I had one similar to this. I was asked to foster him and his brother because I have lots of experience with Cerebellar Hypoplasia (aka Wobbly Cat/Kitten Syndrome), and they originally thought he had that. Once I got him home, I immediately knew it was something else.
He was probably a little younger—still on the bottle, and the same size as his brother, but absolutely couldn’t play or interact with his brother.
He ate fine and pooped/peed fine when I stimulated him.
When I put him on the floor though he just spun in circles like your baby. He also seemed uncomfortable. Almost like he couldn’t control the spinning. It was really difficult to see.
When he was sleeping, eating, or being held, he was comfortable.
I took video, sent it to the shelter, then took him in. After careful consideration, the decision was made to euthanize. There was no testing done to determine the cause of his condition.
His brother did well in foster and was adopted into a great home.
I hate telling this story but feel information is power.
If she only has a short time, make it great.
I agree this doesn't look like cerebellar hyperplasia, while they can't walk in a very straight line they don't walk in circles. The ones I dealt with were average size but mentally slow, not really wobbly kittens around 8 week and then they would gradually get worse as they got older.
I’m assuming she was fostering through a rescue or shelter. Unfortunately, these facilities are very limited on their resources. It’s sad, but sometimes you have to consider the expense of diagnostics +/- treatment (if able to treat) +/- prognosis when the money could be used for many more animals in their facility. Coming from someone who used to work in rescue and now works at a clinic.
I have a kitty with neurological problems who does this. She was much worse early on. She would just get lost in a room and just walk around in circles. She still does this exact same thing (tight circles) right before she poops, lol. I’ve had her since Memorial Day. When I first rescued her she was barely alive. She survived the first few nights but was blind and deaf. She was a really big eater though so she was fighting. Now, she’s just started moving her eyes (versus a blank stare), can hear and knows her name. She even runs full speed through my house (and sometimes right into the wall)!! Again, she was a fighter from day one though. Kittens can recover from neurological damage but it can take up to 6 months and can take a lot of work. In fact, the vet tech (but not the vet) suggested euthanasia. The only reason I couldn’t do that was the fact that she ate SO MUCH. That was the crucial piece because it’s what’s allowed her little body to grow and get stronger. Everything hinged on that. Her name is Piglet❤️ Something that really helped me was reading the story online of Cookie the kitten with neurological problems (you should be able to google that and find it). I literally read that story right before taking her to the vet. I believe her neurological problems are the result of severe cluster seizures she had when I first got her due to hypoglycemia. I want to add, the kitten will have to be very strong willed but my little Piglet is one of the happiest kittens I’ve ever seen. She doesn’t see or hear well but don’t tell her she’s any different, lol. I wish I could add a video or picture but you can see her early pics in my post history
I'm so sorry you went through that. I've fostered for my local animal shelter for years. One year I got five babies found in the loft of a barn. The people who owned it looked for a mom for days. One by one they started to die on me. None of them showed the same symptoms as the last. One little girl got diarrhea and leaked constantly. On the third day she started refusing food. I lost her that night. One of them had a really odd shaped head. He passed away the fourth day I had him. That's when of them started behaving very oddly. She'd scream every time I picked her up. I couldn't even comfort her. And she'd sort of paddle her way around the box, from corner to corner. The shelter manager and I had some words. She saw a vet visit as a waste of money. She told me if I sought treatment on my own I'd no longer be able to foster. After doing some reading and asking around I decided we should put her down. It was obviously something neurological. As I was standing in the room the alarm for feeding went off. I can't even begin to describe the guilt I had for not giving her a last meal. But she did not want to be held.
One single kitten from the litter of five survived. The shelter manager wanted me to bring him in to be euthanized since the rest had gotten sick. I adopted him myself and had 10 sweet years with him.
I'm so sorry you went through that. I've fostered for my local animal shelter for years. One year I got five babies found in the loft of a barn. The people who owned it looked for a mom for days. One by one they started to die on me. None of them showed the same symptoms as the last. One little girl got diarrhea and leaked constantly. On the third day she started refusing food. I lost her that night. One of them had a really odd shaped head. He passed away the fourth day I had him. That's when of them started behaving very oddly. She'd scream every time I picked her up. I couldn't even comfort her. And she'd sort of paddle her way around the box, from corner to corner, non stop. The shelter manager and I had some words. She saw a vet visit as a waste of money. She told me if I sought treatment on my own I'd no longer be able to foster. After doing some reading and asking around I decided we should put her down. It was obviously something neurological. As I was standing in the room the alarm for feeding went off. I can't even begin to describe the guilt I had for not giving her a last meal. But she did not want to be held.
One single kitten from the litter of five survived. The shelter manager wanted me to bring him in to be euthanized since the rest had gotten sick. I adopted him myself and had 10 sweet years with him.
