by Nomi Berger
 
Curious about caterwauling or are you already familiar with the eerie sound emanating from your favorite furry friend?
 
For those who have never heard it, caterwauling is a high-pitched, melodic and drawn-out “YOWL” that, once experienced, is seldom forgotten. Consider then, the paws-ible reasons behind it and how you can help remedy the situation.
 
1. Cats caterwaul when they’re in pain: Famous for hiding their pain, felines who caterwaul, seemingly for no apparent reason, are sending you a clear message -- of distress. This merits an immediate visit to your vet to either uncover or rule out a possible medical reason behind it. Remember too that cats of all ages can develop kidney disease and an overactive thyroid -- both potential reasons for overly excessive vocalizations, including caterwauling.
 
2. Cats caterwaul to signal their need to breed. Cats who are neither spayed nor neutered are notorious for their caterwauling. Intact females in heat will caterwaul to attract a male while intact males will caterwaul when they know a female is in heat. The best, most responsible way to prevent this and, at the same time, assist in controlling the problem of cat overpopulation is by always spaying and neutering your pets.
 
3. Cats caterwaul to alert their owners to outside activities. Curious about everything they see, cats “sound the alarm” whenever they spot something either intriguing or disturbing outside a window. From birds and squirrels to mail carriers and fast food deliveries, their greatest concern is the sight of another cat perched on what they consider their territory. The easiest way to eliminate the source of your cat’s agitation is by closing the offending window, blind or curtain to restrict her view of the “interloper,” and provide her with an alternative form of entertainment (a window with an obstructed view works just as well).
 
4. Cats caterwaul when they feel vulnerable or insecure. Some cats feel especially anxious without the reassuring presence of their owners – whether they leave the house or simply leave the room. Feeling abandoned, these cats will express their anxiety by caterwauling. This insecurity may also manifest itself when visitors come to call or when their family moves. If your cat is susceptible to such anxiety, make certain to anticipate her reaction ahead of time and reassure her that she is safe and sound. Shower her with extra affection, cuddles and pets, and take her to bed with you at night as proof that you haven’t left her alone.
 
5. Cats caterwaul when they’re disoriented. The older cats get, the more prone they are to changes in their cognitive functioning. According to the ASPCA, feline cognitive dysfunction (FCD) or cat dementia, affects over 55 percent of cats between the ages of 11 and 15, and over 80 percent of cats between the ages of 16 and 20. Since caterwauling can be one of the many symptoms associated with FCD, it’s vital for you, as a cat owner, to familiarize yourself with all of the symptoms in your senior cat so that you can both cope with and comfort the kitty you cherish.
 
Once again, as a concerned pet parent, you should share those concerns with your vet. They may recommend pheromone or drug therapy (the use of feline pheromone sprays or diffusers in areas where your cat spends most of her time may reduce her anxiety), while anti-anxiety medication may help reduce your cat’s excessive vocalizations. You can also seek the advice of a Certified Applied Animal Behaviorist or a veterinary behaviorist.
 

by Nomi Berger
 
Is your favorite feline continually meowing for more food, paw-lease?
 
If so, the cause may be either physical or psychological. Consider then, the following five reasons for this behavior:
 
1. Your cat may have roundworms. Often times, an always-hungry cat may be infested with roundworms that are “leeching” all of the nutrition from her food long before she eats it. Strangely enough, infected cats may look fat since these parasites have the unfortunate effect of making their bodies swell. And because roundworms are contagious to people, if you suspect your cat is infected, collect a sample of her feces and take it to your vet for testing.
 
2. Your cat may have hyperthyroidism or diabetes. Both diseases cause a considerable increase in an affected cat’s appetite. Hyperthyroidism makes her ravenous because her metabolism is burning far too many calories. Diabetes, on the other hand, makes her overly hungry because her body is unable to convert sugar into energy. In both instances, her body is being deprived of the benefits that only proper nutrition can provide. If your cat is eating constantly and not only losing weight but also drinking an excessive amount of water, have her seen by your vet as quickly as possible.
 
