Cerebellar Hypoplasia in Cats: Signs, Care and Life Expectancy

By Dr Duncan Houston

A kitten with cerebellar hypoplasia may sway from side to side, lift their legs unusually high, fall when turning or develop a pronounced head tremor when trying to eat.

These movements can look dramatic, but cerebellar hypoplasia is usually very different from a progressive or painful neurological disease. The condition is present from early life, does not spread between cats and should not continue damaging the brain after development is complete.

Many mildly or moderately affected cats can enjoy an active, affectionate and rewarding life. The real question is whether the cat can eat, drink, toilet, move and play safely, and whether the signs remain stable over time.

Quick Answer

Cerebellar hypoplasia is a congenital neurological condition in which the cerebellum does not fully develop. It causes lifelong problems with balance, timing and coordination, including a wide-based stance, high-stepping gait, falling and intention tremors.

The condition is usually non-progressive and is not inherently painful. A cat whose neurological signs suddenly appear, become progressively worse or are accompanied by weakness, seizures, altered awareness, fever or loss of appetite may have another disease and needs prompt veterinary assessment. (PubMed Central (PMC))

Cerebellar Hypoplasia at a Glance

Question	Practical answer
What is affected?	The cerebellum, which coordinates balance, movement and precision
When do signs appear?	Usually when kittens begin standing and walking
Does it get worse?	No. Classic cerebellar hypoplasia is non-progressive
Is it painful?	The condition itself is not considered painful, although falls and injuries can be
Is it contagious?	Cerebellar hypoplasia itself is not contagious
What commonly causes it?	Feline panleukopenia virus exposure during fetal or early neonatal cerebellar development
Can it be cured?	No medication or surgery can regrow the underdeveloped cerebellum
Can cats adapt?	Many learn compensatory strategies and become more capable with time
Can they live normally?	Mild and moderate cats often have good quality of life with suitable home adaptations
What is not normal?	Sudden deterioration, true weakness, seizures, pain or altered awareness

What Is Cerebellar Hypoplasia?

The cerebellum is the part of the brain responsible for refining movement.

It does not create the intention to move and does not usually determine muscle strength. Instead, it helps the body decide:

• How far a limb should move

• How quickly a movement should occur

• How different muscle groups should work together

• How posture and balance should be adjusted

• How to stop a movement at the right point

In cerebellar hypoplasia, this structure is smaller or less completely developed than normal. The cat may know exactly where they want to go and have enough strength to get there, but the movement is poorly measured and coordinated. (PubMed Central (PMC))

This is why a cat may dramatically overshoot a food bowl, lift a paw far higher than necessary or topple after trying to change direction quickly.

Is Cerebellar Hypoplasia the Same as Brain Damage?

It is a developmental brain abnormality, but the phrase “brain damage” can create the wrong impression.

The abnormality occurred while the cerebellum was developing. It is not usually an active inflammatory or degenerative process continuing after birth. Once the kitten is born, the underlying cerebellar deficit remains, but it should not steadily destroy more neurological tissue. (Merck Veterinary Manual)

Some cats appear to improve during their first year because they:

• Build muscle

• Learn how wide to place their feet

• Use furniture or walls for support

• Choose safer ways to climb

• Become more familiar with their environment

• Develop compensatory movement patterns

The cerebellum has not become normal. The cat has become better at living with the coordination they have.

What Causes Cerebellar Hypoplasia in Cats?

The classic and most recognised cause is exposure to feline panleukopenia virus, or FPV, while the cerebellum is still developing.

FPV is a parvovirus that preferentially infects rapidly dividing cells. During fetal and early neonatal development, cells within the external germinal layer of the cerebellum are dividing quickly. Infection during this vulnerable period can destroy those developing cells and leave the cerebellum permanently underdeveloped. (PubMed Central (PMC))

Exposure may occur:

• During pregnancy

• Around birth

• During the early neonatal period while cerebellar development is continuing

One litter may contain unaffected kittens, mildly affected kittens and severely affected kittens because timing and viral exposure can vary between individuals. (PubMed Central (PMC))

Can Vaccination Cause Cerebellar Hypoplasia?

Live attenuated FPV vaccines replicate to produce a strong immune response. Because of concern about their effect on rapidly dividing fetal or neonatal tissues, current WSAVA guidance states that live attenuated vaccines should not be administered to pregnant queens or kittens younger than four weeks.

