What this means
A healthy cat's eyes line up with where it is looking: at you, at a toy or out of the window. If both eyes are held pointing down, as if the cat were looking at the floor, or drift to the sides while the head looks straight, that is a noticeable change. It is often seen already in a kitten.
Such an eye position can be inherited or tied to how the head and nervous system developed, so it often does not change as the kitten grows. Be sure to mention any other signs you see: the kitten staggers, bumps into things, grows more slowly, or its head looks unusually large or domed. It is impossible to predict what it is or how things will go, so do not guess and do not wait for it to correct itself.
There is a difference between a fixed eye position and eyes that move fast or flick. If the eyes suddenly start to flick or move from side to side, especially with unsteadiness or a head tilt, that is an emergency, not a developmental quirk. Film a short video in which the eyes are visible and show it to 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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An inherited or developmental change
The eye position can relate to how the head or nervous system formed, and be visible from kitten age.
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Fluid building up around the brain
When brain fluid builds up, the eyes can point down or outwards, and a large domed head and an unsteady walk can go with it.
About the condition: Hydrocephalus -
A disorder of the brain or nerves
The nerves that move the eyes can be affected by inflammation, a disturbance of blood supply or another disorder.
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A disorder of the inner ear
A balance disorder can change how the eyes move, and they can flick or sit in an unusual position.
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A problem with vision
When a cat sees poorly, its gaze and behaviour can change. A vet can check whether it sees with both eyes.
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An injury or something toxic
A blow to the head or a poisonous substance can suddenly change the eye position and movements.
What else to watch for
These observations help your vet build the picture faster. Note down what you saw and when.
- Whether the eyes point down or sideways all the time, or only sometimes
- Whether they are still, or flick rapidly
- Whether your cat staggers, bumps into things or walks in circles
- Whether the head looks unusually large or is held crooked
- Whether the kitten grows more slowly than its littermates
- Whether your cat follows a toy with its eyes and reacts to movement
When to book a routine visit
Show a vet any kitten whose eyes are held pointing down or to the sides, especially if it grows more slowly or moves unsteadily. If the eyes suddenly start to flick, your cat is staggering or a seizure has started, 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