Wobbly Cat Syndrome: All About CH (Cerebellar Hypoplasia) in Cats

Have you ever seen a feline move as if it is extremely dizzy or as if the ground is shaking, yet it seems otherwise healthy? These jerky uncontrolled movements can be part of a condition known as cerebellar hypoplasia, more commonly called wobbly cat syndrome.

Head tremors and other chaotic movements are dead giveaways for the condition of these wobbly cats. Some people find this condition cute, but why do they move this way, and should we be concerned? This syndrome becomes far less intimidating once you understand it, so let’s take a look.

What is wobbly cat syndrome?

Wobbly cat syndrome is a neurological condition. Its scientific name is cerebellar hypoplasia, and felines with this condition are often abbreviated to CH cats. The cerebellum is a section of the brain responsible for intentional movement and coordination. This section of the brain is common in most animals, including felines, and it tends to develop most in-utero and shortly after birth.

The word hypoplasia refers to a lack of cells in an organ, so the name of this condition defines the exact issue causing it, an underdeveloped cerebellum.   

What causes wobbly cat syndrome?

Cerebellar hypoplasia can result from a number of causes including inflammatory diseases and malnourishment, but it doesn’t start with the kitten. This brain condition occurs as a result of a pregnant cat’s exposure to conditions that may delay fetal development.

Cerebellar hypoplasia most commonly occurs when a mother cat is infected with the feline panleukopenia virus during her pregnancy. This disease attacks the soft tissue of unborn kittens, especially their cerebellum. This viral damage is most intense in the last few weeks of pregnancy and the first few weeks after the kittens are born. It just so happens that this time period is also crucial for healthy cerebellum growth in felines, and so their brain is unable to develop fully in these individuals.

It is not uncommon for a whole litter to be affected by this syndrome, but it is congenital, so other kitties with proper fetal development will not be affected.     

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What are the symptoms of cerebellar hypoplasia?

Cerebellar hypoplasia in cats is most commonly identified through clinical signs like head tremors, head bobbing, a lack of fine motor skills, a wide stance when walking, and a lack of balance. While these jerky movements can be a dead giveaway, having cerebellar hypoplasia diagnosed is more complex.

Since this is a condition of the brain, blood work can not easily define this syndrome. Instead, an MRI scan is needed to determine if the cerebellum is underdeveloped for the cat’s age.

You may also notice that cats with this syndrome tend to wobble more intensely when they try to engage in certain activities like playing or eating. These intensified tremors are known as intention tremors and they are not known to be painful. Once the cat calms down or makes less intensive movements the tremors tend to return to their baseline.  

Tips for caring for CH cats

Most felines with CH are just like other cats with a little extra unintentional movement. The constant head tremors from this neurological disorder require extra care, but these cats adapt and enjoy life just like any other feline.

The most notable differences are that wobbly cats are more likely to fall, be messy eaters, and struggle to get to low water bowls. By providing a big easy-to-enter litter box and a raised feeding area with extra traction, your kitty’s life much easier.

Pets with severe CH may require even more help, including structures to balance against, and they may not be able to play with bigger dogs or children who could easily knock them over. 

All cats with cerebellar hypoplasia should be indoor pets, and this is because a CH cat is far more likely to fall or be unable to escape dangerous situations. Even if they still have their claws, defending themselves and running away requires motor skills that they do not possess. 

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Can it be prevented?

There is no treatment for cerebellar hypoplasia, but there are preventative measures that all pet parents can take. If you have an intact female cat, it is essential to have them vaccinated against the feline panleukopenia virus by getting the feline distemper vaccine. You will also want to prevent your intact female cat from interacting with felines who may be ill or pass along other inflammatory diseases. Another option is to have intact female cats spayed if you do not intend on breeding them or following other preventative measures.

The most common cause of wobbly cat syndrome is a viral infection in a pregnant cat, but this can also be passed down as a genetic disease. Cats with an underdeveloped cerebellum are more likely to have offspring that cannot develop properly. For this reason, it is wise to have cats with this syndrome fixed, so they can not pass on their genetics. 

These shaky kittens are adorable, but they do require more care than their healthy counterparts, so it is in every kitten’s best interest that pet parents act to prevent this syndrome from occurring in the first place through veterinary assistance and responsible care.  

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