3. Your cat may be bored or lonely. Like people, some cats will overeat out of boredom or loneliness. To keep your cat from getting bored, provide her with more stimulation and stop allowing her to graze and munch on kibble all day. Instead, supply her with intellectually stimulating toys and place her kibble inside puzzle toys or in an automatic feeder that provides her access to a small amount of food at pre-set times throughout the day. The toys will keep her happily engaged and amused while the puzzle toys, particularly, will encourage her to “work” for her food, helping her burn off those unwanted calories. But if loneliness, not boredom, is the problem, consider adopting another – compatible -- kitty to be her precious playmate and constant companion.
 
4. Your cat may be depressed or grieving. Just as with people, eating excessively is a familiar form of self-soothing behavior for sad cats with a serious case of the kitty cat blues. If your cat shows little interest in the world around her, try luring her out of her kitty cat shell by engaging her in gentle, interactive play. As an added incentive, give her what cat behaviorists refer to as “love blinks.” Slowly close your eyes, keep them closed for a second, and then slowly open them again while thinking of those three magical words: “I love you.”
 
5. Your cat may be failing to have her nutritional needs met. Poor-quality cat food is equivalent to fast foods and starchy foods consumed all too often and in excessive quantities by people. Any cat deprived of the nutrients her body needs will attempt unsuccessfully to make up for it by simply eating and eating. Remedy the situation by speaking with your vet about the appropriate type and amount of food best suited to satisfy the needs of your overly hungry cat.
 

by Nomi Berger
 
A little understood condition, feline chin acne is basically a disorder of follicular keratinization (the overproduction of keratin, a protein found in the outer layer of the skin). Once excess keratin is trapped in the hair follicle, comedones or blackheads form, and should they become infected by bacteria, pimples or larger sores, similar to boils will result.
 
Some experts surmise that follicular keratinization may, itself, be related to excessive natural oil production by a cat’s skin. Others suggest that allergies, immunosuppression, stress, viral infection, and/or poor grooming habits may play a role in it. There may even be a connection between plastic food and water dishes and chin acne because the plastic’s uneven surface and inevitable scratches make it more prone to bacterial contamination.
 
Whatever the underlying cause, however, the most common overt sign of a cat with chin acne is the skin’s “dirty appearance.” Lesions may appear on her chin, lower lip and/or upper lip. A careful examination of her face will likely reveal blackheads and infected follicles, while her lips and chin may be swollen and inflamed (folliculitis). And if she has hard, crusty lesions that are causing her pain, this condition is known as furunculosis.
 
Vets typically diagnose chin acne based on the affected cat’s medical history and clinical signs. They may also order blood and urine tests, as well as skin cultures, skin cytology, and culture and sensitivity tests. If her lesions have an atypical appearance, they may recommend biopsies or skin scrapings to rule out cancer or some immune-mediated disease. And because an infected tooth root can mimic the appearance of chin acne, they may have dental x-rays taken.
 
Once a diagnosis is made, depending, of course, on the results, treating a cat’s chin acne always starts with an improved hygiene regime. Clipping her hair short and replacing plastic food and water dishes with smooth-surfaced, nonporous glass or stainless steel dishes, and scrupulously washing them daily, helps some cats. Using a benzoyl peroxide facial preparation or an anti-seborrheic shampoo will both cleanse the affected area and flush out the hair follicles. Applying an antibiotic ointment containing mupirocin (Muricin®) is highly effective as is clindamycin gel or a liquid preparation (Antirobe®, Cleocin®, ClinDrops®). Some cats benefit from taking Omega 3 fatty acids while, in more severe or chronic cases, vets may prescribe oral antibiotics, corticosteroids (to reduce inflammation) or isotretinoin (the human acne drug, Accutane®).
 
