What this means
A healthy cat holds its head level with its body or a little higher and turns it easily. When the neck muscles weaken, the head sags downwards and the cat seems to stare at the floor all the time. It may be unable to lift its head even to look at you, and this is clearest when it eats or drinks. Write down whether it began suddenly, whether the head is down all the time and whether the weakness comes and goes.
Neck weakness is often not the only sign. The cat may walk stiffly with short steps, avoid jumping and soon lie down. The weakness can come in episodes and pass again, so between episodes a cat can look perfectly healthy, and it is worth noting down when the weakness comes on and how long it lasts. In some cases the weakness can also be inherited, and a vet needs to find the cause.
If the chin is pressed to the chest, your cat cannot lift its head and it has suddenly become weak, this is an emergency: the weakness can reach the breathing muscles, so it is not something to wait out. A lowered head can also mean pain in the neck, so even with no other signs your cat should be shown to a 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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Muscle weakness from low potassium in the blood
When there is too little potassium in the blood, the muscles weaken, and neck weakness stands out most. The head sags and the chin may rest on the chest.
About the condition: Hypokalemic polymyopathy -
Other illnesses that lower potassium
Potassium can fall because of kidney or hormone disorders, long-lasting vomiting or a poor appetite. Weakness of the neck and legs is noticed first.
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Pain in the neck or back
A sore neck makes a cat hold its head low and guard its movements. It may not want to turn it or have its neck touched.
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Another muscle or nerve disease
Muscle or nerve diseases can weaken the neck, and the legs with it. A vet needs to find the cause.
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General weakness from a serious illness
A very weak or sick cat may no longer hold its head up. It often hides, refuses food and stops grooming at the same time.
What else to watch for
These observations help your vet build the picture faster. Note down what you saw and when.
- Whether the head is down all the time or only during episodes of weakness
- Whether your cat can lift its head when you call it
- Whether there is also a stiff, short-stepped walk or it avoids jumping
- Whether your cat soon lies down and no longer stays on its feet
- Whether it also vomits, eats less or has stopped drinking
- When the weakness comes on and how long it lasts
When to book a routine visit
If your cat cannot lift its head, has suddenly weakened or struggles to breathe, a vet is needed immediately. Even if an episode of weakness was mild and has passed, book a check-up soon. Before the visit note when the weakness comes on, and film it if you can.
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