What this means
What matters is not the short turn before settling down but circling when the cat is not busy with play or stalking: it walks in a wide or tight circle, usually to the same side, and seems not to know where it wants to go. Sometimes it seems unaware of its surroundings, stares at nothing or does not respond when you call.
In a kitten, circling together with an unusually large, domed head, slow growth or an unsteady walk can point to a brain condition present from birth, and a vet should see it. In an adult cat it means that something is affecting the brain, the balance system of the inner ear or the eyesight, and only an examination can tell which.
Cats do not like to show that they feel unwell, so even a small new change in behaviour is important information. Write down which way your cat turns, how long it lasts, whether calling it breaks the pattern, whether its head is tilted or its eyes flick from side to side, and if you can, record a short video for the vet.
Possible causes
These are things that can cause this sign. It is not a diagnosis, and they are not equally likely for your cat.
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Fluid building up around the brain
When too much of the fluid around the brain collects, it presses on the brain tissue. In a kitten it can be present from birth, and in an adult cat it can build up because of another brain disease or an injury.
About the condition: Hydrocephalus -
A problem in the inner ear or balance system
When balance is upset, a cat may stagger, lean to one side and walk in circles. A tilted head or flicking eyes often go with it.
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Brain inflammation, infection or a growth
These press on or damage the parts of the brain that control movement and orientation. The cat may seem confused, dull or changed in behaviour.
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A head injury
After a fall or a blow to the head a cat can circle and seem dazed. Sometimes it shows only after a while.
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Something toxic
Some toxic substances affect the nervous system, and a cat may stagger, circle or behave oddly. If your cat could have swallowed or licked something, tell the vet.
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The time around a seizure
After a seizure a cat can be confused for a while and walk in circles. If you saw a seizure, or think there may have been one, tell your vet.
What else to watch for
These observations help your vet build the picture faster. Note down what you saw and when.
- Which way it turns, and whether it is always the same way
- How long it lasts and whether calling your cat breaks the pattern
- Whether its head is tilted or its eyes flick from side to side
- Whether it bumps into things or seems unable to see or to understand its surroundings
- Whether a kitten has been growing slowly or has an unusually round head
- Whether appetite, sleep or behaviour changed beforehand
When to book a routine visit
Any circling without a clear reason is a reason to see a vet, not to wait and see whether it passes. If it began suddenly or you have seen any of the emergency signs above, go straight away.
Related conditions
Conditions whose entries mention this sign. The list is somewhere to read on, not a way to reach a diagnosis.
Body systems: Nerves and muscles