Looks like something neurological is going on. She needs to be seen by the vet. My blind cerabellar hypoplasia cat started walking in circles, turned out he had an ear infection.
For responsible use of antibiotics it's important to not just ask the vet for antibiotics but to approve appropriate diagnostics to determine if antibiotics are warranted first. You shouldn't need to dictate to the vet what your proposed treatment is. There are many types of antibiotics that treat many types of infections. Asking for blatant "antibiotics" is not helpful or in some instances indicated.
This kitten likely has an inner ear or brain lesion - something that can be caused by inflammation, trauma, parasitism OR infection, with some infections requiring various kinds of antibiotics.
He ended up needing oral antibiotics. The ear drops just weren't doing it. 2 months and 2 different drops and he still had an ear infection. It wasn't until I asked for a course of amoxicillin and ear drops that we finally got the infection cleared.
I would normally agree with you but I have had cases where the vets were not sure and I would suggest it and it was approved.
In some cases a culture is needed on an open wound if it isn't healing.
PS. It's ok to question a vet. I have had experiences with vets who wanted to put to sleep or say it's neurological.
They were wrong.
It's totally ok to ask questions (a vet's goal is the welfare of the animal, even if sometimes that means PTS, but medicine is often gray), but it's obnoxious to dictate care. Trust is really important with any type of doctor-patient relationship.
This is how antibiotic resistance gets selected for and spreads, people demanding antibiotics (whether or not they were warranted) and complaining when they didn't get them.
All I know is I have had a couple ER vets on different occasions say crazy stuff. They even suggested PTS. They were wrong. It pays to question.
I had a kitten found in an abandoned vehicle that was unresponsive.. Guess what the ER vet said?
I had to ask for them to put an IV in. She went home that day.
Good job OP ❤️
Update:
We took Toph to the vet, and I’m sad to say that she had Hydrocephalus. Her condition was too severe and she had a lot of brain damage. So, I’m heartbroken to say that she had to be euthanized. I have her blanket to remember her by, and I’m deeply saddened. She was so brave and had so much spirit. I’m going to miss her, but I’m glad that she is no longer suffering.
I know I have to continue doing what I love, and I can’t give up on fostering. The animal shelter desperately needed people to foster, so I made the decision to take two more kittens home. In memory of Toph, I’ve named them Sokka and Katara.
Poor baby, you did the best thing you could for her, even though it's heartbreaking. Some of these babies are only with us for a short time, but she knew love, warmth and shelter and that's golden. Hugs to you x
I’m so sorry for your loss.
Thank you for loving her and giving her a forever home, even if it was short.
Thank you for continuing to foster in her honor.
Oh, I’m so sorry to hear this. Please don’t let this stand in the way of you sharing your love with other fosters. Even though it was a short life, the kitten DID get to feel what it’s like to be loved. And that means everything ❤️
Sorry for your loss. Once in a while we wind up with that foster kitten who just cannot be saved. They take a piece of your heart when they go, but you’ve filled it up again with two new fosters. And on we go.
Sometimes a forever home is only for a few hours or a few days. Topher was safe, fed, and loved thanks to your love and care.
Eyes bright
Claws sharp
Tail high
Go forth, young Warrior Toph, across the Rainbow Bridge where Valhalla awaits you. You were loved in your short time in our world. You will be missed.
Those who love you wish you fair winds and following seas on your journey from this realm. We're sorry you couldn't stay. Farewell, sweet girl.
I have a cat named Sokka, too! Thank you for everything you did for Toph. That sweet baby was lucky to have compassionate hearts caring for her. It's so hard when these heartaches happen.
Poor baby, I’ve recently had to have my kitten put to sleep and it’s so devastating BUT it’s such a comfort knowing you loved that little bean and did EVERYTHING for them. That baby knew nothing but love in their short life 💖 and you did that
I'm so sorry. This breaks my heart however Toph secured a better life for Sokja & Katara so her life wasn't in vain. She's also now in the home the Lord has prepared for us all so she is now playing happily with her friends. Truly believe.
I don't have any advice, unfortunately. Also, I am not a vet so take everything I say with a grain of salt. From what you describe and from this video I agree that it looks like there is more going on than just blindness. Congenital issues can get complicated very quickly, and you may need to prepare yourself for bad news. If so, I am truly sorry.
You mentioned she wets herself often, how does she do with defecation? Is she able to poop without assistance, and does she use the litter box at all? 4 weeks is right on the cusp of where I'd usually expect kittens to be figuring that out, so it might be too early still. Is she eating on her own, and does she have a good appetite? She definitely looks scrawny, but that can be fixed if she can eat well. Actually, most things can be fixed if the kitten can eat well :)
In my mind, the biggest questions for her are around how self sufficient she can be, and what will be her quality of life. If she can get around okay (maybe with a diaper to help avoid accidents), she might still stand a chance at adoption. Ultimately it's up to the shelter, though. I am hoping for the best for you and Toph. I hope she's just a little slow and a little special, and otherwise able to grow into a happy kitten. Also, I love her name, that is a good strong name for this little one. She is lucky to have you looking out for her <3
Oh gosh. I don’t have any answers for you but I will say I think your concerns are valid and would definitely recommend her getting checked out quickly. Sending good thoughts your way for her and you.
