenly had an episode of ataxia last night lasting about 1 minute. It then happened again about 10 minutes later. She was leaning to one side as she walked, high stepping, and crisscrossing her back legs. We took her to the emergency vet and all of her bloodwork was fine and she wasn’t having any symptoms anymore. If it were a tumor or a stroke wouldn’t the symptoms persist? I’m scared for her.
July 11, 2020
Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM
1 Recommendations
Thank you for your question. She may have had a stroke or a blood clot that passed, I agree, but I would think that the signs would have persisted as well. She may also have an inner ear or vestibular issue, as can happen as animals age. If she has normal blood work, that is great, and you may just need to monitor for any signs of recurrence and seek veterinary care if the behavior continues. I hope that she does well.
July 11, 2020
Was this question and answer helpful?
dog-breed-icon
moggie
dog-name-icon
Alleycat
dog-age-icon
3 Years
thumbs-up-icon

0 found this helpful

thumbs-up-icon

0 found this helpful

My pet has the following symptoms:
Ataxia, Blindness
My 3 yeah old cat was hit by a car 2 days ago. She is at the vet hospital and had two collapsed lungs however they have drained the fluid and she is breathing independently. However she has a brain injury causing blindness and ataxia and she is asleep most of the time at the moment. She tried to get up when I visited her today but she was so ataxic and it was hard for her to coordinate getting to me. What are the chances of brain recovery in cats when it is from a blunt force head injury?
Sept. 23, 2018
Was this question and answer helpful?
dog-breed-icon
Domestic cat
dog-name-icon
Pete
dog-age-icon
4 Months
thumbs-up-icon

0 found this helpful

thumbs-up-icon

0 found this helpful

My pet has the following symptoms:
Tremor, Unsecure Walk, Wobbly Walk
hi, i'm foster mam for 4 month old kitten. when he came he had head tremors, wobbly walk and he would fell over sometimes, but i didn't bother him too much, he was using his litter box, playing, eating, running... in the last couple of weeks his condition is worsening, he falls more often, his walk is unsecure, he is much more careful, doesn't run..he has problems eating food because he can't keep his head still in our country there is no possibility for CT or MRI scan, could you please help me and suggest what kind of ataxia could this be, what could caused it (he was saved from the street with cold and fever when he was few weeks old) and how can i help him thank you in advance
Sept. 10, 2018
Was this question and answer helpful?
dog-breed-icon
Unknown
dog-name-icon
Billie
dog-age-icon
1 Year
thumbs-up-icon

0 found this helpful

thumbs-up-icon

0 found this helpful

My aunt lives in Greece and took in a stray cat that gave birth to a litter of kittens. One kitten, fondly named Billie, showed symptoms of wobbly, clumsy movement and falling over when walking early on. She also cannot jump or climb like the other cats. She never let it stop her though, she eats normally and is well taken care of and still plays and tries to run with the other cats who also protect her. I fear that there is nothing we can do to improve her condition since she was like this since birth. Is there anything we can do to improve her balance or make walking a little easier? She is spayed but is not taking any medications.
dog-breed-icon
I don't know
dog-name-icon
Leao
dog-age-icon
4 Months
thumbs-up-icon

0 found this helpful

thumbs-up-icon

0 found this helpful

My pet has the following symptoms:
Leg Twitching, Not Eating, And Pain
My kitten is 4 months old. He was loved very much. He fell and very likely broke something. He and his cousins were sharing the same mom. There were too many kittens and he was not eating enough. We heard him screaming and rushed to him. His mother would not do anything and whenever he moved he screamed. We called a neighbor and tried to feed him milk. The neighbor took him home and he died that night. I am not sure that it even was Ataxia but that does not make it hurt any less.
dog-breed-icon
Siamese
dog-name-icon
Cena
dog-age-icon
13 Years
thumbs-up-icon

0 found this helpful

thumbs-up-icon

0 found this helpful

My pet has the following symptoms:
Wobbly Rear Gait
My girl Cena is almost 14 yrs old. She was diagnosed with hyperthyroidism 2 weeks ago and prescribed tapazole 10mg. She takes a fourth of a pill twice a day. She has been doing well but two days ago she vomited pretty bad (food and water) The next day she slept all day, more than usual but now she appears wobbly and she is arching her back up and tilting her head and again sleeping way more. We can tell in her eyes she don't feel good. Her vet said this isn't a side affect to her medication but I don't know how something like this could happen all of a sudden.
Ataxia Average Cost
From 311 quotes ranging from $200 - $4,000
Average Cost
$1,200
Wag Compare logo

Get a free pet insurance quote in less than 60 seconds!

Easily compare quotes from the most trusted pet insurance companies in the United States.

Get a quote

background
Need pet insurance?
Need pet insurance?

Learn more in the Wag! app

Five starsFive starsFive starsFive starsFive stars

43k+ reviews

Install


© 2025 Wag Labs, Inc. All rights reserved.


© 2025 Wag Labs, Inc. All rights reserved.