Thankfully, most cases of chin acne respond well to improved hygiene in combination with topical preparations and/or systemic medications, but cat owners must adhere closely to their own vet’s instructions to ensure ultimate and long lasting success and a happier, healthier cat.

by Nomi Berger
 
Are you all too familiar with the sight of your favorite feline excessively licking her paws? Have you ever pondered the possible reason or combination of reasons behind it? If so, then peruse the following:
 
Allergies: When cats have allergies – contact, food, pollen or seasonal – they tend to lick repetitively at the itchy rash produced by the allergy in an effort to find some relief from the discomfort they feel. Unfortunately, this excessive licking only aggravates the rash and makes the situation worse.
 
Anxiety: When cats are extremely anxious or stressed, they, much like anxious people who bite their fingernails or gnaw at their cuticles, will start incessantly licking their paws as a way of releasing that stress. If you find that your kitty seems overly anxious or stressed, make an appointment to visit the vet. Your cat may then be prescribed anti-anxiety medications to both help manage her stress levels and allow her to enjoy a more comfortable, more carefree life.
 
Boredom: As with anxiety, cats may counter their feelings of boredom by excessively licking their paws – even if it results in some of their fur falling out. The cause of this boredom is a lack of satisfying mental and physical stimulation throughout the day. To keep your kitty from getting bored when you’re gone, ensure she has various assorted toys, including puzzle toys, set out a cat tunnel, and provide her with a cat tower to climb. Then, when you return, set aside as much time as possible to interact with her using wand toys and laser lights to keep her leaping and pouncing while strengthening the bond between the two of you.
 
Fleas: A seemingly unseen infestation of fleas will often cause uncomfortable cats to continuously lick their paws. If you suspect that your cat has fleas, carefully part her fur and look closely at her skin. Then check several spots on her body for fleas or flea dirt or both. If she does indeed have fleas, ask your vet to recommend the best and safest feline flea medication in order to resolve this pesky problem as swiftly as possible.
 
Injury: Any trauma or injury to a cat’s leg, foot or paw pad may cause her to lick obsessively at that particular paw. If you think your cat may have hurt herself, try to get a closer look at her paw. If she’s bleeding (some cats will cut their paw pads when walking on “forbidden” surfaces) or if something seems amiss (it could potentially be a sprain or a broken bone), arrange to have her seen as quickly as possible by your vet.
 
Pain: One of the most common causes of obsessive paw licking is pain. And if your cat is in pain, she may literally be trying to lick it away by focusing her attention on the paw in question. Observe her closely awhile for some visible sign of a problem with that paw. Then, if she’ll allow you to touch it, gently move the paw around and monitor her reaction. If there is none, breathe a sigh of relief but continue to monitor her. If, however, she winces, cries out or tries to bite you, contact your vet immediately.
 
If none of the above scenarios applies to your particular cat, bring her, along with your questions and concerns, to your vet for a more accurate diagnosis.

by Nomi Berger
 
As the days grow darker and shorter, and the thermometer plummets, so does the mood of millions of people living in the Northern Hemisphere. But humans are not the only ones affected by what scientists refer to as Seasonal Affective Disorder or SAD. Our cats – even the happiest, most active and energetic ones -- can suffer the same dramatic downturn in mood.
 
Signs of the kitty cat blues include a drastic change in appetite, excessive fatigue, nighttime restlessness, reduced social interactions, and/or extreme hair loss.
 
According to scientists, the reason for these behavioral changes in both humans and felines appears to stem from the effect that light has on two significant hormones. The first is melatonin, produced in the pineal gland. The second is serotonin, produced in the brain.
 
Melatonin, often referred to as the “hormone of darkness”, plays a vital role in regulating the sleep cycle. The pineal gland is light sensitive, and because melatonin is usually secreted at night, the less light there is – as in the shorter, darker days of winter -- the greater the production of melatonin.
 
Serotonin, often referred to as the “feel good” substance in the brain also affects mood, appetite and sleep – but in an entirely different way. In this case, it’s sunlight that’s needed for the production of serotonin.
 
There are ways, however, to combat the effects of daylight’s diminishing hours on your cat’s mood before the full onset of winter. The simplest solution is one used by many humans with SAD: spending an increased amount of time in natural daylight. If your kitty has a lounge or bed, put it next to a window or underneath a skylight. If you have a cat-proof window, open it and let her perch awhile on the ledge. If she’s comfortable outdoors, allow her some playtime when the sun is brightest.
 