When this happened with our last kitten, she had become very weak and dehydrated due to some other stuff. If you can, take her to the vet asap. It might be "just" some weird neurological balance issue, but it might be bad. I hope your little one will turn out to be fine!
There's a possibility Toph has some type of dwarfism. I had a kitten when I was younger I called Spins who did this. My dad was going to put him down but I had noticed that other than being extra small and 'spinny' he was otherwise doing the kitten thing (started pottying on his own, eating food). Mom had kept feeding him and extra formula let him grow up. Didn't know until he was a little older that he was blind. It took him a couple weeks to stop spinning although as an adult he'd spin occasionally. Sometimes I think it was stress, but most of the time he was happy and excited. He lived until he was 4/5 years old.
Hi, this can be caused by a lot of things and at this age it is hard to test for. In my rescue, our vet immediately treats for central nervous disease unless there is strong evidence of hydrocephalus. This means high high dose of clindamycin and possibly prednisolone. In almost every case, it has resolved. (When they are older, it has been FIP as well, but at this age it is much less likely.)
There is a condition called wobbly disease. Don't quote me, but I'd find a vet and look into it on Google. I probably have the name wrong, but it either is a neurological thing or lack of strength or length or even another disability like sight or hearing, causing the cat to walk cautiously/awkwardly out of self preservation I hope it's nothing serious. Please let us know how little one does. Sending good juju and love and light.
Cerabella hyperplasia, CH, known as wobbly cat syndrome.
But this kitten doesn’t appear to have that. CH is a symmetrical lack of balance. And has very obvious head bobbles
I am not sure but my 5 year old cat, many years ago, developed something where she had the same symptom of walking in circles and being confused. It progressed until she rarely walked anymore.
I ended up putting her to sleep. Years later I was researching her symptoms and I can’t remember the name of what I found, but it essentially said that was an illness that would go away after a while (I know this helps you zero amount)….. and since then the fact that I put down my 5 year old cat who probably would have fully recovered haunts me.
Definitely take her to another vet asap and show them the video! Good luck with precious Toph!
Does he calm down if you pick him up and hold him?
He seems very uncomfortable and scared. I would be getting him checked out instead of posting on here and in the meantime until you find out what’s going on and your next course of action, I will be holding him making him feel better and safe, but that’s me .
I had a foster who would do this, ended up going into grand mal seizures and passing away. Also was blind and had sunken eyes, as did most of his litter. He was the only one who passed away, and the vet seemed to think that there were internal deformities in addition to the ones that we could see that made life not viable for little dude.
If I remember correctly, the circling behavior is associated specifically with seizures caused by intracranial issues.
Sorry for the grim comment, but I would get Toph to a vet asap in case there is action that can be taken to make them more comfortable.
I had one who had been beaten in the head, suffered an aneurysm. She walked in circles, always the same direction. Had balance problems, tunnel vision. I hand fed her. She took phenobarbital every day. She slept next to my heart, helped me write all my undergrad papers . She lived 17 years. ❤️
I am so so sorry OP. Thank you for caring so hard and trying so hard to care for her and meet her needs. She was surrounded by your kindness in her little
Life🩷
Along with hydrocephalus, what this kitten ended up having, this also looks like a stroke. So it’s important that if anyone sees their animals behaving like this they seek emergency care. Even if the issue ends up being just an ear infection, better safe than sorry.
May I say something simply? I think you are wonderful to have brought this kitten into your home. I do agree there is something profoundly wrong with her, but know she is in the best hands, and that any decision you may make about her will be very well considered. Thanks for being a good person.
Definitely neurological. With her head shape I'm questioning if she may have some hydrocephalus. You said she's small, she may perhaps have some dwarfism which can commonly present with hydrocephalus. Best wishes ❤️
We had a black kitten that did this. Ours was a little more severe. Her body actually curved some. We let her be and she eventually got over it.
For a year or two after that, if she got startled she would run in a circle before running away. It was slightly comical and very endearing. She lived long enough to be able to vote. I miss her to this day, almost 15 years later.
This definitely looks neurological to me as well.
If it is unable to stop doing this definitely seek immediate vet care. Honestly at this age the chances are low of being able to do any meaningful treatment, id mentally prepare for euthanasia being suggested. So sorry, op.
I had a kitten that was like this and had a mite infestation in his ear. It caused him to spin around bc of his equilibrium being unbalanced and few other things that happens when ear infections/infestations go untreated. He was treated for his ears and made a full recovery. He does Bob his head to left and doesn’t climb many cat trees or so heights bc he’s so unbalanced. He’s also permanently deaf. His name is Ray Charles and lives the best life. If you have the financial funds I would try to save this miracle kitty. God bless and kind regards.
