What this means
Cats' heads differ a great deal: some faces are flat, others long, some skulls rounder. Many of these differences are inherited or appear as a kitten grows, and in themselves do not mean disease. So what matters is not whether a head looks different, but whether it is different from what it should be for this kitten, and whether behaviour or movement has changed alongside.
A kitten whose head looks unusually large, domed or large for its body deserves a vet's examination, especially if it also grows more slowly than its littermates, staggers, bumps into things or seems less lively. A cat whose head changed later also needs to be seen: one side swollen, or a lump or unevenness that was not there before.
Appearance alone cannot tell what it is, so do not guess about a breed or about what will happen. Photograph the head from above and from the side, write down when you first noticed it, and tell the vet about the kitten's whole behaviour: whether it plays, eats, uses the litter box, or walks in circles.
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 natural head shape
Some cats simply have a rounder or different skull, quite unrelated to disease. A vet can tell this apart from other causes.
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Fluid building up around the brain from birth
When brain fluid collects from birth, a kitten's head can look too large and domed, and the kitten may be less lively than its littermates.
About the condition: Hydrocephalus -
A bone or growth disorder
Problems in how the skeleton forms can change the shape of the skull bones too. Other body changes are often seen together with it.
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Swelling from inflammation or an abscess
Local inflammation, for example from a tooth or a bite, can cause swelling on one side of the face or head.
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A tumour or other growth
A growth on the skull or under the skin can change the outline of the head, especially in an older cat.
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An injury
A blow or a fall can cause swelling or bone damage that makes the head look different.
What else to watch for
These observations help your vet build the picture faster. Note down what you saw and when.
- Whether the head looked different from birth or changed later
- Whether your kitten grows more slowly than its littermates
- Whether it staggers, bumps into things or walks in circles
- Whether the eyes point downwards or outwards
- Whether swelling is on one side or there is a lump
- Whether it plays, eats and uses the litter box like the others
When to book a routine visit
Show a vet any kitten whose head shape looks unusual, especially if it grows more slowly, moves unsteadily or behaves differently from its littermates. If the head changed later or there is swelling, book soon. If a seizure has happened or your cat is staggering, 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