Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I take care of a feral colony. One of the kittens, who is about 6 weeks old, walks very unbalanced and most of the time falls over. She seems to have a problem with the hind legs because she moves OK on the front legs. When she walks, the back side of her body (and tail) moves all over the place, and then she falls over.

I don't believe there are any broken bones anywhere. She doesn't cry out in pain when I hold her. She just can't walk straight.

What causes this type of thing? Is there anything I can do to correct her gait? I feel so sorry for her because she can't move the way the rest of the cats can and avoids any type of play. She also waits, most of the time, for the other cats to eat first, or they just run her over! Thanks for all the replies!

Hi There,

I believe that this kitten has a condition known as cerebellar hypoplasia. This occurs when a pregnant cat contracts, or is exposed to, distemper. It causes the part of the brain that is responsible for coordination to not develop normally.

Cerebellar hypoplasia can be minor, severe, or somewhere in between. The cats not too badly affected can walk fairly well, and if indoors, can use a litterbox. The most severely affected kitties cannot walk or can only walk a few steps before falling down. Most affected cats tend to be shaky also. They are also among the sweetest cats ever and can make wonderful pets.

There is no cure for this disease and no treatment unless the cat should develop seizures. This happened with one of my babies but it is unclear whether this is related to the CH or possibly something totally different. She was treated with IV Valium and steroids and has been doing very well since.

Intelligence is not affected by CH and my cats with it are very happy and playful. Any way you can take in this special baby? It's going to be a rough life as a feral.

Regards,
PHKitkat

This is not good news

I've already adopted 2 kittens from the outside and already have 2 other cats who were born and abandoned. Only one of my cats is a purebred. That makes 5 fine feline friends, and I love them all. I can't possibly take in another (even though I love my outside kitties, too).

Recently, I had to give up one of my grown ferals to the AZ Humane Society because she got sick and had an extremely hard time breathing. I raced her to the Vet only to find out that it would cost me hundreds of dollars just to find out what was ailing her. I couldn't afford it and, instead, relinquished her so that she would get the care she most deserved. I DID have her tested for FELV/FIV and those tests were negative! I did that test mostly for the sake of the rest of the Colony. "Peanut" had been with me since her birth and was a wonderful girl and I miss her terribly. I cry just about everyday for her. Heck, I cried at the Vet's office and had the Vet and staff watery-eyed! Now this .

Could Salem (the Mama Kitty) have Distemper and just not show signs of it? All of my grown and baby outside kits look and seem happy and healthy.. all except this one.. I call her "Cream Puff." Now I just don't know what to do and my heart's breaking for her. I want to get Cream Puff help and I know this would mean relinquishing her, but I have this terrible fear that they'd euthanize her . Blaaahhh, I'm gonna have a lousy day!

Here's a pic of "Peanut," the beautiful girl I gave up to get her healthy again, and hopefully, adopted to a "forever home."
Peanut

Hi There,

You are doing a wonderful thing taking care of the feral colony. Some of my cats were feral and I really have a heart for these precious cats.

It is possible for adult cats with distemper to show few symptoms. They don't usually get nearly as sick as the babies do. I have 2 cats here that survived distemper as babies and they both have cerebellar hypoplasia.

Is it at all possible that a rescue group can help you with this baby? If you like, I can help you look into possibilities. It is not your fault that you cannot afford to take in another kitty. I have 11, but I am also a vet tech so their medical care is greatly discounted. Otherwise I couldn't afford them.

I am so sorry about Peanut. She is truly a beautiful girl and I understand how much you miss her. She was a special part of your life and you lost her, even though she didn't pass away.

Take care, and I'll keep your baby in my thoughts.

PHKitkat

That would be so very cool of you if you could find out any kind of info for this poor little "Cream Puff." Although it would put another dent in my heart if I had to give her up, I'm so willing to do so if I could find someone who would be willing to take her in and care for her. Please, please, please let me know! It hurts like hell, but I'm so excited to even THINK that there might be a special place for her! Thank you so very much!!! This information just might make my Christmas! Thank you!!!

PS: I'm going to try to get a pic of Cream Puff today. As soon as I have one, I'll upload it here so you can see what a cute and cuddly little thing she really is!

PPS: I live in Chandler, Arizona.