My puppy had similar issues (confusion, circling) and it was a liver shunt.
Thank you for looking after him and caring. I hope the vets bring you the best news.
Do you know if she's has any Worms, Im not sure if Cats usually get those (First time Cat Mom of now 7) but I had a dog who Got Worms and Had these same symptoms before passing but she also wouldn't eat
My foster kitten had the exact same thing. Walked in circles and was blind. Also had a cleft palate. It had a happy ending though. My rescue organization put out an article on Facebook and a woman who already had a blind cat adopted him!
I'm so sorry for your loss but you did the right thing for her. She knew love and had a warm home to sleep in and that is thanks to you. RIP little Angel💕😇🐾
Many animals, who are blind, walk in circles when stressed or in a new environment. Maybe the kitten is blind or maybe the kitten has a neurological condition. I would check vision first.
Looks like hydrocephalus. My cat Atticus was born with this (along with failing kidneys and a spinal deformity). He was freakishly small and wasn't expected to live more than a few weeks with supportive care. However he ultimately lived for 3.5 years.
This happened with a kitten we took in. We knew she had issues and the vet suggested to put her down from the start. They said it was the after effect of seizure like activity. She lived about 1 year and unfortunately passed away. She was way worse, appearing blind and couldn’t use the litter box. But she was so cute and we tried to give her the best chance she could have. But when they started giving her seizure meds she didn’t spin in circles. She also seemed to calm down when we played calling music for her,
I had an elderly cat for 21 yes and when he got old he lost his eye site...he would walk in circles or walk to a wall and just stand there. Maybe because it's a blind kitten it will take a while for him to adjust to being blind. Poor kitty 😺. Hope he starts to adjust.
We had a puppy like this at 10 weeks old. The specialty/ER vet wanted to do a neurology work up. We asked if there was anything else we could try first before spending $$$$ on a new puppy we had just met and didn’t have any insurance on yet. So he tried antibiotics, steroids and anti nausea medication because he thought it could also be an inner ear infection. That round of medication resolved all symptoms and they never returned.
I was thinking maybe some thing is in its ears deeps like a tick or spider or even a roach, that lead to motor skill issue’s n damaging of its little brain…awww , but what ever it’s to late now ! Sorry about the kitten, but at least she had you to Care n make sure , want ever was gone to be done was done Humanely n lovingly…
This may be way off base but we raise dogs, i have seen this exact same thing with 2 separate litters over the past number of years. vet said the pup was hydrocyphalic - swelling of the brain. Don’t know if that is a canine only or if feline could have it as well…. Behavior is the same
I had one similar to this. I was asked to foster him and his brother because I have lots of experience with Cerebellar Hypoplasia (aka Wobbly Cat/Kitten Syndrome), and they originally thought he had that. Once I got him home, I immediately knew it was something else. He was probably a little younger—still on the bottle, and the same size as his brother, but absolutely couldn’t play or interact with his brother. He ate fine and pooped/peed fine when I stimulated him. When I put him on the floor though he just spun in circles like your baby. He also seemed uncomfortable. Almost like he couldn’t control the spinning. It was really difficult to see. When he was sleeping, eating, or being held, he was comfortable. I took video, sent it to the shelter, then took him in. After careful consideration, the decision was made to euthanize. There was no testing done to determine the cause of his condition. His brother did well in foster and was adopted into a great home. I hate telling this story but feel information is power. If she only has a short time, make it great.
I agree this doesn't look like cerebellar hyperplasia, while they can't walk in a very straight line they don't walk in circles. The ones I dealt with were average size but mentally slow, not really wobbly kittens around 8 week and then they would gradually get worse as they got older.
Didn't even test for an ear infection?
Sorry, I should have mentioned that. He got a very thorough exam, including an ear exam.
Thank you for caring about kitten and also for letting us know she was looked at by the vet.
That's what I'm wondering. Why not test for something that is treatable?
I’m assuming she was fostering through a rescue or shelter. Unfortunately, these facilities are very limited on their resources. It’s sad, but sometimes you have to consider the expense of diagnostics +/- treatment (if able to treat) +/- prognosis when the money could be used for many more animals in their facility. Coming from someone who used to work in rescue and now works at a clinic.
