4 Signs of Cerebellar Hypoplasia, a Condition That Affects Cat Mobility

If you enjoy funny, cute cat videos, you might have seen some wobbly felines on social media from time to time. Their lack of coordination can be entertaining. But the reason for their wobble is usually a more serious matter.

These wobbly cats often have a neurological condition called cerebellar hypoplasia. It affects the cerebellum, the part of the brain that controls voluntary and involuntary movement. 

With cerebellar hypoplasia, the cerebellum isn’t fully developed. This causes affected cats to have balance issues. 

What are the symptoms of cerebellar hypoplasia?

Cerebellar hypoplasia causes fairly obvious symptoms. But some mild cases might have more subtle signs. Cerebellar hypoplasia symptoms include:

• Walking without coordination, usually with a wide stance

• Placing feet clumsily

• Leaning against walls for balance

• Head shaking (tremors) when focusing or moving

These symptoms may not be noticeable until your kitten starts trying to walk or move around. Cats with this condition can even appear to be in perfect health when they’re still.

Cerebellar hypoplasia doesn’t get worse over time. And it doesn’t cause pain. It also doesn’t negatively affect a cat’s life expectancy or prevent them from being spayed or neutered.

Many experts categorize cerebellar hypoplasia as mild, moderate, or severe based on the symptoms:

• Mild: Your cat will have slight head tremors and walk with a wide stance. But they’re still able to run, jump, walk, and climb.

• Moderate: Usually, tremors are more noticeable. And your cat might have more trouble staying balanced. They also might have more limits in their movement, such as with climbing.

• Severe: Many cats with severe symptoms can’t walk or even stand. They might have more tremors than cats with less severe symptoms. And they will likely need extra care and help with using the litter box, eating, and drinking. 

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If your cat has a severe case of cerebellar hypoplasia, your home might need to be altered for their safety. For example, you can place pillows or cushions in areas where they might fall and hit their head.

How is cerebellar hypoplasia diagnosed?

Veterinarians can usually diagnose cerebellar hypoplasia based on a cat’s symptoms and health history.

If your cat’s veterinarian suspects cerebellar hypoplasia, they may order an MRI or CT scan. They will review the scan for a smaller-than-average cerebellum. This will help them make an official diagnosis.

What causes cerebellar hypoplasia?

The main cause of cerebellar hypoplasia in cats is infection with feline panleukopenia — or feline distemper. If a pregnant cat becomes infected with the virus, her kittens are at risk of developing cerebellar hypoplasia.

The cerebellum develops while kittens are in the womb and keeps developing after they’re born. If their mother gets panleukopenia later in pregnancy, it can damage a kitten’s cerebellum and stunt its growth. The severity of the condition varies from mild to severe, depending on when the damage happened and how badly.

Kittens can also develop cerebellar hypoplasia if they are infected with panleukopenia within their first 2 weeks of life. At this age, the virus can still inflict enough damage to cause the condition.

When given to pregnant cats, some panleukopenia vaccines can also cause cerebellar hypoplasia in kittens. Pregnant cats shouldn’t be vaccinated for panleukopenia until a few weeks after their kittens are born.

If you’re a cat owner, there’s no reason to be alarmed about cerebellar hypoplasia. Many cats with this condition are able to adapt to their lack of mobility and live happy lives. The condition also isn’t very common. And cats with cerebellar hypoplasia can’t infect other cats. 

How do you treat cerebellar hypoplasia?

There isn’t a treatment for cerebellar hypoplasia in cats. The best thing you can do is support your cat based on the severity of their condition. 

Keep these tips in mind when caring for a cat with cerebellar hypoplasia:

• Keep your cat indoors at all times. Because they can’t move around like normal, cats with cerebellar hypoplasia should be kept indoors at all times. 

• Create a safe space for them to roam. Carpeted floors and rugs tend to be easier for cats with cerebellar hypoplasia to move on. Keep their claws a little longer so they can grip as they move. If needed, block access to your stairs to prevent falls.

• Build a space for sleep. Use a spacious and comfortable enclosure to keep them safe at night. Consider adding comfy blankets to an oversized carrier.

• Adjust your litter box size. Litter boxes with lower walls are easier for cats with severe cerebellar hypoplasia to access. For mild to moderate cases, litter boxes with higher walls give cats something to lean against.

• Use non-slip plastic bowls for food and water. You can add a little water to their meals if they have trouble drinking from a bowl.

• Keep them engaged. To keep your cat from getting bored, find toys they enjoy. Try a combination of wand toys, tunnels, and different materials.

Cats with cerebellar hypoplasia can get messy at times. They might get food all over themselves. Or they might not be able to stop from rolling in their pee or poop. You can keep them clean by:

• Using fragrance-free baby wipes

• Using fragrance-free baby shampoo for baths, if your cat tolerates being bathed

• Using waterless shampoo if baths aren’t an option

• Wiping their mouths after every meal

• Removing poop from the litter box as soon as possible

Be careful with baths if your cat isn’t used to them. If you have a kitten with cerebellar hypoplasia, you can get them used to baths early on. But if you need to use waterless shampoo, ask your veterinarian for a recommendation. Some vets might have it on hand and use it in the clinic.

If your cat with cerebellar hypoplasia is prone to falling accidents, you might worry about letting them roam free. But moving often will help them gain the strength they need to adapt to their lack of mobility.

Some owners make walkers for their cats with cerebellar hypoplasia. A walker can help your cat move around easier and exercise more often, especially if your house has hardwood floors or tile. There are helpful videos on YouTube for building walkers specifically for kittens and for adult cats with cerebellar hypoplasia.

Can cerebellar hypoplasia in cats be prevented?

Cerebellar hypoplasia in cats can be prevented with the FVRCP vaccine. This is one of the core vaccines recommended for all cats, and it prevents feline panleukopenia. 

However, if a cat becomes pregnant, don’t give them the vaccine until a few weeks after their kittens are born. And remember that spaying prevents pregnancy altogether.

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Written by:

Leah Thomason

Leah Thomason was an editorial intern on the GoodRx Health team. She is a writer from Houston, Texas, with an interest in pet health.

Edited by:

Renée Fabian, MA

Renée Fabian is the senior pet health editor at GoodRx. She’s worked for nearly 10 years as a journalist and editor across a wide range of health and well-being topics.

Reviewed by:

Ghanasyam Bey, DVM

Ghanasyam Bey, DVM, is from Cleveland, Ohio, and attended Princeton University for undergraduate studies. After a year of biology research at Duke University, he attended Ohio State College of Veterinary Medicine.

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