What Are the Causes of Weakness in Kittens?

Kittens are susceptible to many conditions that result in weak muscles or wobbly leg symptoms. The most common and less fatal causes can be prevented with quality food and a safe environment. Other causes are more severe and only treatable by a veterinarian. If a kitten is showing signs of severe weakness, consider what factors are present in the kitten's history and environment that may be the underlying cause.

  1. Enviornmental

    • A quality diet, under the guidance of a feline veternarian can rule out more severe causes.

      One of the most common causes of weakness in kittens is low blood sugar. When food quality is low or the nutritional needs of a kitten are not met, the body begins to pull energy from the muscle tissue, which results in muscle weakness and a comatose appearance. This can be fatal depending on the severity of each case; if the kitten is not receiving nutrients because they are not digesting the food given, despite being a quality food, this can also cause low blood sugar.

    Congential Causes

    • Genetic disorders and diseases present in the kitten before birth are also possible causes of weakness in kittens. When pregnant queens (mothers) are exposed to toxins or vaccinated while pregnant, many kittens develop ataxia shortly after birth. Ataxia, which is a neurological condition that can effect different parts of the body including the inner ear, the brain and the spinal cord, results in an unsteady or high stepping gait. Felines that are infected with feline panleukopenia or birthed from infected queens will also exhibit some form of ataxia.

    Toxins

    • Toxins found in the home are also causes of weakness in kittens. Heavy scents from deodorizers, second hand smoke and non-organic cleaning chemicals can create nausea, vomiting and diarrhea, which results in weakness from lack of nutrition and dehydration. Oils, gasoline, cleaning agents and antifreeze are garage dangers that if kittens are exposed to directly or indirectly will show symptoms of being poisoned such as weakness and disoriented walking. Poisoning from pest traps and fumes from bait houses are also possible causes.

    Considerations

    • While kittens may be naturally clumsy, they should not show muscle tremors or disoriented movements. And while a visit to the vet for vaccines and routine medication may create fatigue or upset stomach, severe signs of an unstable gait and muscle weakness are not normal. Before treating weakness in kittens, allow a veterinarian to rule out more severe and fatal causes first. Keeping a record of what toxins are in the home and where food is kept can also help determine if food is contaminated by rats or splashed by cleaners.