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Identifying Cat Brain Damage

also see Ill Cat 

also see Cat Anxiety

also see Cat Pain

Cat brain damage can occur due to lack of oxygen or inadequate blood flow in the brain. The brain damage can be a consequence of a concussion, a cat stroke or a seizure. The cat brain damage may be temporary or permanent; it all depends on the severity of the condition.

Blank Stare

A cat with neurological problems will display a blank stare. If you test your cat, his eyes will not follow your finger and he won't show interest in moving things. Your cat loses his focus.

In some cases, one of his pupils is more dilated (a possible consequence of a stroke).

Lack of Coordination

A symptom of brain damage is the lack of coordination and balance. Your cat finds it difficult to coordinate his moves. You might also notice your cat walking in circles or suddenly falling. In some cases of brain damage, the limbs of the cat become rigid.

Bleeding from Nose or Ear

Nose bleeds or bleeding from the ear canal are not normal and should be an alarming sign.

Lack of Appetite

A brain-damaged cat will show no interest in food. You will observe that the food tray stays full. It may happen that when you give your cat his favorite treat he might leave it untouched. The lack of appetite also leads to weight loss.

Loud Meowing

Neurological problems might be signaled by loud meowing. Your cat will make strident sounds, and this may often happen during nighttime.

Personality Changes

A cat with brain damage will no longer have the personality you were used to. A sick cat will be lethargic, less active and will not seek to play with other objects and toys. He will rarely ask for your affection. He will also look for intimacy and hide from noisy rooms.

Non-Responsive Cat

A cat with brain damage hardly reacts when he is called. Food or treats won't impress your cat. He doesn't recognize his owners and has a general state of confusion. He will also sleep more than he used to, especially during the day.

Any of these symptoms point to neurological damage; visit your veterinarian and he will run a few tests for confirmation. In cases of short seizures, the brain damage might be temporary and your cat should get back to normal; however permanent brain damage is not treatable. Your vet will prescribe some anti-convulsant drugs to prevent future seizures or give your cat treatment to keep the strokes under control.

also see 9 Symptoms of Cat Stroke

also see Cat Anatomy Fundamentals

also see Seizures In Cats

also see Heat Tolerance