I have a kitty with neurological problems who does this. She was much worse early on. She would just get lost in a room and just walk around in circles. She still does this exact same thing (tight circles) right before she poops, lol. I’ve had her since Memorial Day. When I first rescued her she was barely alive. She survived the first few nights but was blind and deaf. She was a really big eater though so she was fighting. Now, she’s just started moving her eyes (versus a blank stare), can hear and knows her name. She even runs full speed through my house (and sometimes right into the wall)!! Again, she was a fighter from day one though. Kittens can recover from neurological damage but it can take up to 6 months and can take a lot of work. In fact, the vet tech (but not the vet) suggested euthanasia. The only reason I couldn’t do that was the fact that she ate SO MUCH. That was the crucial piece because it’s what’s allowed her little body to grow and get stronger. Everything hinged on that. Her name is Piglet❤️ Something that really helped me was reading the story online of Cookie the kitten with neurological problems (you should be able to google that and find it). I literally read that story right before taking her to the vet. I believe her neurological problems are the result of severe cluster seizures she had when I first got her due to hypoglycemia. I want to add, the kitten will have to be very strong willed but my little Piglet is one of the happiest kittens I’ve ever seen. She doesn’t see or hear well but don’t tell her she’s any different, lol. I wish I could add a video or picture but you can see her early pics in my post history
You are a kind and good soul!
You’re good people 😻😇❤️
Makes me sad.
I'm so sorry you went through that. I've fostered for my local animal shelter for years. One year I got five babies found in the loft of a barn. The people who owned it looked for a mom for days. One by one they started to die on me. None of them showed the same symptoms as the last. One little girl got diarrhea and leaked constantly. On the third day she started refusing food. I lost her that night. One of them had a really odd shaped head. He passed away the fourth day I had him. That's when of them started behaving very oddly. She'd scream every time I picked her up. I couldn't even comfort her. And she'd sort of paddle her way around the box, from corner to corner. The shelter manager and I had some words. She saw a vet visit as a waste of money. She told me if I sought treatment on my own I'd no longer be able to foster. After doing some reading and asking around I decided we should put her down. It was obviously something neurological. As I was standing in the room the alarm for feeding went off. I can't even begin to describe the guilt I had for not giving her a last meal. But she did not want to be held. One single kitten from the litter of five survived. The shelter manager wanted me to bring him in to be euthanized since the rest had gotten sick. I adopted him myself and had 10 sweet years with him.
I'm so sorry you went through that. I've fostered for my local animal shelter for years. One year I got five babies found in the loft of a barn. The people who owned it looked for a mom for days. One by one they started to die on me. None of them showed the same symptoms as the last. One little girl got diarrhea and leaked constantly. On the third day she started refusing food. I lost her that night. One of them had a really odd shaped head. He passed away the fourth day I had him. That's when of them started behaving very oddly. She'd scream every time I picked her up. I couldn't even comfort her. And she'd sort of paddle her way around the box, from corner to corner, non stop. The shelter manager and I had some words. She saw a vet visit as a waste of money. She told me if I sought treatment on my own I'd no longer be able to foster. After doing some reading and asking around I decided we should put her down. It was obviously something neurological. As I was standing in the room the alarm for feeding went off. I can't even begin to describe the guilt I had for not giving her a last meal. But she did not want to be held. One single kitten from the litter of five survived. The shelter manager wanted me to bring him in to be euthanized since the rest had gotten sick. I adopted him myself and had 10 sweet years with him.
Looks like something neurological is going on. She needs to be seen by the vet. My blind cerabellar hypoplasia cat started walking in circles, turned out he had an ear infection.
Please ask vet to try antibiotics
For responsible use of antibiotics it's important to not just ask the vet for antibiotics but to approve appropriate diagnostics to determine if antibiotics are warranted first. You shouldn't need to dictate to the vet what your proposed treatment is. There are many types of antibiotics that treat many types of infections. Asking for blatant "antibiotics" is not helpful or in some instances indicated. This kitten likely has an inner ear or brain lesion - something that can be caused by inflammation, trauma, parasitism OR infection, with some infections requiring various kinds of antibiotics.
He ended up needing oral antibiotics. The ear drops just weren't doing it. 2 months and 2 different drops and he still had an ear infection. It wasn't until I asked for a course of amoxicillin and ear drops that we finally got the infection cleared.
Praying he starts feeling better ❤️
I would normally agree with you but I have had cases where the vets were not sure and I would suggest it and it was approved. In some cases a culture is needed on an open wound if it isn't healing. PS. It's ok to question a vet. I have had experiences with vets who wanted to put to sleep or say it's neurological. They were wrong.
It's totally ok to ask questions (a vet's goal is the welfare of the animal, even if sometimes that means PTS, but medicine is often gray), but it's obnoxious to dictate care. Trust is really important with any type of doctor-patient relationship.
I finally did after 2 months of drops not clearing the infection. A course of amoxi and ear drops finally cleared it for good in 2 weeks.
Maybe one that covers toxoplasmosis too
This is how antibiotic resistance gets selected for and spreads, people demanding antibiotics (whether or not they were warranted) and complaining when they didn't get them.
