What is Head Trauma?
Head trauma can vary in severity depending on the location your cat was hit and the impact of the blow. But, every cat with head trauma needs to be closely watched by a veterinarian, so if you spot the signs of a head injury, get your cat medical attention as soon as possible.
Head trauma can occur when a cat sustains an injury to the head, such as running into a wall, fighting with another animal, or being hit with a blunt or penetrating object. The observable signs of head trauma will vary between cats. In some cases, you may only notice your cat is beginning to act strange, while in other situations, your cat may completely lose consciousness and start to have seizures.
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Symptoms of Head Trauma in Cats
The signs you observe will vary depending on the location and severity of the head trauma. Sometimes, there will be physical signs of an injury, but other times, you won’t see any signs besides behavior that just seems unusual. Some of the most common head trauma signs include:
- Different pupil sizes
- Rapid or unusual eye movement
- Stiff limbs
- Bleeding from the ears or nose
- Varying levels of consciousness
- Tilted head
- Seizures
- Abnormal behavior
Causes of Head Trauma in Cats
Head trauma occurs after a cat is hit in the head with a blunt or penetrating object. This is common when the cat is involved in a car accident or fight with another animal. It can also occur when the cat accidentally falls from a great height or down a flight of stairs. Head trauma can also occur if the cat is intentionally or accidentally stepped on or hit in the head.
Diagnosis of Head Trauma in Cats
Talk to your veterinarian about any signs you have observed, and when you first noticed them. If you know your cat was involved in some sort of altercation or accident, make sure you mention this as well.
The veterinarian will need to begin testing right away if he suspects there is head trauma. First, the cat’s vital signs will be taken to determine if the condition of his heart and respiratory system. A light may be shined into your cat’s eyes to check the size of the pupils and his eyes’ response. X-rays and CT scans may be performed so the veterinarian can determine if there is any brain damage, and if so, to what extent. These tests can show skull fractures, tumors, brain swelling, and bleeding, so they are vital in the diagnosis of head trauma.
If the tests show there is swelling in the brain, the veterinarian may collect a sample of cerebrospinal fluid, which is found in the brain. Brain infections can often cause swelling, so the fluid will need to be tested for the presence of bacteria so the veterinarian can eliminate this as a cause of your cat’s signs.
Treatment of Head Trauma in Cats
Treatment will depend on the severity of your cat’s head trauma. First, the veterinarian will attempt to stabilize your cat by administering oxygen and IV fluids. The veterinarian may provide sedation, depending on the level of suspected discomfort and the cat’s condition.
If the skull is fractured, your cat may need to undergo surgery to have the injury removed or repaired.
Medications to reduce the brain swelling may be administered to your cat as well. These medications are designed to pull fluid out of the brain tissue to reduce the overall swelling. If your cat has suffered from seizures as a result of the head trauma, medication can also be given to prevent these from occurring.
Throughout the treatment, your cat will need to be monitored closely by the veterinarian. Head trauma is a serious injury, and your cat’s condition can rapidly change from one moment to the next. You will most likely need to leave your cat with the veterinarian for at least 24 hours so he can monitor him until the swelling has gone down.
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Recovery of Head Trauma in Cats
Every incident of head trauma is unique, so there’s no way to determine what the survival rate is for cats. However, if your cat’s head trauma is not severe and his condition does not worsen in the first 24 hours, this is a good sign your cat will recover.
Once you have your cat back at home, it’s important to protect him from potential harm by keeping him inside and away from other pets or small children. You may need to keep him in a cage for a certain period of time to prevent movement. The veterinarian will want you to bring your cat back in for follow-up visits to ensure he is healing.
Paying for to treat head trauma out of pocket can be a major financial burden. Fortunately, most pet insurance companies reimburse claims within 3 days, putting 90% of the bill back in your pocket. In the market for pet insurance? Compare leading pet insurance companies to find the right plan for your pet.
Head Trauma Average Cost
From 239 quotes ranging from $500 - $6,000
Average Cost
$3,500
Top
Head Trauma Questions and Advice from Veterinary Professionals
cat
Four Years
37 found this helpful
37 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
I I tripped and dropped an unopened can of cat food Fancy feast on his head it bounced and now he won't come out from underneath the bed what should I do please help
Dec. 19, 2020
Answered by Dr. Sara O. DVM
37 Recommendations
Hello so sorry to hear about your cat. He may be hiding under the bed because he is scared. If you can get him to come out see if he seems painful. Some cats will just be scared after getting something dropped in them. You can even try to get him to come out with canned food. If he isn’t able to walk straight or seems like he has brain trauma, it is best to see you vet.
Dec. 19, 2020
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american shorthair
Four Months
12 found this helpful
12 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Hyper
Was putting catnip on her toy and she fell. Her head spun but now she’s super hyper. Could it be the catnip?