Another remedy is an artificial sunlight lamp. These therapy lights use special bulbs that mimic the natural light of the sun and can be bought at any major general retailer or online. Simply keep it turned on in a place where your kitty spends most of her time when she’s awake in order for her retinas to take in all of the light.
 
Hopefully, following all or some of these suggestions will spare your cherished feline companion an unnecessary case of the kitty cat blues.
 

by Nomi Berger
 
Uveitis is an inflammation of the uvea of a cat’s eye that includes the iris, the ciliary body and the choroid. What, purr-cisely, are the uvea’s three vital components?
 
The iris is the colored portion of the eye directly surrounding the pupil. It controls the size of the pupil, which, in turn, determines how much light reaches the retina (the lining of the eye that “translates” and sends these signals to the brain).
 
The ciliary body is the middle layer of the eye that connects the iris and the choroid. Its muscles help the eye focus by changing the size of the pupil and the shape of the lens. The ciliary body produces fluid known as aqueous humor, which provides both oxygen and nutrients to the lens and cornea (the clear, outermost cover of the eye).
 
The choroid is the vascular layer, i.e. full of vessels, of the eye that contains melanin cells (a natural skin pigment). These cells absorb light, limit reflection and safeguard the blood vessels from receiving too much light. They also supply the outer retina with both oxygen and blood.
 
Like many other conditions negatively impacting kitties, uveitis may go unnoticed by their owners because cats excel at masking their illnesses and may simply hide more when they’re not feeling “up to scratch,” are frightened or are truly hurting. And since uveitis is both painful and can, potentially, cause blindness, your own cat’s sudden disappearance from view should serve as a warning that something’s amiss.
 
Examine your cat closely, looking for the following signs, either in one eye or both. The most obvious sign is “red eye.” She may also squint, seem sensitive to light and have a watery eye. The color of her iris may be altered or cloudy. The size of her pupil may be affected along with her vision although you may find this more difficult to detect. If glaucoma (a buildup of pressure inside the eye that damages the optic nerve) is also present, her eye may be enlarged or appear to bulge.
 
There are two general categories of feline uveitis: ocular (having to do with the eye) and systemic. Ocular uveitis includes tears on the surface of the eye or within the cornea, known as corneal ulcers, trauma to the eye, cataracts (a clouding of the eye lens) and tumors. Systemic uveitis can be either non-infectious or infectious. Non-infectious causes range from high blood pressure to eating fatty foods. Infectious causes are more extensive and include feline infectious peritonitis (a virus known as FIP), feline immunodeficiency (a virus known as FIV), blastomycosis (fungal), candidiasis (fungal), coccidioidomycosis (fungal), cryptococcosis (fungal), histoplasmosis (fungal), cuterebra larval migration (parasitic), and toxoplasmosis (parasitic).
 
Should you notice any changes in your cat’s eye(s), bring her to the vet immediately. Your vet will ask if she’s experienced any other physical symptoms, such as decreased appetite, vomiting, diarrhea and/or weight loss, and ask, as well, about your home environment and her exposure to any other animals.
 
Along with a thorough physical examination, your vet will perform an ophthalmic exam and likely recommend specific tests to evaluate the cornea’s surface for any abrasions and to measure her eye pressure and tear production. Basic blood work may also be needed as well as tests to rule out such infections as feline leukemia (FeLV), FIV and toxoplasmosis.
 
Treatment of uveitis includes therapy targeted at the specific cause or causes, if they’re identified, and generalized therapy. For incurable infectious such as FIV, treatment is aimed at reducing your cat’s symptoms and supporting her through any flare-ups she might have. Your vet may prescribe topical NSAIDS and systemic medications like Atropine Prednisolone acetate to alleviate her pain and decrease the inflammation in her eye. Where tumors are involved, surgery is often the only option.
 