Inactivated vaccines are considered safer than live attenuated products when vaccination during pregnancy is genuinely necessary, but the decision must account for the queen’s exposure risk, health, vaccine history and environment.

The practical rule is:

Vaccinate breeding queens appropriately before pregnancy whenever possible. Do not independently vaccinate a pregnant queen with whichever product happens to be available.

In shelters experiencing an active panleukopenia outbreak, the risk of fatal natural infection may occasionally outweigh theoretical vaccine concerns. Those are population-medicine decisions for the responsible veterinary team, not routine home vaccination choices.

Are There Other Causes?

Most classic feline cases are linked to FPV, but other congenital developmental abnormalities can occasionally affect the cerebellum.

Cerebellar hypoplasia may also occur alongside conditions such as:

• Hydrocephalus

• Hydranencephaly

• Other congenital brain malformations

• Developmental injury from an unidentified cause

MRI is particularly useful when the presentation is atypical or when more than one congenital brain disorder may be present. (Merck Veterinary Manual)

Is Cerebellar Hypoplasia Contagious?

No. A cat cannot catch cerebellar hypoplasia from another wobbly cat.

The original FPV infection is highly contagious, but cerebellar hypoplasia is the permanent developmental consequence of an earlier infection. A cat living with established CH is not automatically shedding FPV or placing other cats at risk simply because they wobble.

However, when several kittens in a young litter suddenly become unwell with vomiting, diarrhoea, fever, lethargy or low white-cell counts, active panleukopenia must still be considered. Neurological appearance alone does not tell you whether infectious disease is currently present.

Is Cerebellar Hypoplasia Painful?

The underdeveloped cerebellum itself is not considered painful.

Cats with CH generally retain normal sensation and can experience pleasure, fear, touch and pain like other cats. Their difficulty lies in controlling movement smoothly rather than in every movement hurting. (BluePearl Pet Hospital)

Secondary problems can still cause pain, including:

• Falling from furniture

• Paw or claw injuries

• Dental trauma

• Pressure sores

• Arthritis later in life

• Urinary or gastrointestinal disease

• Unrelated injuries and illnesses

A CH cat becoming newly reluctant to move, crying when handled or guarding part of the body should be examined. Pain is not an expected excuse-free component of the syndrome.

What Are the Signs of Cerebellar Hypoplasia?

Signs usually become apparent when the kitten begins standing, walking and playing.

Wide-Based Stance

The kitten stands with the legs spread farther apart than normal.

This provides a broader base of support and reduces the risk of toppling sideways.

Truncal Sway

The body swings from side to side while the cat is standing or moving.

The sway may increase when the cat becomes excited or tries to move quickly.

Hypermetria

Hypermetria means lifting or advancing a limb farther than necessary.

A cat may appear to march, goose-step or place the paws down with exaggerated force. (Merck Veterinary Manual)

Dysmetria

Dysmetria means difficulty judging the distance or range of a movement.

The cat may:

• Reach past the food bowl

• Miss a toy

• Overshoot a step

• Place a paw too far forwards

• Struggle to stop at the intended position

Intention Tremor

An intention tremor becomes more pronounced as the cat focuses on a target.

A kitten may look relatively steady at rest but develop dramatic head bobbing when attempting to:

• Eat

• Drink

• Follow a toy

• Groom

• Reach for an object

This worsening during purposeful movement is characteristic of cerebellar dysfunction. (Cats Protection)

Falling and Poor Balance

Affected cats may fall when:

• Turning quickly

• Starting or stopping

• Running

• Jumping down

• Entering a litter tray

• Shaking the head

• Becoming excited

Some use furniture, walls or their claws for support.

Normal Strength With Poor Coordination

A pure cerebellar disorder usually causes incoordination rather than true weakness.

The cat may push strongly against your hands, climb using substantial strength and move every limb, yet still place the paws erratically.

True weakness, paw knuckling, dragging or inability to support body weight raises concern for spinal, muscular, metabolic or peripheral nerve disease rather than uncomplicated CH.

How Severe Can Cerebellar Hypoplasia Be?

There is no universally adopted formal grading system, but a practical mild, moderate and severe framework helps owners plan care.

Mild Cerebellar Hypoplasia

The cat may:

• Walk and run independently

• Jump onto low or moderate surfaces

• Fall only occasionally

• Develop mild tremors when excited

• Use a normal litter tray

• Eat and drink without assistance

What it means: Most daily activities remain possible with relatively minor adaptation.

What to do: Provide non-slip flooring, reduce dangerous heights and maintain normal play, exercise and preventive veterinary care.