All I know is I have had a couple ER vets on different occasions say crazy stuff. They even suggested PTS. They were wrong. It pays to question. I had a kitten found in an abandoned vehicle that was unresponsive.. Guess what the ER vet said? I had to ask for them to put an IV in. She went home that day. Good job OP ❤️
No, this is the kind of attitude that will fuck us all
Why?
Update: We took Toph to the vet, and I’m sad to say that she had Hydrocephalus. Her condition was too severe and she had a lot of brain damage. So, I’m heartbroken to say that she had to be euthanized. I have her blanket to remember her by, and I’m deeply saddened. She was so brave and had so much spirit. I’m going to miss her, but I’m glad that she is no longer suffering. I know I have to continue doing what I love, and I can’t give up on fostering. The animal shelter desperately needed people to foster, so I made the decision to take two more kittens home. In memory of Toph, I’ve named them Sokka and Katara.
Poor baby, you did the best thing you could for her, even though it's heartbreaking. Some of these babies are only with us for a short time, but she knew love, warmth and shelter and that's golden. Hugs to you x
I’m so sorry for your loss. Thank you for loving her and giving her a forever home, even if it was short. Thank you for continuing to foster in her honor.
I’m so sorry. 😔 Thank you for helping her and for helping other kittens in need.
Oh! I’m so vert sorry ☹️
I'm so sorry ❤️ unfortunately not all kittens make it 😞
I’m so sorry, thank you for caring for her.
Thank you for caring. I'm sorry, Toph. Rest in peace little one.
Oh, I’m so sorry to hear this. Please don’t let this stand in the way of you sharing your love with other fosters. Even though it was a short life, the kitten DID get to feel what it’s like to be loved. And that means everything ❤️
❤️💔❤️
Thank you for the update. I’m so sorry this happened, but I’m glad she had someone who loved her by her side during her brief life. RIP, baby.
Thank you so much for caring about her and loving her and doing the best you could by her. She knew love and that is so priceless. Thank you.
Sorry for your loss. Once in a while we wind up with that foster kitten who just cannot be saved. They take a piece of your heart when they go, but you’ve filled it up again with two new fosters. And on we go.
Losing a baby is always so hard. I’ve found that pouring my energy into other foster kittens helps enormously. Hopefully it’s the same for you. ❤️
Hooman you are a good person. Toph rest well sweet kitty..thank you for your very short time.
Sometimes a forever home is only for a few hours or a few days. Topher was safe, fed, and loved thanks to your love and care. Eyes bright Claws sharp Tail high Go forth, young Warrior Toph, across the Rainbow Bridge where Valhalla awaits you. You were loved in your short time in our world. You will be missed. Those who love you wish you fair winds and following seas on your journey from this realm. We're sorry you couldn't stay. Farewell, sweet girl.
I'm so sorry. Thank you so much for fostering 🤗
I have a cat named Sokka, too! Thank you for everything you did for Toph. That sweet baby was lucky to have compassionate hearts caring for her. It's so hard when these heartaches happen.
You did the right thing. You're a good person, so many people would of selfishly keep toph alive to save themselves the heartbreak
:( I was gonna say just hold her forever 😭 rest peacefully, please Toph…
Poor baby, I’ve recently had to have my kitten put to sleep and it’s so devastating BUT it’s such a comfort knowing you loved that little bean and did EVERYTHING for them. That baby knew nothing but love in their short life 💖 and you did that
I'm so sorry. This breaks my heart however Toph secured a better life for Sokja & Katara so her life wasn't in vain. She's also now in the home the Lord has prepared for us all so she is now playing happily with her friends. Truly believe.
I don't have any advice, unfortunately. Also, I am not a vet so take everything I say with a grain of salt. From what you describe and from this video I agree that it looks like there is more going on than just blindness. Congenital issues can get complicated very quickly, and you may need to prepare yourself for bad news. If so, I am truly sorry. You mentioned she wets herself often, how does she do with defecation? Is she able to poop without assistance, and does she use the litter box at all? 4 weeks is right on the cusp of where I'd usually expect kittens to be figuring that out, so it might be too early still. Is she eating on her own, and does she have a good appetite? She definitely looks scrawny, but that can be fixed if she can eat well. Actually, most things can be fixed if the kitten can eat well :) In my mind, the biggest questions for her are around how self sufficient she can be, and what will be her quality of life. If she can get around okay (maybe with a diaper to help avoid accidents), she might still stand a chance at adoption. Ultimately it's up to the shelter, though. I am hoping for the best for you and Toph. I hope she's just a little slow and a little special, and otherwise able to grow into a happy kitten. Also, I love her name, that is a good strong name for this little one. She is lucky to have you looking out for her <3
Oh gosh. I don’t have any answers for you but I will say I think your concerns are valid and would definitely recommend her getting checked out quickly. Sending good thoughts your way for her and you.
