Because neurological problems are more frequently diagnosed in our canine friends, they tend to dominate the conversation. But cats are no strangers to neurological struggles, and their conditions can be every bit as complex and serious. That’s why today we’re shifting the spotlight to our feline patients, highlighting the five most common neurological disorders in cats we treat at Southeast Veterinary Neurology (SEVN).
Feline infectious peritonitis (FIP) is a challenging viral disease caused by a mutation of the common gastrointestinal feline coronavirus (FCoV) in some cats. Cats living in multi-cat spaces are most at risk, especially those under three years old and over the age of eight.
FIP exists in two forms: “wet” and “dry.” Dry FIP is less common but involves inflammatory masses which can cause neurological disorders in cats such as:
Until recently, FIP was considered a fatal disease, but new antiviral treatments are offering a promising future for many cats. Prognosis depends on how advanced the disease is and the cat’s response to therapy.
Meningiomas are tumors that arise from the meninges, the protective membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord. They are the most common type of primary brain tumor in cats but are considered benign, as they do not spread to other parts of the body.
Senior cats are most commonly affected, and signs depend on the tumor’s location. The most frequent symptoms reported are:
Surgical removal can actually be curative, offering an excellent prognosis. If surgery isn’t an option, radiation therapy can slow progression, while steroids and anticonvulsants can provide temporary relief of symptoms.
Lymphoma is a cancer of immune cells called lymphocytes. When it affects the central nervous system (CNS), it becomes a particularly aggressive neurological disorder in cats.
We see two primary groups affected: young cats with feline leukemia virus (FeLV) and older cats over the age of eight. Signs depend on where the lymphoma is located within the central nervous system, but there is a predilection for the lumbar spinal cord where it causes neurological signs such as:
Treatment options include chemotherapy and/or radiation. Unfortunately, CNS lymphoma is usually part of a systemic cancer affecting multiple parts of the body. Although response to radiation is generally positive, long-term prognosis remains guarded.
Ischemic myelopathy, also known as a spinal cord stroke, is not truly a disease but a syndrome caused by sudden loss of blood flow to part of the spinal cord typically seen in older cats.
This dramatic neurological disorder in cats often results in a severe loss of function without warning. However, it is not painful and does not progress.
Supportive care and physical rehabilitation are the cornerstones of treatment, along with addressing any underlying cause if applicable. Most cats improve significantly over weeks to months. The prognosis is generally good, but the chance of recurrence is high.
Otitis media and otitis interna (middle and inner ear infections) can stem from chronic outer ear infections or infections that spread from the respiratory tract or bloodstream. These ear infections can evolve into serious neurological disorders in cats, affecting the cranial nerves or spreading to the brain.
Any cat can develop otitis media/interna, especially those with a history of upper respiratory or ear infections. Symptoms are typically one-sided and may include:
Treatment includes at least six to eight weeks of antibiotics, along with supportive care for balance problems and medication for nausea if necessary. In severe cases, surgery may be recommended to remove infected material, culture it, and allow for more targeted antibiotic therapy. Prognosis is generally excellent with timely and appropriate treatment.
Neurological disorders in cats can be complex and intimidating, but they are often manageable—and in some cases, even curable—with early detection and the right care. If your cat is showing signs of unusual behavior, difficulty walking, or seizures, don’t hesitate to reach out. Trust your instincts, and contact a veterinary neurologist.
At SEVN, we combine advanced imaging and diagnostics with compassionate, individualized care to help your cat live its best life, and we are available today. Contact one of our locations in Miami, Boynton Beach, Jupiter, or Virginia Beach right now.