Moderate Cerebellar Hypoplasia

The cat may:

• Fall frequently

• Have a clearly wide-based, high-stepping gait

• Use claws or ramps rather than jumping

• Need a larger, more stable litter tray

• Spill food or water

• Tremble significantly while eating

• Need padded landing areas

What it means: The cat remains independently mobile but needs the home designed around their coordination.

What to do: Introduce stable feeding stations, traction, ramps, low furniture and secure indoor living.

Severe Cerebellar Hypoplasia

The cat may:

• Stand only briefly

• Take only a few steps before falling

• Be unable to walk independently

• Need assistance eating or drinking

• Be unable to enter or remain upright in a litter tray

• Develop frequent abrasions

• Require substantial daily cleaning and mobility support

What it means: Good quality of life may still be possible, but the cat needs intensive, consistent care and individual welfare assessment.

What to do: Work with a veterinarian and, where available, a rehabilitation professional to design feeding, toileting, mobility and skin-protection plans. (BluePearl Pet Hospital)

Critical or Atypical Change

A cat with previously stable CH develops:

• Sudden inability to stand

• Progressive worsening over days or weeks

• Seizures

• Head pressing

• Altered awareness

• True weakness or paralysis

• Severe head tilt

• Persistent nystagmus

• Fever

• Vomiting or loss of appetite

• Significant pain

What it means: This is not the expected course of uncomplicated cerebellar hypoplasia.

What to do: Arrange urgent veterinary assessment.

What Else Can Look Like Cerebellar Hypoplasia?

Not every wobbly kitten has CH.

Possible condition	Features that make it different
Cerebellar cortical degeneration or abiotrophy	Kitten may initially appear normal and then progressively deteriorate
Feline infectious peritonitis	Progressive neurological signs, fever, weight loss, eye changes or systemic illness
Toxoplasmosis or encephalitis	Progressive signs, altered behaviour, seizures or other neurological deficits
Vestibular disease	Head tilt, nystagmus, falling to one side, nausea or vomiting
Otitis media or interna	Ear pain, discharge, head tilt, facial changes or vestibular signs
Cervical spinal disease	Weakness, paw knuckling and abnormal postural reactions
Thiamine deficiency	Previous anorexia or unbalanced diet followed by progressive vestibular or neurological signs
Hypoglycaemia	Sudden weakness, tremors, collapse or seizures
Toxin exposure	Acute tremors, twitching, salivation, seizures or rapid decline
Head trauma	Sudden onset, pain, altered awareness or asymmetrical deficits
Hydrocephalus or other congenital malformation	Abnormal behaviour, seizures, skull changes or additional neurological signs

The most clinically useful distinction is progression. Cerebellar hypoplasia is apparent when the kitten begins walking and remains broadly stable. Cerebellar degeneration and many inflammatory, infectious and metabolic diseases worsen over time. (PubMed Central (PMC))

When Is This an Emergency?

Cerebellar hypoplasia itself rarely creates a sudden emergency. A CH cat can still develop unrelated emergencies like any other cat.

Seek immediate veterinary care if your cat develops:

• Sudden or rapidly worsening incoordination

• A seizure

• Collapse or reduced consciousness

• Open-mouth or laboured breathing

• Inability to stand after previously being mobile

• Paralysis or dragging of one or more limbs

• Severe pain

• Major trauma after a fall

• Repeated vomiting

• Refusal of all food

• Difficulty swallowing or repeated choking

• Blue, grey or very pale gums

• Repeated straining without passing urine

• Head pressing or continuous circling

• Persistent nystagmus with severe disorientation

A stable neurological disability should remain stable. New neurological signs need a new diagnosis.

What To Do Right Now if Your Kitten Is Wobbly

1. Arrange a Veterinary Neurological Examination

Bring:

• Videos of walking, turning and eating

• Information about when the signs first appeared

• Any known history of the queen

• The litter’s health history

• Vaccination records

• Information about possible toxins, trauma or illness

Do not assume CH from a social-media comparison alone.

2. Confine the Kitten to a Safe Area Temporarily

Until the diagnosis is clearer, use a room or large enclosure with:

• Non-slip flooring

• No open staircase

• No high furniture

• No accessible balcony

• Soft bedding

• Stable food and water bowls

• A suitable litter tray

This protects the kitten without forcing complete inactivity.

3. Record Whether the Signs Are Stable

Ask:

• Were they present from the first attempts at walking?

