If you’ve ever noticed your cat’s eyes darting to the side or moving in an odd pattern, then it’s not something you should ignore. This irregular eye movement could be nystagmus, a condition characterized by involuntary and repetitive eye movement.
While it can be alarming to look at, nystagmus in cats is treatable. In this blog, we’ll learn everything there is to know about it, from what it is to how it’s prevented.
Types of Nystagmus in Cats
Nystagmus in cats is classified into two main types.
Jerk Nystagmus
In this type, the eyes move slowly in a single direction, then they quickly snap back in the opposite direction. This can have many repetitions.
Pendular Nystagmus
Pendular nystagmus in cats is less common and typically congenital. Cat breeds commonly affected by this type include Siamese and Himalayan cats.
In this form, the eyes move back and forth at an equal speed, like a pendulum. Vertical and circular movements may suggest more serious neurological issues.
What Causes Nystagmus in Cats?
Nystagmus is often a symptom of a much more serious health issue. Generally, it’s related to vestibular disease. This includes:
Ear Infections
Infections in the ear can inflame or damage the structures responsible for balance, which are part of the vestibular system. As a result, the brain receives mixed signals about motion, resulting in the uncontrollable movement of the eyes.
Ear Mites and Growths
Ear mites can cause inflammation in the ear, as well as secondary infections. Benign growths can also cause irritation, blockage, or pressure. The damage inflicted on the vestibular system in cats leads to nystagmus.
Head Trauma
Blunt force injuries and accidents can affect the brain and inner ear. If the vestibular system is impacted, then nystagmus can be one of the first signs you can notice in your cat. These cases are often considered emergencies.
Brain Tumors
Masses or bleeding in the brain can directly damage the areas responsible for balance and eye control. Nystagmus caused by brain issues is generally more severe. This can also be accompanied by other neurological symptoms.
Neurological Infections
Viruses and parasites, such as FIP, FeLV, or FIV, can attack the neurological system, resulting in nystagmus in cats. When the brainstem or cerebellum becomes inflamed, it can throw off coordination. Generally, these cases develop gradually but severely.
Congenital Defects
Some cats are born with developmental and structural issues in the inner ear and brain, which may have led to nystagmus. This is most common in breeds such as Siamese, Himalayan, and Persian cats.
Toxins and Medications
Exposure to certain toxic substances and medications can interfere with brain and inner ear functions. This could cause nystagmus and long-term damage if your cat has been exposed to high doses.
Idiopathic Causes
In some cases, the cause of a cat’s nystagmus is entirely unknown.
What are the Symptoms of Nystagmus in Cats?
If your cat has nystagmus, there will be other accompanying symptoms aside from just unusual eye movement. This includes:
Head Tilting. Persistent head tilting is one of the clearest indicators of vestibular dysfunction. Your cat may tilt its head on one side and have it stay at that position even while walking or resting.
Loss of Balance. Ataxia refers to uncoordinated movements that sometimes lead to stumbling. Cats with nystagmus often have difficulty walking, jumping, and playing. They might hesitate to move at times, especially in unfamiliar spaces. Some cats even crouch low.
Circling or Falling. If the imbalance is severe, your cat might walk in tight circles. This generally happens on the affected side. In some cases, they might frequently fall or collapse, even while standing still.
Nausea and Vomiting. Because of the problems within the vestibular system, cats will also experience motion sickness. This results in nausea and vomiting.
Loss of Appetite. The combined effects of dizziness, confusion, and difficulty moving can lead to a reduced appetite. Affected cats may not respond well to their favorite foods, even treats.
Confusion. Cats with nystagmus may appear disoriented. They might wander aimlessly or react slowly when touched. Some may also appear anxious, scared, or clingy.
How Do Vets Diagnose Nystagmus in Cats?
If your cat shows any signs of nystagmus, it’s essential to have them checked. Here are the methods we use:
Physical and Neurological Examination
Our vets will start by assessing your cat’s overall condition. This can include its posture, head position, walking patterns, and eye movements. A simple neurological exam can determine whether there are any complications with the vestibular system.
We’ll also check for reflexes, coordination, and how your cat responds to being touched.
Using an otoscope, our vets will look deep in the ear canal for any signs of infection, ear mites, growths, or inflammation. This step greatly helps us in determining if the cause of nystagmus originated from this part of the body.
Imaging
If the cause of nystagmus in cats is brain-related, then we can do an MRI or CT scan. These tools give us a detailed look at the cat’s brain and inner ear structures, helping us identify any abnormalities that might give us clues.
Lab Tests
While these tests can’t directly diagnose nystagmus in cats, bloodwork and urinalysis can help assess your cat’s overall health. These can also be used to detect infections, inflammation, and toxin exposure.
Additionally, we can conduct a cerebrospinal fluid analysis wherein we collect a sample of your cat’s CSF to diagnose conditions such as FIP or toxoplasmosis. Essentially, these tests can rule out the possible causes of nystagmus in cats.
How is Nystagmus in Cats Treated?
Once the cause has been identified, the next step is to treat and manage it accordingly.
If the cause of your cat’s nystagmus is bacterial or fungal, we may prescribe antibiotics, antifungal medicines, or anti-inflammatory medications to help manage the issue. The ears will also be cleaned and flushed out under sedation.
Ear mite infestations are cleaned out and treated with topical or oral medications. If an abnormal growth within the ear is the cause, then surgery might be the best option.
If toxins or drugs are the cause of your cat’s nystagmus, then we will use activated charcoal or IV fluids to flush the drugs out of your cat’s system.
Neurological conditions such as toxoplasmosis or FIP may require a combination of medications, including antimicrobials and anti-inflammatory medications.
For tumors and structural issues within the brain, surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy might be possible solutions.
Recovery for Cats With Nystagmus
In any treatment option for nystagmus, supportive care is recommended to help your cat recover. This may include anti-nausea medications, IV fluids, appetite stimulants, environmental changes, and close monitoring.
Affected cats can fully recover with time and proper care. Specific times may vary, but cats with nystagmus caused by peripheral causes often recover within two to four weeks.
Central causes, such as brain tumors and strokes, may need more time for recovery. This can sometimes be permanent and require ongoing care.
How to Prevent Nystagmus in Cats?
Not every type of nystagmus can be prevented, but there are ways to minimize the risk and improve the chances of recovery.
Schedule Regular Checkups
Routine vet visits can catch health issues early, from simple ear infections to more severe neurological issues. By detecting the problem early, your cat will have better treatment options.
Regularly Clean Your Cat’s Ears
Make sure to clean your cat’s ears, especially when it’s time for grooming. Regular ear cleaning helps remove dirt, debris, and bacteria, effectively preventing any ear issues.
Keep Toxins Out of Reach
Cats love to explore, which means that they might come across household chemicals and human medications. Store these items away safely and far from your cat’s reach.
Create a Safe Living Space
Falls, blows to the head, and other types of accidents can trigger nystagmus in cats. Keep windows secured, place soft landings on cat platforms, and be mindful of any hazards at home.
“Cats might be quiet about their pain, but their bodies speak volumes if we know how to listen.”
- Dr. Mafalda Sardinha
Final Thoughts
The first signs of nystagmus in cats can be alarming, but it’s their bodies’ way of telling us that something is wrong. If you notice any of the signs, be sure to have your cat checked immediately. Early detection goes a long way in helping with recovery.
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