Try posting over on /r/askvet - DVM Veterinarians & vet techs will reply to your post. Best of luck to your little one. 🤞🤞🤞🍀🍀🍀
When this happened with our last kitten, she had become very weak and dehydrated due to some other stuff. If you can, take her to the vet asap. It might be "just" some weird neurological balance issue, but it might be bad. I hope your little one will turn out to be fine!
There's a possibility Toph has some type of dwarfism. I had a kitten when I was younger I called Spins who did this. My dad was going to put him down but I had noticed that other than being extra small and 'spinny' he was otherwise doing the kitten thing (started pottying on his own, eating food). Mom had kept feeding him and extra formula let him grow up. Didn't know until he was a little older that he was blind. It took him a couple weeks to stop spinning although as an adult he'd spin occasionally. Sometimes I think it was stress, but most of the time he was happy and excited. He lived until he was 4/5 years old.
Hi, this can be caused by a lot of things and at this age it is hard to test for. In my rescue, our vet immediately treats for central nervous disease unless there is strong evidence of hydrocephalus. This means high high dose of clindamycin and possibly prednisolone. In almost every case, it has resolved. (When they are older, it has been FIP as well, but at this age it is much less likely.)
Get her to another vet ASAP.
She definitely has something neurological going on. She needs to go to the vet
It looks like vestibular disease/ issue. Most of the time this resolves. They may need antifungal or antibiotics for URI or ear infection.
Circles = neurological
There is a condition called wobbly disease. Don't quote me, but I'd find a vet and look into it on Google. I probably have the name wrong, but it either is a neurological thing or lack of strength or length or even another disability like sight or hearing, causing the cat to walk cautiously/awkwardly out of self preservation I hope it's nothing serious. Please let us know how little one does. Sending good juju and love and light.
Cerabella hyperplasia, CH, known as wobbly cat syndrome. But this kitten doesn’t appear to have that. CH is a symmetrical lack of balance. And has very obvious head bobbles
I just hope that baby's ok, has there been an update?
Yes OP commented that the vet diagnosed hydrocephalus with severe brain damage and recommended she be put down, so she was.
I am not sure but my 5 year old cat, many years ago, developed something where she had the same symptom of walking in circles and being confused. It progressed until she rarely walked anymore. I ended up putting her to sleep. Years later I was researching her symptoms and I can’t remember the name of what I found, but it essentially said that was an illness that would go away after a while (I know this helps you zero amount)….. and since then the fact that I put down my 5 year old cat who probably would have fully recovered haunts me. Definitely take her to another vet asap and show them the video! Good luck with precious Toph!
might be a problem with her inner ear canal too. definitely have a vet check her out to be certain tho. good luck 🍀
Does he calm down if you pick him up and hold him? He seems very uncomfortable and scared. I would be getting him checked out instead of posting on here and in the meantime until you find out what’s going on and your next course of action, I will be holding him making him feel better and safe, but that’s me .
We’re taking her to the vet today. Usually she calms down when we hold her, which is a good sign
I hope she will be ok ❤️
I had a foster who would do this, ended up going into grand mal seizures and passing away. Also was blind and had sunken eyes, as did most of his litter. He was the only one who passed away, and the vet seemed to think that there were internal deformities in addition to the ones that we could see that made life not viable for little dude. If I remember correctly, the circling behavior is associated specifically with seizures caused by intracranial issues. Sorry for the grim comment, but I would get Toph to a vet asap in case there is action that can be taken to make them more comfortable.
Take the kitten to the vet immediately
Take it to the vet.
I had one who had been beaten in the head, suffered an aneurysm. She walked in circles, always the same direction. Had balance problems, tunnel vision. I hand fed her. She took phenobarbital every day. She slept next to my heart, helped me write all my undergrad papers . She lived 17 years. ❤️
Any update after the vet visit?
Toph was diagnosed with Hydrocephalus. I’m heartbroken to say that she had to be euthanized, as she was slowly dying from brain damage
Aww. So sorry OP
I'm so sorry 😞 I work hospice and I know it's a hard decision and we always want more time. I'm heartbroken with you!
Oh how very sad. Thank you for giving her love and a home.
💔
I am so so sorry OP. Thank you for caring so hard and trying so hard to care for her and meet her needs. She was surrounded by your kindness in her little Life🩷
Neurological issue.
Along with hydrocephalus, what this kitten ended up having, this also looks like a stroke. So it’s important that if anyone sees their animals behaving like this they seek emergency care. Even if the issue ends up being just an ear infection, better safe than sorry.
This is so hard to watch. Please don't give up on this baby! Bless your heart for showing her love❤️ sweet little kitty.
It has to pee or poop and still needs to be stimulated to do so. Take care of that mom
May I say something simply? I think you are wonderful to have brought this kitten into your home. I do agree there is something profoundly wrong with her, but know she is in the best hands, and that any decision you may make about her will be very well considered. Thanks for being a good person.