• Are they approximately the same each week?

• Is the kitten bright and responsive?

• Is every limb strong?

• Can the kitten eat and drink?

• Are there seizures, vomiting or fever?

• Are other kittens affected?

A stable, congenital pattern supports CH. Progressive or systemic disease does not.

4. Do Not Give Human Medication

There is no home medication that corrects cerebellar development.

Human painkillers, sedatives and supplements may be dangerous and may interfere with neurological assessment.

How Do Veterinarians Diagnose Cerebellar Hypoplasia?

History

A classic history includes:

• Abnormal coordination from the time walking begins

• No meaningful progression

• Normal awareness

• Normal appetite and general health

• One or more affected littermates

• Possible FPV exposure during pregnancy

Neurological Examination

The veterinarian evaluates:

• Mental awareness

• Gait and balance

• Limb strength

• Paw placement

• Spinal reflexes

• Head and eye movements

• Tremor pattern

• Pain

• Cranial nerve function

A pure cerebellar disorder should produce ataxia and dysmetria without the true weakness expected from many spinal or neuromuscular conditions.

Blood and Urine Testing

Routine testing does not confirm CH.

It may still be recommended to exclude:

• Low blood glucose

• Electrolyte abnormalities

• Liver disease

• Kidney disease

• Infection

• Anaemia

• Other metabolic causes of neurological signs

MRI

MRI is the best confirmatory imaging test.

It may show:

• A smaller cerebellum

• Increased cerebrospinal fluid between cerebellar folds

• Partial or complete absence of parts of the cerebellar vermis

• Concurrent hydrocephalus

• Hydranencephaly

• Another structural brain disease

Not every classic mild case requires MRI. A presumptive clinical diagnosis may be reasonable when the history and examination are highly characteristic and signs remain non-progressive. Imaging becomes more valuable when the signs are atypical, progressive, asymmetrical or associated with seizures or altered awareness. (PubMed Central (PMC))

Is There a Cure?

No treatment can make an underdeveloped cerebellum grow normally after the developmental period has ended.

There is no drug, supplement, diet or surgery that reverses classic cerebellar hypoplasia. Treatment is supportive and aims to help the cat use their existing neurological function as safely and effectively as possible. (Cats Protection)

This does not mean nothing can be done.

A well-designed home can make the difference between a cat who is constantly slipping and one who moves confidently through familiar spaces.

How Do You Care for a Cat With Cerebellar Hypoplasia?

Improve Floor Traction

Slippery floors are one of the biggest avoidable problems.

Use:

• Carpet runners

• Rubber-backed rugs

• Foam exercise mats

• Cork flooring

• Non-slip bath mats

Secure every rug so it cannot slide or bunch under the cat.

Cats Protection specifically recommends carpets or rugs because affected cats generally find them easier to walk on than smooth flooring. (Cats Protection)

Reduce Dangerous Heights

Do not assume that a cat who can climb up can land safely on the way down.

Use:

• Low, broad platforms

• Ramps with good traction

• Shallow pet steps

• Furniture arranged in small stages

• Cushions beneath favourite windows

• Barriers around open staircases

Avoid unsupervised access to:

• Balconies

• High shelves

• Narrow railings

• Tall open cat trees

• Unprotected windows

A determined CH cat may possess the confidence of a tiger and the landing calculations of a dropped sandwich.

Build Stable Feeding Stations

Use bowls that are:

• Heavy

• Wide

• Difficult to overturn

• Shallow enough to avoid whisker interference

• Positioned on non-slip material

Some cats eat more successfully when the bowl is slightly raised. Others benefit from a wide, shallow plate on floor level.

A severe CH cat may need gentle body support during eating, but should not be force-fed without veterinary instruction. Coughing, choking or difficulty swallowing is not a routine CH feature and needs assessment.

Feed in an easy-to-clean area because intention tremors can make mealtimes gloriously untidy. (Cats Protection)

Choose the Right Litter Tray

The ideal tray often combines:

• A low entrance

• Plenty of internal space

• High, stable sides elsewhere for support

• A heavy or secured base

• Easy access from non-slip flooring

Some cats brace against the tray walls while toileting. Others need a flatter tray because lifting the legs over a high edge causes them to fall.