As with all eye conditions, follow-up visits with your vet are essential to gauge the effectiveness of your cat’s treatment and to monitor the progres of her healing. It’s also vital that you monitor her at home to ensure her symptoms don’t return since uveitis can result in blindness or the loss of the affected eye if her treatment isn’t working.

by Nomi Berger
 
Feline infectious peritonitis (FIP) is caused by a coronavirus unique to cats and isn’t contagious to people, dogs or other animals. Spread, in most instances, through contact with feces, this virus typically lives inside a cat’s intestinal tract.
 
The majority of cats are exposed early in their lives to the organism causing FIP -- sometimes from their mothers – and while almost all of them carry the organism, it’s believed less than 5% actually go on to develop FIP. Most cats who develop FIP are between three months and two years of age, although cats of any age can develop it. Not only does the disease require a specific interaction between a cat’s immune system and a mutated form of the organism, but it’s also, sadly, the main reason there’s no reliable diagnostic test for the disease. In fact, FIP is one of the least understood of all cat diseases.
 
Typically diagnosed through a process of elimination, cats suffering from FIP may present with a variety of symptoms from several other conditions such as abdominal tumors, toxoplasmosis or an infection with mycobacterium. To complicate matters further, a cat’s symptoms will also depend on which organ or organs are affected, since FIP can negatively impact the liver, kidneys and pancreas, not to mention other organ systems, ranging from the eyes to the abdomen to the central nervous system.
 
Most infected cats begin exhibiting signs of the illness by eating poorly, running a fever and/or behaving lethargically. There are two forms of FIP: Wet (or effusive): this causes bloating and swelling in the abdomen (ascites) and may also affect the heart and lungs. Cats with this form of the disease may pant and seem sleepy and droopy. Dry (or non-effusive): this usually affects the eyes (many cats will go blind) and causes such neurological symptoms as problems with balance and seizures. Cats with no immune response develop wet FIP, those with a partial immune response develop dry FIP, and some actually show symptoms of both forms of the disease.
 
Respiratory transmission, while possible, is less common. But because the traditional route of infection is contact with infected feces from litter boxes, cats living in a multi-cat household and who may share litter boxes are the ones most at risk. And yet, developing the disease requires a specific interaction between the virus and their immune systems. It’s not uncommon, then, to see one cat die of FIP and the others remain healthy.
 
Although vets can easily diagnose “wet” FIP by drawing a sample of fluid from the affected cat’s abdomen for analysis, other cats may require additional testing to rule out other possible diseases, leaving FIP as the likeliest culprit. And because FIP is almost always fatal and has no specific cure, vets can, at this point, only offer them supportive care. Anti-inflammatory drugs such as corticosteroids (e.g., prednisolone) along with specific drugs that suppress the immune system (e.g., cyclophosphamide) may both extend their lives and improve their quality of life.
 
Several experimental drugs, currently being investigated for use in the battle against FIP and not yet approved by the FDA, include one known as GS441524 or simply GS441. Expensive, stressful for owners and cats, and not always successful, it requires stringent monitoring and dosing for a period of 84 days, and is available in both injectable and pill form. (The costs and dosages vary depending on the weight of the infected cat). The goal is for the cat to remain symptom-free upon completing the treatment for an observation period of another 84 days.
 
While a vaccine for feline coronavirus exists, it has its limitations. First, it’s only approved for kittens older than 16 weeks of age. And second, vaccinating cats in multi-cat households may be ineffectual since feline coronavirus is so common that most of them will be infected by the time they’re old enough to receive it. For these reasons, the American Association of Feline Practitioners does NOT recommend routine usage of the FIP vaccine.

by Nomi Berger
 
Frustrated by your favorite feline peeing outside the litter box? Wondering how to prevent it?
 
Because most cats urinate inappropriately for one of two reasons, medical or behavioral, the first step is a visit to your vet. The vet will perform a thorough physical examination of your cat and collect a urine sample to either rule in or rule out the following medical conditions:
 
Bladder stones: These stones can not only irritate the bladder but block it, and if your vet suspects they’re the cause, x-rays are essential in determining their size and number. While smaller stones may dissolve on a special diet, larger ones may need to be removed surgically. 
 
