Loss of Balance in Cats
Written By Darlene Stott
Published: 10/12/2016Updated: 08/05/2021
Veterinary reviewed by Michele K.
Loss of Balance in Cats - Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis, Treatment, Recovery, Management, Cost
What is Loss of Balance?
Loss of balance can take place when a disease or injury disrupts the vestibular apparatus in the inner ear. The vestibular apparatus is the area that controls the balance and coordination for your cat. There are several causes of vestibular disease, but the disease is usually considered idiopathic because the cause is not always known without extensive testing.  
A loss of balance can occur when a cat is suffering from vestibular disease. Your cat may experience issues with standing on all four legs, and you may even notice your cat leaning or falling over at times, which can be a frightening sight.
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Loss of Balance Average Cost
From 584 quotes ranging from $200 - $4,000
Average Cost
$850
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Symptoms of Loss of Balance in Cats
Once you notice your cat is having trouble standing up, it is important to watch for the other signs of vestibular disease. A cat who is suffering from loss of balance may also display the following symptoms:
  • Trouble standing
  • Falling down
  • Stumbling when walking
  • Head tilting to one side
  • Moving in circles
  • Rolling on floor
  • Weakness of limbs
  • Continual eye movements
  • Painful vocalizations
  • Difficulty hearing
  • Vomiting or lack of appetite
Causes of Loss of Balance in Cats
There is not always a known cause to vestibular disease, but the following problems can play a part in this condition:
  • Middle-ear or inner ear infections
  • Disease or injury of the spinal cord
  • Damage or disease of the central nervous system
  • Neurological disorders
  • Cancer
  • Tumors in ear canal, especially in aging cats
  • Exposure to specific drugs or toxins
Diagnosis of Loss of Balance in Cats
The signs of vestibular disease may be related to another condition, such as an inner ear infection or head trauma. A physical exam is usually performed to check the overall health of your cat. This includes a neurologic exam and an otoscopic (ear) exam. You should also expect to answer questions about the cat's medical history and current signs.
Your veterinarian may run a number of tests to check for an underlying cause of your cat's loss of balance or to rule out other conditions. Your veterinarian may order a blood test, urine test, and ear cultures to check for diseases that may cause a loss of balance. Your cat may have to undergo an MRI, spinal tap, and head x-rays to check for injuries or infections that may have caused the condition. The tests also allow your veterinarian to ensure the loss of balance has not caused a more serious condition, such as injury from falling down.
Treatment of Loss of Balance in Cats
Treatment options depend on whether or not the loss of balance is idiopathic. Your veterinarian will treat the underlying cause if it is known, and they will focus on relieving the symptoms if there is not a known cause.
Treating the Underlying Cause
The loss of balance may be caused by an ear infection, tumor or exposure to toxins. When this is the case, your veterinarian will treat the underlying cause of the condition. Your veterinarian may prescribe antibiotics for an infection or treat for a drug toxicity. The type of treatment depends on the underlying cause itself.
Treating Idiopathic Vestibular Disease
If the loss of balance or vestibular disease is considered to be idiopathic, your veterinarian will focus on treating the signs and bringing comfort to your cat.
  1. Dizziness can cause your cat to lose its appetite or vomit, so your veterinarian may prescribe medication to treat the vomiting, nausea and motion sickness. Your cat may require help with feedings, fluid administration, and changing position during recovery from this condition. Your cat may be restricted to cage rest in a well-padded area to avoid injury when trying to stand up or walk. The good news is the signs usually resolve, and they don't tend to recur. 
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Recovery of Loss of Balance in Cats
Your veterinarian can treat the underlying cause or signs of the loss of balance, but it is still important to schedule a follow-up appointment after the treatment. A follow-up appointment allows your veterinarian to make sure the underlying cause has been treated or eliminated. Your veterinarian will also make sure your cat has not become sick or injured due to the loss of balance.
It is important to follow the instructions given by your veterinarian, from assisting with feedings to administering medication. You may need to continue to restrict your cat to cage rest until the signs have completely disappeared. Your veterinarian will tell you when to discontinue the treatment.
The underlying cause may be treatable if it is caught early, and idiopathic vestibular disease usually disappears over a short period of time. 
Loss of balance in cats can be expensive to treat. If you suspect your cat has loss of balance or is at risk, start searching for pet insurance today. Brought to you by Pet Insurer, Wag! Wellness lets pet parents compare insurance plans from leading companies like PetPlan and Trupanion. Find the “pawfect” plan for your pet in just a few clicks!
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Loss of Balance Average Cost
From 584 quotes ranging from $200 - $4,000
Average Cost
$850
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Loss of Balance Questions and Advice from Veterinary Professionals
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tabby
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14 Years
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42 found this helpful

