Cerebellar hypoplasia is a neurological disorder that affects cats and dogs, causing uncoordinated motion, tremors, and jerky movements. In cats, it is most commonly caused by the mother contracting the feline panleukopenia virus while pregnant, which stunts the cerebellums growth while in the womb. Kittens with cerebellar hypoplasia are not infected with or carriers of the virus. The cerebellum is the portion of the brain that controls movement and coordination, and when it fails to develop properly, it results in cerebellar hypoplasia.
Symptoms of cerebellar hypoplasia in cats include wobbly or unsteady gait, difficulty with balance, and head tremors. The severity of the condition can vary, with some cats experiencing only mild symptoms while others have more severe symptoms. However, the condition is non-progressive, meaning it does not get worse with age.
There is no cure for cerebellar hypoplasia, but cats can still have happy lives with the condition. They can learn to cope with their condition and generally live full and happy lives, albeit with some extra care.