Dec. 7, 2020
Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM
12 Recommendations
Thank you for your question. Four month old kittens can act strangely sometimes and become quite hyper normally. It is also very possible that the catnip was causing this. If she is acting normal otherwise and eating and drinking, it should be fine to keep a close eye on her for the next day or two. If she continues to not have a bowel movement, or she is acting strangely, then it would be best to have her seen by a veterinarian as soon as possible. I hope that all goes well for her.
Dec. 7, 2020
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Cat
6 months
23 found this helpful
23 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Sleepiness
My kitten freaked out after I put her harness on her, she started jumping into the air and spinning and running into objects, hit the wall hard a couple times and then she finally calmed down and just layer on her side and froze for a checked taking big breathes, then I got the harness off of her, just later there for a little while. Got up then lated in her tower and has just been off and on sleep the last few hours since, but didn’t leave that spot. I made her get up and she drank some water and ate a little bit then went and later back down. Can she get a concussion from hitting the wall?
Sept. 29, 2020
Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM
23 Recommendations
Thank you for your question. She would have to hit the wall fairly hard to head get a concussion, and I suspect she may just be tired or a little sore after all of that. If she continues to have problems over the next 24 hours, it would be best to have her looked at by a veterinarian. She may just need some sleep and some calm time until she returns to normal. I hope it all goes well for her.
Oct. 1, 2020
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Main coon
Twelve Years
7 found this helpful
7 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Bump On His Forehead And Runn Nose
He has a Big bump on his forehead, his eyes are 1/2 closed and a runny nose
Sept. 28, 2020
Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM
7 Recommendations
Thank you for your question.
I think that it is possible that the bump is causing the signs that you are seeing, and it may be an infection, inflammation, or a growth. It would be best to have him seen by a veterinarian, as they can examine him and see what might be going on. Once they can see him, they will be able to let you know what treatment might be needed.
Oct. 7, 2020
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American short hair
One Year
2 found this helpful
2 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Head Trauma
my cat jumped head first into the glass door to my shower, she shook her head and walked away. I'm worried she may be having eyesight issues due to a spot on her right eye that she's had since I adopted her. She has bonked her head at least 2 other times since August and she has moments where she goes from calm to spastic in a split second. She's calm and resting now but should I be thinking about taking her to the vet?
Sept. 26, 2020
Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM
2 Recommendations
Thank you for your question. I apologize for the delay, this venue is not set up for urgent emails.
From your description, I'm not sure hat you need to have her seen for this recent trauma, but it might be a good idea to have a veterinarian examine her to assess her eyesight, if you are concerned.
Oct. 18, 2020
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tabby
Larry
4 Years
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Confusion
I'm wondering if our rescued cat could have had some kind of brain trauma at some point. We found him abandoned, posted pictures, tried the local vet and shelter, not chipped, so we ended up keeping him. They estimated he was 2 years old. He was extremely underweight. He is a very large cat, bone-structure wise, but only weighed about 8 pounds after a week with us, and now weighs about 15 pounds. We have had him now almost 2 years and love him, but he has strange behaviors. He will be held, but not sitting down. He runs in and out. He will chat and ask for treats. He is very sweet. He has unfortunately taught our other cats to scratch furniture, which they didn't used to do. He meows and meows for food or treats or going in and out every time you walk by, as if he hasn't been fed or literally just come in or out. We once saw him run to jump up on a table, and instead jump into the table edge. A few seconds later, like it never happened. He jumps up on the fireplace mantle, so he's athletic. He purrs and purrs when you hold him, but don't sit down with him, he jumps away. I swear his head feels differently than our other cats', the vet said she can't find anything physically wrong with him. He acts differently than any other cat we've ever had. We love him and wouldn't ever get rid of him, but he seems to have maybe short term memory or something. We wondered if he could have been hurt or something when abandoned. We call him Crazy Larry. Our other 2 year old isn't like that either. We just worry about him.
Siamés
Kitty
2 Years
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Convulsions
Convulsions & Excessive Salivation
My cat fell from a 3rd floor about 3 days ago. She presents no injures whatsoever, walks perfectly fine and doesnt seem to have any pain. Has been purring and kneeling as usual every night when we're in bed. Tonight, however, while she was comfortably sleeping in my bed, she seems to jump out of nowhere and clawed my legs until I noticed she was having seasures, I panicked and she jumped, scared and convulsing to the floor, convulsing even more and salivatin/foaming a bit through mouth. It lasted about a minute. Then she seems to have shily waken up stayed down breathing slowly for another minute. I felt so impotent. Such a horrible experience to witness. Will bring her to vet tomorrow. Needed to vent 😩
Head Trauma Average Cost
From 239 quotes ranging from $500 - $6,000
Average Cost
$3,500
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.
