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Why is my cat falling and flipping? Is her leg problem neurological?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Domestic Mediumhair | Female | unspayed | 2 lbs

When my cat was a kitten, her hind leg was kind of funny. She would drag it around but it didn't bother her much. Now it's gotten to the point where she will constantly fall, flip while eating, and even flip out of the litter box. A vet told me she may have a neurological problem due to lack of oxygen in the womb because she was the runt and much smaller than her siblings and was neglected by the mother cat. Is there anyway to help her, is she in pain?

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Jeffrey Milner

Veterinarian

Published on June 29th, 2017

Sorry to hear that Hazel isn't doing so great. Based on your description, I would tend to agree with the other vet that the problem sounds neurologic. I couldn't say for sure what the origin of the issue is, but seeing as it has been going on since kitten-hood an in utero problem is definitely possible. If the leg is the only issue and it seems to be more a hindrance than anything to Hazel, sometimes the best thing to do for it is to amputate. The removal of the leg can sometimes make life far easier rather than more difficult. Animals, unlike humans, recover extremely quickly from this type of procedure and are usually up and about within hours afterward. On the other hand, if the problem is a lack of oxygen to the brain causing a generalized neurologic disorder, removal of the leg is unlikely to help. Your vet would be able to make this determination much better than me as he is able to see and feel Hazel. Overall, it doesn't sound like she is necessarily in pain, but it does sound like she is having a difficult time. Hope this helps!

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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