I'm reaching out because I'm really worried about my cat, Whiskers. This afternoon, out of nowhere, he started walking in tight circles, and I’ve noticed he’s only turning to the left. What’s even more concerning is that his left ear is kind of drooping and tilting towards the ground. He looks really disoriented, and it’s freaking me out because he's usually super agile and balanced. I’m scared something serious is going on with him. I haven't changed his diet or anything in his environment, so this is totally out of the blue. Have any of you experienced something like this with your cats? What should I do? Any advice is greatly appreciated – I just want to make sure he’s okay. Thanks in advance!
Hello there,
I'm so sorry to hear that your cat is having some trouble right now. Let's see how I can help. When a cat starts walking in circles and holding its ear tilted to one side, it often means something could be going on with their balance or inner ear. One common possibility is an ear infection, which can affect their balance and cause them to tilt their head or circle. Other potential causes might include vestibular disease (which affects the inner ear and brain) or something neurological.
For the time being, you can examine your cat’s ear for any signs of discharge, redness, or foul odor and gently clean around the outside of the ear if there's any debris. Be sure to do this very gently and avoid inserting anything into the ear canal. Keeping them calm and in a quiet, safe environment can help, as sudden movements or noises might make them more uncomfortable.
Please watch for any additional signs, like vomiting, loss of appetite, or if the symptoms worsen or persist. These could indicate a more serious issue needing immediate attention.
Given your cat's symptoms, I recommend booking a video consult with one of our vets on Dial A Vet. They can provide more specific guidance and help determine if an in-person visit is necessary. Take care!
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