🩺 Neurological Disorders in Cats – Vet Guide 2025

By Dr Duncan Houston BVSc – Ask A Vet Blog Writer

1. Why Neurological Health Matters

Your cat’s nervous system—the brain, spinal cord, and nerves—controls movement, sensation, behavior, and vital functions. When neurological issues arise, early veterinary care often changes the outcome dramatically.

2. Warning Signs: What to Watch For

• Wobbly gait or ataxia, stumbling, circling
• Weakness or paralysis of limbs
• Seizures or unusual behavior (staring, twitching)
• Head tilt, nystagmus (rapid eye movement)
• Incontinence or difficulty with litter box use
• Pain: vocalizing, reluctance to be handled
• Disorientation, decreased appetite, hiding

Any combination of these signs warrants immediate veterinary attention :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}.

3. Common Neurological Disorders in Cats

3.1 Brain Tumors

Meningiomas and pituitary adenomas are among the more common brain tumors in older cats. Meningiomas often respond well to surgery :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}.

3.2 Epilepsy & Seizures

Idiopathic epilepsy—seizures without an identifiable cause—is less common in cats than dogs, but treatable with anticonvulsant medication :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}.

3.3 Vestibular Disease

Inner ear or brainstem dysfunction leads to head tilt, circling, loss of balance, and nausea. Underlying causes include ear infections, stroke, or idiopathic vestibular syndrome :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}.

3.4 Cerebellar Disorders

Cerebellar hypoplasia—often due to prenatal feline panleukopenia—involves coordination problems and tremors. No cure, but cats adapt with supportive care :contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}.

3.5 Congenital & Genetic Conditions

Cerebellar abiotrophy (degeneration), hydrocephalus, congenital myasthenia gravis, and spongiform encephalopathy are rare but serious inherited or developmental disorders :contentReference[oaicite:8]{index=8}.

3.6 Inflammatory & Infectious Diseases

Meningitis and encephalitis—inflammation of brain/spinal cord—can be bacterial or viral. Rapid signs include fever, pain, seizures, head tilt :contentReference[oaicite:9]{index=9}.

FIP (Feline infectious peritonitis) can cause neurologic signs like tremors, ataxia, seizures :contentReference[oaicite:10]{index=10}.

3.7 Feline Hyperesthesia Syndrome

FHS is a complex disorder causing skin rippling, obsessive grooming, tail chasing, and possible seizure-like behavior. It’s likely multifactorial—neurological and behavioral :contentReference[oaicite:11]{index=11}.

3.8 Cognitive Dysfunction Syndrome (CDS)

Older cats may experience dementia-like symptoms: disorientation, sleep disturbances, reduced interaction, and house-soiling :contentReference[oaicite:12]{index=12}.

4. How Diagnoses Are Made

• Neurological exam: tests reflexes, gait, awareness, sensation.
• Blood and urine tests: rule out metabolic causes like liver/kidney disease, infection.
• Imaging: MRI and CT scans visualize the brain/spine for tumors, inflammation, or hemorrhage.
• CSF analysis: tests for infection or inflammation in the nervous system.
• Electrodiagnostics: ECG, EEG, or nerve conduction studies when indicated.

5. Treatment Options

5.1 Medication

• Anticonvulsants for seizures (e.g., phenobarbital)
• Steroids or NSAIDs for inflammation related to meningitis or tumors
• Antibiotics/antifungals for infectious inflammation
• Acetylcholinesterase inhibitors for myasthenia gravis
• Medications to support vestibular recovery (anti-nausea, anti-inflammatory)

Medication protocols should be tailored and regularly reviewed :contentReference[oaicite:13]{index=13}.

5.2 Surgery & Intervention

• Resection of brain tumors like meningiomas
• Shunt placement for hydrocephalus
• Spinal decompression or disc surgery if indicated
• Gram-negative abscess drainage in meningitis

5.3 Supportive Care & Home Rehabilitation

• Physiotherapy and mobility support for ataxic cats
• Environmental enrichment and routine for cats with FHS or CDS
• Padded bedding, ramps, non-slip surfaces
• Tube feeding or appetite stimulants during recovery

6. Monitoring Walkthrough

• Keep a symptom diary: episodes, duration, and triggers
• Regular check-ups: blood tests, imaging follow-up
• Adjust meds or interventions based on progress

7. Role of Ask A Vet, Woopf & Purrz 🛠️

• Ask A Vet: Real‑time video consultations for seizure events, incisional follow-up, or behavior queries.
• Woopf: Offers padded ramps, non-slip mats, calming beds ideal for neurologically impaired cats.
• Purrz: Supplies supplements targeting brain health, mood stabilization, and appetite support.

8. Prognosis & Quality of Life

• Depends on the condition: meningioma resection often yields long survival :contentReference[oaicite:14]{index=14}.
• Idiopathic epilepsy and vestibular syndrome often well-managed.
• Congenital disorders like cerebellar hypoplasia are lifelong but non-progressive.
• Inflammatory diseases vary—infectious causes may have guarded outcomes.
• Dementia can be slowed; supportive care improves comfort.

9. Early Intervention: When to Contact the Vet

• First-time seizures, sudden collapse, or head tilt
• Rapidly progressive signs: paralysis, pain, incontinence
• Behavioral changes and disorientation in older cats
• Signs of encephalitis: fever with neurologic signs
• Repeated vestibular episodes or worsening balance

10. Summary Takeaways ✅

• Neurological signs vary—but balance, coordination, behavior, and seizures are key red flags.
• Common causes range from tumors and epilepsy to congenital and inflammatory conditions.
• Diagnosis involves neurologic exams, bloodwork, imaging, and CSF testing.
• Interventions might include medication, surgery, rehabilitation, and supportive care.
• Ongoing monitoring and early intervention improve outcomes and quality of life.
• Tools like Ask A Vet, Woopf, and Purrz are ideal for at-home guidance and comfort aids.

11. Final Thoughts ❤️

Your cat’s neurological health affects every aspect of life—from mobility and comfort to sense of self. While these conditions can be daunting, advances in veterinary neurology, surgical techniques, and care products offer real hope. If you notice subtle or sudden changes, don’t wait: seek veterinary care or connect with Ask A Vet. Early action empowers sometimes life-changing outcomes.