Cerebellar Hypoplasia

Cerebellar hypoplasia (CH), affectionately known as 'wobbly cat syndrome', is one of the more reassuring conditions an owner can be told their cat has — because despite its dramatic appearance, it does not hurt, does not spread, and does not get worse over time.

The cerebellum is the region at the back of the brain responsible for coordinating fine, smooth movement and balance. In a cat with CH, this part of the brain simply did not finish developing before birth. The result is a cat that is mentally completely normal — alert, affectionate and playful — but physically uncoordinated, with a characteristic wobble, a high-stepping 'marching' walk, and head tremors that become more pronounced when the cat concentrates on something, such as leaning in to eat.

The usual cause is infection of the mother with feline panleukopenia virus during pregnancy. The virus attacks rapidly dividing cells, and in unborn kittens the developing cerebellum is especially vulnerable. Kittens are therefore born with the condition already established; it is present from the moment they start trying to walk, and the severity ranges from a barely noticeable sway to a cat that struggles to stand.

Crucially, CH is non-progressive. A kitten that learns to compensate for its wobble will often improve in apparent function as it grows, developing its own ingenious techniques for getting around. Most CH cats do best as indoor-only pets, since their balance makes heights and the outdoors riskier. Simple home adaptations make an enormous difference: litter trays with a low entry and high sides to lean against, food and water bowls raised slightly and placed against a wall, carpet or rugs for grip, and the removal of hazards near stairs. With these small accommodations, wobbly cats are famous among their owners for being some of the most loving, resilient and joyful companions imaginable.