Two Easy Ways to Start Earning Rewards!
Become a member today!
Members-only pricing and offers, personalized care notifications, Vital Care points back on every purchase and more!
Already a member? Sign in
Become a credit card member today!
Earn 2X Pals Rewards points at Petco
when you use Petco Pay!
APPLY NOW
Learn More About Petco Pay Benefits

My kitten is tilting her head and seems off balance. What's wrong?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

My kitten seems a bit quirky and off balance. She tilts her head oddly a lot, I can never tell if something's wrong or if she's just curious.

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Sarah Smith, Bsc (Hons) BVM&S MRCVS

Veterinarian

Published on November 8th, 2016

If you are worried about her balance and the head tilt I would recommend making an appointment with your veterinarian. They will be able to take a full medical history and perform a thorough physical examination. They will be able to determine if your kitten has a neurological condition which could account for what you are seeing or if there is a possible ear infection or if what you are seeing is completely normal. In some instances they suggest further diagnostic tests such as X-rays or blood tests to investigate underlying causes. They will also be able to dispense any medications needed if there is an ear infection or any kind or if there is another treatable condition. Best of luck!

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS
Veterinarian
Published on October 20th, 2019
Journey is in pain if she can't hold her neck straight. Please do not give her any human pain medications as many are toxic to cats and are fatal if given. Take her into a vet first thing in the morning.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Smart Picks for Smart Questions

Related Questions

Health & Wellness

My cat's head is tilted, has balance issues, and can't eat. Why?

Head tilt could be caused by deep inner ear infection (or polyp), stroke, infection such as toxoplasmosis, stroke, or even tumor although that would be rare at her age. If the toxo test comes back normal then I would consider requesting a referral to a neurologist where an MRI of the brain can be done. If that is not possible then I would trial treat with antibiotics and steroids. I am so sorry that she is going through this. I am sure you are very worried. Best of luck and thank you for using Pet Coach.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Why is my 1-month-old kitten's head falling back and losing balance?

his is an emergency. Take her to a veterinarian right away, as this points to either hypoglycemia or an infection or she got hurt while roaming. Confine her to a room at this age as roaming for such a small kitten is dangerous and they can get into trouble easily. Please have her seen by a veterinarian today.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Health & Wellness

My cat has a head tilt, wobbles, and keeps falling over. What's wrong?

The next steep would be a test for toxoplasmosis and an x-ray of the head. She could still have an inner ear infection. Unfortunately should als suffer from a brain tumor. You may want to get a referral to a veterinary neurologist..

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

My cat has head tilt, twitching eyes, and is growling. What's happening?

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Poor Tinsel! She needs to see your Vet when they open. It sounds like she is having a Vestibular event, this is when the balance center is off and they feel like the world is spinning. They can see but the abnormal eye twitching is called nystagmus. The most common cause in a young kitten is a deep ear infection or a nasopharyngeal polyp. She is growling because she is scared and stressed. Be careful and do not get bit. Use a towel or large blanket to get her in the carrier. Gently place it over her body and scoop her up and put her in the carrier. I wish you the best!

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Why is my 2-week-old kitten walking wobbly and losing head control?

It's definitely not normal. I would recommend that you have the kitten checked out by a vet. There could be something congenital (such as a brain issue) or an infection causing these weird episodes. A complete physical and neurologic exam may shed some light as to the cause, or the vet may recommend bloodwork to get an answer.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

My stray cat has a head tilt. Is she deaf or has an ear infection?

A head tilt in a kitten often indicates a severe ear infection that affects the middle and inner ear. This could definitely cause her to go deaf in that one ear, but she wouldn't be expected to be completely deaf. However, it is suspicious that she didn't react to the vacuum. It is possible that she has a hereditary defect (more common in white cats) that is causing her to be deaf. In either case, it's best to have her evaluated by a veterinarian. They can help narrow-down the cause of this and ensure she gets the necessary treatment. I hope that helps and all is well with Kee Kee D.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

My kitten is circling and making noise. What could be wrong?

It could be that your kitten is suffering from vestibular disease if she is moving around in a circle. Vestibular disease is a neurological disorder that can be caused by an ear infection, bacterial infection, inflammatory disease, or polyps among other causes. I would have your kitten seen by a vet immediately for this, who can diagnose the cause of her circling and can treat her.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Have A Vet Question?

Book an appointment with the pros – our expert vets are here to help.

Share