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42 found this helpful

My pet has the following symptoms:
Weight Loss, Depressed, Falling, Loss Of Balance, Vomiting
Hi, I am at a loss here with my 14 yr old cat, she isn't up to date on her shots and has NEVER been ill up till now. This started a little over a week ago when I noticed she was losing weight. I thought she was trying to adjust to opening our home to a new kitten...but all the symptoms I listed above are leaving me to believe it's more. I took her to a vet today who was unable to even touch Aubree so I got no peace of mind. I thought it was an ear infection but she said she thinks kidneys without being able to run tests because she was combative. I gave her 2ml of amoxicillin and she got sick
Dec. 8, 2020
Answered by Dr. Sara O. DVM
42 Recommendations
Hello, So sorry to hear about your cat. Older cats commonly get kidney disease. Amoxicillin could have made her vomit. Usually, cats with kidney issues will need IV fluids. Could your vet give your cat a mild sedative to help them get the blood needed for testing? This would be the best way to determining what is wrong. There are kidney supplements that you could also try but from the sound of her symptoms, she really needs more aggressive treatment.
Dec. 8, 2020
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n/a
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dog-age-icon
Sixteen Years
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41 found this helpful

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41 found this helpful

My pet has the following symptoms:
Stumbling
My cat (adopted from shelter) has recently started stumbling. It is more frequent when it is hot outside, but we have kept our house cool and it now happens 1-2 times a day. That we have noticed. We don't see any other symptom. She does have a tendency to sit under our couch after one of her episodes. But her appetite and thirst haven't changed. Neither has her litter box habits.
Sept. 29, 2020
Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM
41 Recommendations
Thank you for your question. It is not uncommon as cats age for them to become less coordinated, or to have neurological or muscular problems. They can also develop systemic diseases that affect they're balanced. This may be something that your veterinarian can prescribe medication to help with, and I think that would be the best idea, to have her seen by a veterinarian. They will be able to examine her, see what might be going on, and let you know what sort of treatment options there may be for her. I hope that she continues to do well
Sept. 29, 2020
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Catahoula mix
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dog-age-icon
Three Years
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0 found this helpful

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0 found this helpful

My pet has the following symptoms:
Stumbling
My cat has been walking like she’s drunk and I’m not sure why
Sept. 27, 2020
Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM
0 Recommendations
Thank you for your question. It would be best to have them seen by a veterinarian, as they can examine your pet and see what might be causing this, and let you know what treatment might help.
Oct. 11, 2020
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Persian
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dog-age-icon
Eight Months
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0 found this helpful

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0 found this helpful

My pet has the following symptoms:
Loss Of Balance
What causes my cat to lose balance?
Sept. 27, 2020
Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM
0 Recommendations
Thank you for your question. . Your kitten may have a neurologic problem, or may have gotten into a toxin. If the problem is still occurring, It would be best to have your pet seen by a veterinarian, as they can examine them, see what might be going on, and get any treatment that they might need.
Oct. 13, 2020
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Bombay
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dog-age-icon
Two Months
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0 found this helpful

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0 found this helpful

My pet has the following symptoms:
Won’T Stop Moving
𝚜𝚑𝚎 𝚠𝚊𝚊 𝚓𝚞𝚜𝚝 Perfectly fine a couple hours ago nothing happened to her that I seen now sh𝚎 Won’t stop moving. Please what do I do to calm her I can’t lose this kitten
Sept. 27, 2020
Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM
0 Recommendations
Thank you for your question. Unfortunately, without being able to see her, and it's hard to say what might be going on. She may just be restless, she may have a neurologic problem, or she may not feel good. Since I can't see her, it would be best to have her seen by a veterinarian if you are worried. They will be able to examine her, let you know if there is anything wrong or any treatments that need to happen for her, and make sure that she is okay. I hope that all goes well for her.
Sept. 27, 2020
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domestic short hair
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Cookie
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2 Years
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0 found this helpful

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0 found this helpful

My pet has the following symptoms:
Hearing Loss
Loss Of Balance
Tongue Out
Vision Loss
Wet Nose
Dilated Eyes
This just happened a couple hours ago. My grandma's cat was in perfect condition earlier. We suspect somebody hit her (she sometimes goes out my grandma's to get to our place). She has lost her balance, her sight and hearing. We're hoping this is temporary. Her ears are not moving only when touched. She does not respond to sound at all. And her eyes are fully dilated. We gave her food and she could barely see where it is that she had to sniff around. She binged on the food and then pooped where she was. She still hasn't gained her full vision and hearing after 2 hours. Vets are closed right now due to quarantine and we don't know what to do.
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Tuxedo
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Oreo
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6 Years
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0 found this helpful

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0 found this helpful

My pet has the following symptoms:
Shaking
Vomiting
Limping
Wobbly
If someone could please help or offer advice that would be very much appreciated. My cat Oreo is acting weird the first time a couple months ago he fell down the stairs and started shaking and then got up like nothing happened. Then last week my mom noticed he was walking weird and looked like he was about to fall down the stairs(was wobbly) but he made it down fine. Then he tried to walk back up but he couldn't do it so my mom picked him up and put him down and he sat their doing nothing not moving for about 10-15 min and then he vomited and wobbly walked a few feet away then sat down again. I then picked him up so he could rest on my bed and he did for 5 min and then wobbly jumped off and walked to a bench by the window and I picked him up and put him there to rest and he slept for a few hours and woke up fine and back to normal. Tonight he walked into my room and jumped like something scared him and then started to walk wobbly a few steps and then vomited. Now he is preceding to sit on the ground not moving(but alive)in the same spot for about an hour. Also when you pet him he does not purr which is very unlike him. My mom and me think it may be some sort of seizure.
Loss of Balance Average Cost
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Average Cost
$850
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