Idiopathic cystitis: Cystits is an inflammation of the bladder, idiopathic means the cause is unknown, and cats with this condition often have blood in their urine. A urine sample is of utmost importance since the blood is often only detectable microscopically. If your vet finds blood in your cat’s urine with no sign of crystals, stones or bacteria, the likely diagnosis is idiopathic cystitis, and it’s usually treated through dietary changes and environmental enrichment, with pain and anti-anxiety medications often prescribed as well.
 
Metabolic disease: Among the metabolic diseases that may increase your cat’s urination are chronic kidney disease, liver disease, diabetes, and thyroid problems. If your cat has been drinking water more and/or you’ve been cleaning her litter box more often, mention this to your vet who may then run some blood work to see if one of the aforementioned issues is the culprit.
 
Urinary tract infections: An inflammatory response in the urinary tract caused by bacteria, UTI’s are treated with antibiotics. Once the antibiotics are finished, vets usually recommend follow-up testing to make certain the infection is gone. When one or more urinary issues are chronic, however, this is referred to as feline lower urinary tract disease or FLUTD. If your cat is diagnosed with FLUTD, your vet may recommend a special urinary diet and/or supplements to support the health of her urinary tract.
 
Urinary problems often lead to urinary obstructions, especially in male cats. If yours is “posturing” to urinate and little or no urine is being eliminated, he may have a blockage or partial obstruction. Because either condition can swiftly become life threatening, bring him to your vet immediately.
 
If, on the other hand, there are no medical reasons for your cat’s inappropriate urination, the cause is, most likely, behavioral. The usual suspects: a dirty or uncomfortable litter box, the location of the litter box or unappealing litter; stress due to the presence of another animal or a new person in your household, and the lingering scent of their own urine long after that soiled area has been cleaned up.
 
Consider, then, these solutions:
- Ensure your cat’s litter box is both comfortable and clean – the larger the better, and if possible, leave it uncovered.
- Place the litter box in a quiet yet accessible area of your home – far from where your cat eats and drinks – and preferably out of sight.
- If yours is a multi-story house, place a litter box on each floor.
- Use a shallow box or place a ramp at the entrance of the litter box to make it easier for older cats to access.
- Use an unscented, scoopable litter that most cats seem to prefer.
- Many vets recommend having two boxes in a single-cat household. Why? Because some cats feel best using one for urine and the other for stool.
- Thoroughly clean any areas where your cat has urinated with an enzymatic cleaner to eliminate all traces of the odor and, hopefully, discourage her from continuing to pee there.
- Last, but certainly not least, make your cat’s environment an enriched and happy one. Add both vertical and horizontal stimulants – from cat trees and wall ledges of varying heights to cat tunnels and puzzle games. Provide her with numerous toys to keep her constructively occupied and set aside some time each day to play, play, play with her.
 
If, however, these environmental changes prove ineffective, your vet may prescribe a medication to reduce her anxiety and stress.

by Nomi Berger
 
Does the sound of hissing and the sight of swatting occur all too frequently in YOUR home? If so, you’re not alone. More multi-cat households than you can shake a paw at experience this phenomenon as well. The term for such unwelcome behavior is resource guarding, and, not surprisingly, much of it is grounded in kitty cat insecurity.
 
Cats who once spent an extended period of time either on the streets or in shelters before being rescued -- particularly those deprived of food in the past -- are most likely to resource guard in their adoptive homes. Why? Because, in spite of all of the food available to them, they still perceive that there’s little or none.
 
Sometimes a resident cat will resource guard when a new cat enters her established household. Or vice-versa. A new cat may exhibit the same tendency if she’s either been abandoned or deprived of adequate food and water in the past. Others may resource guard when they feel stressed by such changes in their homes as new people entering the picture (roommates or spouses) or by familiar people exiting the picture (children leaving for college or divorces).
 
