When the nervous system is affected by disease, toxins or trauma, the results can be devastating, causing problems with balance, sight, behavior, pain and paralysis. The causes of neurological diseases in cats might be congenital, toxic, parasitic, traumatic and inflammatory. There are many neurological disorders that affect cats.
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Seizures
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Seizures occurring in cats are usually caused by an underlying disease such as feline hypertension, brain tumors or trauma. Primary epilepsy as the cause of seizures is very rare in cats.
Panleukopenia
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Panleukopenia is a viral infection commonly known as feline distemper. It is often fatal yet preventable by vaccination. When kittens are infected, they will usually have a lack of balance (ataxia) for the rest of their lives.
Toxoplasmosis
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Toxoplasma gondii is a relatively common parasite that usually causes no problems, but cats with a suppressed immune system such as those infected with feline AIDS or feline leukemia are at greater risk of developing toxoplasmosis, which affects the central nervous system. Symptoms might include blindness, seizures and ataxia.
Feline Hyperesthesia
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Also known as rippling skin disease, this condition presents as a pattern of unusual behavior such as load meowing, running in circles, manic grooming, sudden mood swings and rippling skin on the back. Some cats might experience grand-mal seizures during or after a bout of FHS.
Poisoning
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Many household plants such as lilies and pothos, when eaten, can cause problems with the central nervous system. Many household cleaners, garden sprays and bug spray also can cause neurological problems.
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