Ataxia and vestibular disease are common problems in cats that are difficult to diagnose. The symptoms could be: walking in a zigzag pattern, losing balance when climbing or descending stairs, difficulty following a moving object with their eyes, or sudden changes in head orientation. Several treatment options are available, including vestibular therapy, medications, and surgery.
Symptoms and Causes of Ataxia
Ataxia is a neurological disorder that causes abnormal movement of the limbs. The symptoms can vary but usually include unsteady walking and coordination problems. If you notice unusual signs or coordination problems in your cat, consult your veterinarian immediately!
Symptoms
If you are experiencing any of the following symptoms, it is essential to see a doctor as soon as possible:
- Numbness, tingling, or weakness in arms and legs – Difficulty walking or coordination issues
- Feeling unsteady on your feet Any cause of ataxia – from neurologic disorders to multiple sclerosis and spinal cord injury – can cause these symptoms.
However, there is no cure for this disease, but there are various treatments available that can help improve quality of life. These may include physical therapy, speech therapy, and cognitive interventions.
Causes
Ataxia is a condition that affects the coordination of the body’s movements and can reduce life expectancy. It is caused by a problem with the brain and spinal cord, but some known risk factors may increase its likelihood. Most cases of ataxia are not genetic but can be inherited. There is no cure for ataxia, but cats can manage it with medication and therapy.
Treatment for Cat’s Drunk-Like Walking
Treating the Underlying Cause
If you’re having difficulty walking like a drunk cat, it’s essential to identify the underlying cause. Some causes of this condition may be mental stress, environmental factors such as lack of exercise or food, medication or supplements given to the cat and even disease.
There are various ways in which the underlying cause can be addressed – depending on what is causing the problem. For example, if it is due to mental stress, try addressing the root of the issue: by talking about it, exploring solutions together, and so on.
If changing the environment doesn’t help or if there’s no known cure for whatever caused walking like a drunk cat in cats first place, then consulting a vet might be necessary.
Treating Idiopathic Vestibular Disease
If you notice that your cat is walking like they are drunk, it’s time to take them to the vet. This might be due to idiopathic vestibular disease, a condition with no known cure and only managed by management.
Apart from medication and physiotherapy, there is no other treatment available for this illness. So if your cat might have contracted it, it is best to take them as soon as possible for an exam and diagnosis.
Other Possible Reasons Your Cat May Be Walking Like They’re Drunk
Age
As cats grow older, they may start to experience various age-related changes in their behavior. These can include problems with memory and balance, leading to them behaving erratically or even dangerously. If you notice these symptoms in your cat, consult a veterinarian immediately!
Injury
When it comes to cats, accidents happen. However, if you notice any of the following changes in your cat’s behavior, you must get them checked out by a vet as soon as possible:
- They become very unsteady on their feet, possibly due to spinal cord injury or stroke.
- Their balance and coordination are impaired, which can cause them to fall often.
- They start walking like drunk – this might be an early sign of injury.
Illness
If you notice any changes in their behavior – such as being lethargic or walking more like they’re drunk – take them to the vet immediately. Other common causes of illness in cats include feline distemper, parvovirus, and panleukopenia. If you suspect one of these diseases is affecting your cat, take them to the vet for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan as soon as possible.
Medication
If you’re worried about your cat walking around like they’re drunk, there’s a good chance it’s not due to intoxication – at least not directly. Most cats who roam in this way have some underlying medical issue that needs to be addressed by their veterinarian.
Some other possible causes of the behavior could include neurological problems or injury. For example, if you think your cat might be suffering from any such issues, speak with their vet so they can get them treated as soon as possible.
Stress
Stress is one of the most common causes of disease in cats. When your cat is stressed out, it can cause them to walk like they’re drunk and exhibit other strange behaviors. To help reduce stress in your cat, you need to check their environment for litter box problems and ensure they are getting enough exercise.
You can also try introducing calming music into their environment to help them relax. If you notice that your cat’s behavior has changed since they started feeling more stressed, there may be a reason for it – so be sure to take action!
Obesity
Obesity is a significant problem in our society, affecting not just humans but also our feline friends. It can lead to health problems such as chronic pain, arthritis, diabetes, and kidney failure. If you notice that your cat is walking like they are drunk, don’t hesitate to take them to the veterinarian for a check-up!
Poor Vision
Poor vision can cause cats to walk like they’re intoxicated. However, if you notice that your cat is stumbling around more often or their movements are noticeably slower, it might be a good idea to take them to the vet for a check-up.
Other causes of unusual walking behavior could also be looked into, such as Alzheimer’s disease or dementia in older cats and Feline Interstitial Cystitis (FIC), which is an inflammation of the bladder and urethra in cats.
Things to Do if Your Cat Is Suddenly Wobbly
Pay Attention to Your Cat’s Symptoms
If you notice your cat wobbling around, it’s essential to take a closer look at the situation. In most cases, cats usually recover from this condition without any serious consequences. However, if something seems wrong and there are changes in your cat’s behavior, then consulting a vet is an option.
If you can identify the cause of the wobble – for example, by looking at its diet or environment – then taking appropriate action can solve the problem and restore balance to your cat’s life.
Call Your Veterinarian
If you’re wondering what to do if your cat is walking like a drunk person, the answer is simple – call your veterinarian. There could be several reasons why this might be the case, and in some cases, it may warrant an emergency vet visit. For example, cats that are stressed or feeling nervous often walk on their toes as an escape mechanism.
