Kittens are known to be clunky , specially in their first few days of aliveness . But they win their foothold , so to speak , as they uprise . If , however , that clumsiness continue or you pick out other unusual movement patterns in your kitten , that could point a condition prognosticate cerebellar hypoplasia , otherwise make out as wonky kitten syndrome .
While it may voice alarming , the good news is kitten with this painless shape typically hold up recollective , healthy life . It just require some redundant management from their people .
What Is Wobbly Kitten Syndrome?
Kittens with wobbly kitten syndrome are born with an developing portion of their brain called the cerebellum . It ’s notably pocket-sized in size than it should be , which affects hombre ' movement patterns .
" The cerebellum controls knowing movement , and when it ’s too small or underdeveloped , intentional movement is involve , " saysAlicen Tracey , DVM , a small fauna general practitioner in Waterloo , Iowa , and a member of the Daily Paws Advisory Board .
What Causes Wobbly Kitten Syndrome?
The cause of cerebellar hypoplasia in qat is usually congenital , mean kitten are deport with it . In most grammatical case , it ’s the resultant role of the kitten ’s female parent contracting thepanleukopenia virus . Other types of in - utero influence , like the pregnant mother being exposed to kittens , can sometimes be the cause as well , Tracey says . Other progressive neurological diseases or toxin may play a role , too .
What Are the Symptoms of Wobbly Kitten Syndrome?
kitten with this non - contagious status will wait unstable or uncoordinated . They may sway , or they could even have hunky-dory tremor , which is where the name " wobbly " derive from . The disease variegate in severity , so while some kittens are only gently affect and may simply seem a bit uncoordinated or clumsy , other kittens exhibit more detectable swaying or astonishing . They typically start up showing polarity when they start moving around , generally around 2 or 3 weeks old .
How Is Wobbly Kitten Syndrome Diagnosed?
The only way of life cerebellar hypoplasia can be definitively diagnosed is through an MRI , but most kittens are diagnosed based on symptoms and other factors like age , strain , and story , Tracey says . Your vet will want to get a full movie .
" Even if wobbly kitten syndrome is suspect , your vet will most likely advocate research lab oeuvre or X - rays to verify there is n’t anything else depart on that could be causing similar symptoms like toxin , low blood sugar , or other disorders , " she add .
Treatment of Wobbly Kitten Syndrome
alas , there ’s no treatment or therapeutic for shaky kitten syndrome , so cats live with the consideration their entire life . While that might sound disheartening , conceive about it from the kitten ' perspective . " kitty who are born with this syndrome do n’t know anything dissimilar , " Tracey says , adding that the condition does n’t cause pain .
What’s the Prognosis of Wobbly Kitten Syndrome?
You will want to take extra steps to protect your kitten from getting hurt or injuring herself , as cats with this condition may be more accident - prostrate , Tracey aver . That ’s why it ’s crucial you place your home up for a ill-chosen kitty . For instance , do n’t allow your kitty to climb onhigh big cat treesor jump onto in high spirits surface . rather , lower cat trees and towers or provide more whole tone or surface for your kitty to maneuver more well in the home . You may even postulate to help your kitten get up and down surfaces .
Here are some other gratuity for wobbly kitties :
Can a kitten with this condition last with other cats ? Depending on the severity of symptoms , the kitten ( or cat if you ’ve adopted one later in life ) may be able to live with other cats .
Photo: Jackyenjoyphotography / Getty
" matching drama and fighting will be affected , so cats with this condition should be supervise around other cat to see to it that there is no intimidation and that they can place upright up for themselves , " Tracey says .
Generally , she ’s found that wobbly kitty do well with other cats .
How to Prevent Wobbly Kitten Syndrome
The proficient way to prevent shaky puss syndrome is to vaccinate female qat against the feline panleukopenia virus before they have kittens .
