What it is
The fluid around the brain is made all the time, flows through the brain's chambers and is absorbed again. If its path is blocked or it is not absorbed fast enough, the fluid keeps building up, the chambers widen and the surrounding brain tissue is squeezed.
The form present from birth shows itself in the first months of life: a kitten may be less lively than its littermates, struggle to learn to use the litter box or bump into things. A form that appears later can come from inflammation, an infection, a tumour or an injury that blocks the fluid's way.
Because the brain controls everything from balance to behaviour, the signs can vary widely and resemble those of other nerve diseases. It is worth writing down what you noticed and when, and telling the vet about it.
Signs you may notice
- Large, domed head
- Eyes point down or outwards
- Unsteady walk
- Walks in circles
- Grows more slowly
- Seizures
A kitten's head can look too large and domed, its eyes may point downwards or outwards, and it grows more slowly, moves unsteadily, walks in circles or behaves strangely. Sometimes it has seizures.
When to see a vet
If your cat has a seizure or suddenly starts to stagger, a vet is needed immediately. If a kitten's head looks unusually large, or it grows slowly or moves unsteadily, book a check-up.
This is general information, not veterinary advice. For your own cat's health, tests and treatment, see a vet.