Place absorbent pads around the tray during training. Avoid punishing accidents, which are usually caused by mobility rather than failure to understand litter training. (Cats Protection)

Keep the Cat Indoors or Securely Contained

Free outdoor access is high risk because CH cats may struggle to:

• Escape dogs

• Climb fences safely

• Cross roads

• Land from trees

• Navigate uneven surfaces

• Defend themselves

• Return home after disorientation

Indoor living, a secure catio or a properly enclosed garden is safer. The cat should also be microchipped. (Cats Protection)

Encourage Safe Activity

Do not confine a capable CH cat to a tiny space simply because they fall occasionally.

Movement helps build:

• Strength

• Confidence

• Endurance

• Familiarity with the environment

• Compensatory motor strategies

Offer ground-level play with:

• Wand toys moved slowly

• Rolling toys

• Soft balls

• Food puzzles

• Tunnels

• Target training

• Stable scratching surfaces

Stop if the cat becomes exhausted, repeatedly crashes into objects or appears distressed.

Consider Rehabilitation Support

A veterinary rehabilitation professional may help design:

• Strengthening exercises

• Supported standing

• Weight-shifting activities

• Safe walking routes

• Environmental modifications

• Selected mobility aids

Evidence specifically evaluating rehabilitation protocols in CH cats is limited, so goals should be practical. Rehabilitation may improve strength and functional confidence, but it does not correct the developmental brain abnormality.

Monitor Skin, Teeth and Claws

Check regularly for:

• Worn or broken claws

• Paw abrasions

• Chin or facial injuries

• Pressure sores

• Urine or faecal contamination

• Dental trauma from falls

• Matted fur

Keep nails healthy and prevent snagging, but remember that some CH cats use their claws for traction and climbing. Avoid over-shortening them.

Manage Other Pets Carefully

Calm, compatible pets may provide companionship.

Supervise interactions with animals that:

• Play roughly

• Chase

• Guard resources

• Block access to food or litter

• Knock the cat from elevated areas

Provide multiple routes to essential resources so the CH cat is not forced to compete physically.

Can a Cat With Cerebellar Hypoplasia Be Spayed or Neutered?

Yes. CH itself does not usually prevent routine spaying or neutering.

The veterinary team should know the cat’s baseline neurological signs so postoperative wobbliness is not confused with a new complication. Recovery should take place in a warm, padded, low-level area with excellent traction and no opportunity to fall from furniture.

Pre-anaesthetic assessment is still based on the individual cat’s age, health and any concurrent congenital disease.

What Is the Prognosis?

The prognosis depends mainly on severity and the household’s ability to provide a safe environment.

Mild and Moderate Cases

These cats often:

• Eat independently

• Use a litter tray

• Play

• Groom

• Form normal social bonds

• Adapt well to familiar surroundings

Clinical and welfare organisations report that many affected cats can live full lives and may have a lifespan comparable with unaffected cats. However, formal large-scale prospective survival data are limited, so the prognosis should still be individualised. (Cats Protection)

Severe Cases

The outlook is more guarded when the cat:

• Cannot move independently

• Cannot eat or drink safely

• Develops repeated aspiration

• Cannot remain clean and dry

• Sustains recurrent injuries

• Cannot use a litter tray

• Becomes socially isolated

• Requires care that cannot be provided consistently

Severe disability does not automatically mean poor quality of life, but appearance alone should not decide either direction. Function, comfort, engagement and daily care burden matter most.

A Practical Quality-of-Life Check

Ask:

• Is the cat comfortable?

• Can they eat and drink enough?

• Can they access a clean toileting area?

• Can they move to favourite resting places?

• Do they play or engage with people?

• Are injuries uncommon and manageable?

• Can they groom, or tolerate help with grooming?

• Are there more good days than bad?

• Is the necessary care realistically sustainable?

A cat does not need to walk gracefully to have a worthwhile life. They do need to remain comfortable, engaged and adequately supported.

Common Mistakes With Cerebellar Hypoplasia

Assuming Every Wobbly Kitten Has CH

Ataxia can be caused by infection, metabolic disease, toxins, vestibular disease, trauma and progressive neurological disorders.

Ignoring Deterioration

Classic CH should remain stable. Progressive worsening is a reason to reopen the diagnosis.

Allowing Access to Dangerous Heights

A cat may climb successfully but be unable to calculate or control the landing.

Keeping the Cat on Slippery Floors

Traction often transforms how confidently the cat can move.

Overprotecting the Cat

Excessive confinement can reduce strength, enrichment and independence. Allow safe movement within an adapted environment.

Assuming Every Accident Is Behavioural

Litter accidents may result from poor balance, an inaccessible entrance or a tray that tips when the cat leans against it.

