Diabetes in Cats & Vestibular Disturbance

The vestibular apparatus in a cat is the system that helps the cat stay balanced. It is located in the inner ear. Diabetes is one of many physical conditions that can affect the vestibular system, leaving the cat uncoordinated or having troubles standing.

  1. Causes

    • Low blood sugar or hypoglycemia can cause seizures in cats, according to "Cat Owner's Home Veterinary Handbook." Diabetes mellitus, also called sugar diabetes, can cause muscle weakness and a lowered immune system. Diabetic cats and kittens are also more prone to inner ear infections.

    Complications

    • As feline diabetes progresses, as well as more inner ear infections, the cat may have problems walking with the hind legs due to diabetic neuropathy. The hocks, the pointy parts when the hind leg bends, touch the ground, causing the cat to shuffle awkwardly.

    Identification

    • Inner ear infections in cats produce the same balance problems as cats with low blood sugar or cats with insulin overdose, including walking with a head tilt, walking in small circles, staggering, shivering uncontrollably or walking into objects as if blind.

    Prevention

    • Diabetes and its complications like loss of balance often occur in overweight cats. Keeping a cat at its healthy body weight can help prevent feline diabetes. Since diabetic cats are prone to ear infections, check the ears at least once a week.

    Warning

    • Feline diabetes gets worse if left untreated and can kill the cat. Although there have been cases of remission, this is only after going on a diet and receiving any needed medication like insulin. Coordination problems are often a sign that the diabetes is advanced in the cat.