We had a hydrocephalus baby that did this. But this could be something else for sure
🥺😭 I have no information but I want to thank you for having the heart to care. Wish I could help 😞😭
I wonder if this is an inner ear infection. I had a bunny that did this and after antibiotics she was fine Praying this one will be ok ❤️
Definitely neurological. With her head shape I'm questioning if she may have some hydrocephalus. You said she's small, she may perhaps have some dwarfism which can commonly present with hydrocephalus. Best wishes ❤️
It looks vestibular to me
Could be as serious as CH or just an ear infection. Best to see a vet!
Definitely Neuro issue- please get him help. Along with a Neuro issue it could be something else going in. 💖Thank you for caring for him
We had a black kitten that did this. Ours was a little more severe. Her body actually curved some. We let her be and she eventually got over it. For a year or two after that, if she got startled she would run in a circle before running away. It was slightly comical and very endearing. She lived long enough to be able to vote. I miss her to this day, almost 15 years later.
This definitely looks neurological to me as well. If it is unable to stop doing this definitely seek immediate vet care. Honestly at this age the chances are low of being able to do any meaningful treatment, id mentally prepare for euthanasia being suggested. So sorry, op.
I had a kitten that was like this and had a mite infestation in his ear. It caused him to spin around bc of his equilibrium being unbalanced and few other things that happens when ear infections/infestations go untreated. He was treated for his ears and made a full recovery. He does Bob his head to left and doesn’t climb many cat trees or so heights bc he’s so unbalanced. He’s also permanently deaf. His name is Ray Charles and lives the best life. If you have the financial funds I would try to save this miracle kitty. God bless and kind regards.
I had a kitten that started doing this. She had FIP and went blind. I only had her 2-3 weeks
My puppy had similar issues (confusion, circling) and it was a liver shunt. Thank you for looking after him and caring. I hope the vets bring you the best news.
Do you know if she's has any Worms, Im not sure if Cats usually get those (First time Cat Mom of now 7) but I had a dog who Got Worms and Had these same symptoms before passing but she also wouldn't eat
Please update.
My foster kitten had the exact same thing. Walked in circles and was blind. Also had a cleft palate. It had a happy ending though. My rescue organization put out an article on Facebook and a woman who already had a blind cat adopted him!
My older cat did this. She had a brain tumor. Please let us know what the vet says.
It’s not from worms? Poor baby! You did your best!thanks for helping!!!
I'm so sorry for your loss but you did the right thing for her. She knew love and had a warm home to sleep in and that is thanks to you. RIP little Angel💕😇🐾
Something neurological
Many animals, who are blind, walk in circles when stressed or in a new environment. Maybe the kitten is blind or maybe the kitten has a neurological condition. I would check vision first.
Give him more milk
Take it to the vet. May have FIP.
Looks like hydrocephalus. My cat Atticus was born with this (along with failing kidneys and a spinal deformity). He was freakishly small and wasn't expected to live more than a few weeks with supportive care. However he ultimately lived for 3.5 years.
This happened with a kitten we took in. We knew she had issues and the vet suggested to put her down from the start. They said it was the after effect of seizure like activity. She lived about 1 year and unfortunately passed away. She was way worse, appearing blind and couldn’t use the litter box. But she was so cute and we tried to give her the best chance she could have. But when they started giving her seizure meds she didn’t spin in circles. She also seemed to calm down when we played calling music for her,
It definitely looks neurological & I would have her seen by a vet ASAP. Prayers for your foster kitty🙏🏼😻🙏🏼
My blind cat walks in circles. Can she see ?
I had an elderly cat for 21 yes and when he got old he lost his eye site...he would walk in circles or walk to a wall and just stand there. Maybe because it's a blind kitten it will take a while for him to adjust to being blind. Poor kitty 😺. Hope he starts to adjust.
We had a puppy like this at 10 weeks old. The specialty/ER vet wanted to do a neurology work up. We asked if there was anything else we could try first before spending $$$$ on a new puppy we had just met and didn’t have any insurance on yet. So he tried antibiotics, steroids and anti nausea medication because he thought it could also be an inner ear infection. That round of medication resolved all symptoms and they never returned.
Neuro issue.
With that domed skull I would actually be worried about hydrocephaly.
I was thinking maybe some thing is in its ears deeps like a tick or spider or even a roach, that lead to motor skill issue’s n damaging of its little brain…awww , but what ever it’s to late now ! Sorry about the kitten, but at least she had you to Care n make sure , want ever was gone to be done was done Humanely n lovingly…
Inner ear infection
Yes - it looks like a cerebellar disorder. Please take her to a vet asap 💔
Vestibular disease?
Possible neuro disorder
This may be way off base but we raise dogs, i have seen this exact same thing with 2 separate litters over the past number of years. vet said the pup was hydrocyphalic - swelling of the brain. Don’t know if that is a canine only or if feline could have it as well…. Behavior is the same
Was she tested for FELV?