Euthanising Based Only on Appearance

Dramatic movement does not necessarily mean pain or poor quality of life. Assess function and welfare rather than visual normality.

Blaming Every Future Illness on CH

A CH cat can still develop arthritis, ear disease, urinary obstruction, diabetes, cancer and every other ordinary feline condition.

Can Cerebellar Hypoplasia Be Prevented?

Not every congenital cerebellar abnormality can be prevented, but FPV-associated cases can be reduced through appropriate vaccination and breeding management.

Vaccinate Before Breeding

Queens should have appropriate core vaccination before mating whenever possible.

FPV vaccination protects the queen from infection during pregnancy and reduces the risk of fetal exposure.

Avoid Live Attenuated FPV Vaccines During Pregnancy

Current WSAVA guidance states that pregnant queens and kittens younger than four weeks should not receive live attenuated vaccines. Inactivated products are considered safer when pregnancy vaccination is medically necessary.

Protect Pregnant Queens From Exposure

Avoid contact with:

• Unvaccinated cats

• Cats with vomiting or diarrhoea

• Contaminated rescue or shelter environments

• Premises experiencing panleukopenia

• Shared equipment of uncertain hygiene

Prevent Unplanned Pregnancies

Spaying cats that are not part of a responsible breeding programme reduces the number of vulnerable pregnancies occurring in unvaccinated or high-risk environments.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is cerebellar hypoplasia painful for cats?

The cerebellar abnormality itself is not considered painful. Cats can still experience painful falls, injuries, arthritis and unrelated disease, so new reluctance to move or touch sensitivity should be investigated. (BluePearl Pet Hospital)

Does cerebellar hypoplasia get worse with age?

No. Classic CH is non-progressive. Cats may appear to improve as they develop strength and compensation. Any true deterioration needs a new veterinary assessment. (Merck Veterinary Manual)

Can a cat with cerebellar hypoplasia use a litter box?

Many can. A large, stable tray with a low entrance and supportive sides usually works better than a small lightweight tray. Severely affected cats may need pads, assistance or an individually designed toileting area. (Cats Protection)

Can a wobbly cat go outside?

Unrestricted outdoor access is generally unsafe. Indoor living or access to a fully enclosed catio or garden provides exercise and enrichment without exposing the cat to roads, predators, fences and uncontrolled heights. (Cats Protection)

How long do cats with cerebellar hypoplasia live?

Mildly and moderately affected cats may live a normal or near-normal lifespan when they can eat, drink, toilet and move safely. Severe cases require an individual quality-of-life assessment, and robust long-term survival studies remain limited. (Cats Protection)

Final Thoughts

Cerebellar hypoplasia changes how a cat moves. It does not automatically prevent them from enjoying life.

The most important points are:

1. Cerebellar hypoplasia is a developmental disorder of movement coordination.

2. It commonly follows fetal or early neonatal exposure to feline panleukopenia virus.

3. Signs become apparent when kittens begin walking.

4. Classic CH is non-progressive.

5. Cats may appear to improve as they learn compensatory strategies.

6. Wide stance, hypermetria, dysmetria and intention tremors are typical.

7. The condition itself is not considered painful.

8. Cerebellar hypoplasia is not contagious.

9. Not every wobbly kitten has CH.

10. Progressive signs require investigation for another disease.

11. MRI can confirm a small cerebellum and identify concurrent abnormalities.

12. There is no treatment that regrows the cerebellum.

13. Non-slip floors, stable bowls, accessible litter trays and reduced heights make an enormous difference.

14. Many mild and moderate cats can enjoy very good quality of life.

15. Severe cases must be assessed according to comfort and function, not appearance alone.

16. Appropriate FPV vaccination before pregnancy helps prevent many cases.

17. Live attenuated FPV vaccines should not be given routinely to pregnant queens or kittens under four weeks.

The mistake that causes the most harm is assuming that a cat who moves differently must be suffering. The equally dangerous mistake is assuming every future neurological change is merely part of their CH.

A stable wobble may be something a cat adapts to beautifully. A changing wobble is a medical clue.

---

ASK A VET™ can help you organise gait videos, feeding and litter-box difficulties, home adaptations and changes from your cat’s normal neurological baseline while you work directly with your veterinarian or veterinary neurologist. A cat with sudden deterioration, seizures, collapse, breathing difficulty, severe pain or inability to eat or stand still requires immediate hands-on veterinary care.