By Dial A Vet Veterinary Team
A cat that suddenly stops jumping, cries when picked up or starts to wobble on its back legs is telling you something is wrong. One possible cause is intervertebral disc disease (IVDD), often called a slipped disc. It is far less common in cats than in dogs, but when it happens it can cause real pain and, in severe cases, paralysis. Quick veterinary care makes a difference to the outcome.
Key takeaways
- IVDD is a common spinal problem in dogs but rare in cats, according to the Merck Veterinary Manual.
- Signs range from neck or back pain and stiffness to weakness, wobbliness, paralysis and incontinence.
- Sudden weakness or paralysis of the back legs is an emergency. In cats, a blood clot linked to heart disease is another important cause.
- Diagnosis needs imaging such as MRI, CT, myelography or X-rays.
- Mild cases may recover with strict rest. Severe cases may need prompt surgery.
What is IVDD?
The spine is made of small bones called vertebrae, with a cushioning disc between each pair. In IVDD, a disc degenerates and bulges or ruptures, pressing on the spinal cord or the nerves leaving it. The Merck Veterinary Manual explains that a herniated disc can cause severe signs suddenly, or signs can appear and get worse slowly. In cats, herniated discs are most common in the neck and the middle of the back.
Signs to watch for
The signs depend on where the disc is and how much pressure it puts on the spinal cord.
A disc in the neck can cause:
- Neck pain and stiffness
- Muscle spasms
- Weakness in the legs, which can range from mild to complete paralysis of all four legs
A disc in the middle of the back can cause:
- Back pain and reluctance to move
- A hunched or curved back
- Loss of control of the back legs, ranging from wobbliness to paralysis
- Loss of bladder or bowel control
Cats are good at hiding pain. Subtle changes, like no longer jumping onto the bed, hiding more, or reacting when you touch the back, are worth noticing.
Not every wobbly cat has a slipped disc
Several other conditions can look like IVDD. The most urgent is a saddle thrombus. Cornell University's Feline Health Center explains that cats with heart muscle disease (cardiomyopathy) can form blood clots in the heart. These can travel and lodge in the arteries supplying the back legs. Cats usually show sudden lameness or paralysis of the hind legs, often with severe pain. Cornell describes sudden paralysis as a medical emergency. Learn more about hypertrophic cardiomyopathy in cats.
Merck also lists other spinal problems in cats, including injuries from car accidents or bites, infections, tumours such as lymphoma, and a condition where a fragment of disc material blocks blood flow to the spinal cord. Only a veterinary examination can sort these out.
When to see a vet
Go to a vet immediately if your cat:
- Suddenly cannot use one or both back legs, or drags its legs
- Cries out in pain, especially when moving or being touched
- Seems to be in severe distress
- Is breathing fast or with effort
- Cannot urinate, or has lost bladder or bowel control
- Has had a fall, a car accident or another injury
Book a vet visit soon if your cat:
- Has stopped jumping or climbing
- Seems stiff, hunched or sensitive around the neck or back
- Walks a little unsteadily but is otherwise bright
If your cat may have a spinal injury, VCA Animal Hospitals advises moving the cat carefully, for example by laying it in a large box. Keep handling to a minimum.
How vets diagnose IVDD
Your vet will do a physical and neurological exam to work out where along the spine the problem is. In a cat that cannot move its legs, Merck notes that the vet will check whether pain sensation is still present, for example by gently pinching a toe and watching for a response. Merck explains that confirming a herniated disc requires imaging, such as X-rays, myelography, CT or MRI.
Treatment at a high level
Treatment depends on how severe the signs are:
- Rest. Merck notes that cats with minimal to moderate signs that can still feel pain often recover with a few weeks of rest. Pain relief may be used, but generally only if the cat can be kept confined, because extra activity can push more disc material out and make things worse.
- Surgery. Cats with severe neurological signs may need prompt surgery to relieve pressure on the spinal cord. Surgery may also be needed if rest does not work or signs return. Merck reports that the outlook after surgery is good if the cat can still feel pain, and that delaying surgery more than 24 hours after pain sensation is lost reduces the chance of recovery.
Merck also notes that signs come back in 30% to 40% of cases. Never give your cat human pain medicines. Many are dangerous for cats.
Supporting your cat at home
If your vet recommends rest, your cat will need a small, safe space where it cannot jump. Your vet can advise on:
- Setting up a crate or small room with a low entry litter tray
- Soft, supportive bedding
- Checking that your cat is urinating normally
- When and how to slowly return to normal activity
- Ramps or steps to reduce jumping later on
FAQ
Is IVDD common in cats?
No. Merck describes it as common in dogs but rare in cats.
Can a cat recover from IVDD?
Many can. Cats with milder signs that can still feel pain often recover with rest, and the outlook after surgery is good when pain sensation is still present.
Can IVDD come back?
Yes. Merck reports signs return in 30% to 40% of cases, so follow your vet's rest and recheck advice closely.
Talk with a vet
If your cat is stiff, wobbly or reluctant to jump, a Dial A Vet veterinarian can help you decide how urgently to be seen. Sudden paralysis needs your nearest emergency vet straight away. Book a Dial A Vet consult.
References
- Merck Veterinary Manual. Disorders of the Spinal Column and Cord in Cats.
- Cornell Feline Health Center. Cardiomyopathy.
- VCA Animal Hospitals. Emergencies in Cats.
Disclaimer: Educational only. This page does not replace an examination or advice from your own veterinarian. If you are worried about your pet right now, contact your local vet or nearest emergency animal hospital.