What then, is included in the list of “items” stressed kitties guard so fiercely? Food and water bowls, toys, games and cat tunnels, litter boxes, cat scratchers and scratching posts, cat trees and napping spots, and purr-ticularly people. And the ways they display their displeasure include hissing to warn the other cat(s) to stay away, swatting at the other cat(s) and sometimes their guardians to stay away, literally blocking the other cat or cats’ access to anything they consider theirs, scratching various items as a way of “claiming” them, and spraying or urinating on some items and even people.
 
Should you notice your kitty guarding her resources from a new feline addition to “her” family, stop it early to both prevent her behavior from escalating and to ensure there’s harmony between all parties in your household. Consider, then, these suggestions. Put down a food bowl for each cat before mealtimes. Remove the lids from all of the litter boxes to prevent one cat from trapping the other inside them. Set up several litter box areas to give the bullied cat other options if your cat is guarding one area. Spend equal quality one-on-one time with each cat and engage them in stimulating playtime activities together. Supply them with enough toys, games and scratching posts, cat trees, cubbyholes and cat beds so that each cat can lay claim to her own. Experiment with several natural flower essences known to reduce stress and encourage calm. Shower your cats with effusive praise and reward them with high value treats whenever they’re together without either bullying or guarding. And, as a last resort, discuss the matter with your vet to see if your cats’ anxieties can be reduced by medication.

by Nomi Berger
 
Feline vertigo or feline vestibular disease refers to a sudden, non-progressive disturbance of balance. Capable of affecting cats of all ages, those afflicted with it will become disoriented and nauseous, develop a head tilt (they often lean or fall in the direction of their head tilt), have irregular, jerking eye movements called nystagmus, and even vomit.
 
What, then, is the vestibular system? It’s the system responsible for maintaining a cat’s normal balance with central components located in the brain and peripheral components located in the inner and middle ear.
 
The possible causes of feline vertigo include middle or inner ear infections, trauma or injury, drugs toxic to the ear, hypothyroidism and tumors, particularly in older cats. When no specific cause for a cat’s condition can be determined, it’s referred to as feline idiopathic vestibular disease. Why? Because the sudden onset of the above-mentioned signs show a subsequent and rapid improvement with little, if any, medical intervention.
 
There are no specific tests for feline vestibular disease itself. Most cases are diagnosed based on your particular cat’s medical history, clinical signs and a thorough physical examination by your vet as well as on the results of some or all of the following: blood tests, urine tests (these check for urinary tract infections and kidney function), ear cultures and cytology (examination of any discharge or fluids found in the ear canal), spinal fluid analysis, testing for kidney, liver and pancreatic function, thyroid testing to determine hormone production, and electrolyte tests to check for dehydration or an electrolyte imbalance.
 
In some cases, testing may also include blood pressure measurements and head x-rays to assess the appearance of the middle and inner ears while, occasionally, a CT scan or MRI will be performed to look for tumors or other abnormalities.
 
Any subsequent course of action will ultimately depend on your cat’s symptoms and on whether a cause for her condition has been established. If a cause has indeed been determined, then the underlying condition will be treated rather than the vestibular disease itself.
 
In the case of middle or inner ear infections, however, your vet may prescribe antibiotics or anti-fungal medications as well as a medication to reduce her motion sickness, nausea and vomiting. Since idiopathic vestibular disease is a short-term, self-resolving condition, its symptoms are typically worse in the first 24 to 48 hours and improve steadily over the next two to three weeks
 
But, as a conscientious pet parent, you can help your kitty feel better while her symptoms are at their worst by following these suggestions:
Manage your own stress because cats are extremely sensitive to our emotions.
Keep her confined in a quiet, safe space far from any stairs.
Support her by surrounding her with a thick, rolled up blanket.
Ensure that her food and water bowls and litter box are at ground level and nearby.
Make certain that she remains hydrated and fed if she can’t do so herself.
If she’s unable to stand at all, assist her in changing positions periodically to prevent any sores from developing on her body.
Avoid the temptation to carry her since she has to walk in order to re-train her “navigational” system.
 
Whereas the majority of cats make a complete recovery, some severely affected ones may be left with a head tilt. The good news is that in most cases of feline idiopathic vestibular disease, the condition will never reappear.