Why is my senior cat stumbling or wobbly when walking on the bed?

This wobbly gait is called ataxia. It can be caused by trauma, neurological disorders, endocrine imbalances, nutritional deficiency or infection. Sister should be examined by your veterinarian to diagnose illness or injury. Bloodwork (CBC, chemistry/thyroid panels, urinalysis) and x-rays may be indicated after a physical exam.

Beast could be suffering from a metabolic disease like diabetes that can affect balance and neurologic function, for example. I recommend a full workup if this behavior continues, including blood work and potentially radiographs to look for signs of metabolic or neurologic disease, infection, or arthritis.

Hello and welcome to Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. I am sorry that Majo is having these issues. Studies have shown that 95% of cats over the age of 8 have some form of arthritis, and often it is undiagnosed because cats hide their illnesses well. This could be the cause of Majo's inability to jump up. Other causes could be related to being overweight, neurological problems that can include both structural issues in her back, or metabolic conditions such as diabetes. Weakness from other medical conditions can also cause this type of behaviour. What I recommend is a visit to the vet to make sure there is no medical cause that needs to be addressed, and to assess her body condition to see if weight loss is needed. Otherwise, ramps are a great idea to help our furry friends get up on the bed. If arthritis is the issue, you can talk with your vet about different types of food and supplements that will help support joints. Best of luck with Majo!

If Teddy Bear Eddy is normal in the front end and is eating and drinking normally then he may have arthritis or a back injury causing his rear legs not to work right due to discomfort. If he's wobbly walking in the front, has a head tilt or having trouble eating then it could be an equilibrium problem from an ear infection. A small amount of blood in the stool probably is not related, cats can get that when the stool is hard or during bouts of diarrhea. If he doesn't improve after a week or so of rest I would bring Teddy in for an exam. They will check his ears and may recommend X-rays of his back and pelvis to determine the cause. If needed they can give him a safe pain medication. Please never give cats human pain medication as none is safe for cats. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to help you care for Teddy Bear Eddy.

Yes, you need to take Katie to the veterinarian. Weakness in the hind limbs can indicate many things ranging from hyperthyroidism to a spinal issue. A physical exam, blood work and potentially x-rays are needed for the correct diagnosis and treatment. Certain conditions, if caught early, are highly treatable. I hope this helps and please feel free to post any additional questions.

Thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! The signs you describe can be caused by an irregularity in the spine - this may cause the bones to compress the actual spinal cord, damaging the nerves that are responsible for controlling the back legs and tail. A veterinary neurologist would be able to further diagnose the condition and propose a treatment plan, your original vet may be able to recommend one. I would be happy to take a look at x-rays or bloodwork and answer any questions you may have about them!

Your kitty obviously is having a health problem and needs to be seen by a vet. Being wobbly is a sign either of neurological origin or weakness or serious hip pain caused by arthritis. Please take her to a veterinarian for a geriatric wellness exam today.