What this means
A cat tips its head briefly when it listens or looks, and that is normal. What should worry you is a tilt that does not go away: the head is held to one side all the time while walking, resting or eating. The sense of balance is built by the inner ear together with the brain, so a tilted head generally means something is wrong in that system.
The key is whether other signs come with it. Unsteadiness, falling to one side, walking in circles, eyes that flick or move quickly from side to side, vomiting or refusing to walk mean that balance is disturbed, and such a cat needs a vet the same day. If those signs come with a sudden start, go straight away.
Sometimes the tilt is milder: the cat shakes its head, scratches an ear and holds it a little lower. That may be ear pain or inflammation, but only a vet can find out whether the problem is in the ear flap or deeper. Note when it started, which way the head turns and whether the walk has changed.
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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Ear inflammation
Inflammation can arise in the outer canal or deeper, in the middle and inner ear. Once it reaches deeper it upsets balance.
About the condition: Ear infections -
A disorder of the inner ear
When the balance part of the ear is affected, a cat can suddenly stagger and tilt its head even though the ear looks normal from the outside.
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A problem in the brain or nerves
The brain also controls balance, so a tilt can come from inflammation, a disturbance of blood supply or another brain disorder.
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A tumour or other growth
A growth in the ear, the back of the nose or the head can press on the balance system and slowly change how the cat holds itself.
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An injury
A blow to the head or a fall can damage the ear or the brain, and the tilt appears after the event.
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Something toxic
Poisonous substances can disturb the nervous system, so a cat starts to stagger or tilt its head.
What else to watch for
These observations help your vet build the picture faster. Note down what you saw and when.
- Which way the head is tilted and whether that changes
- Whether your cat staggers, falls or walks in circles
- Whether the eyes flick or move quickly from side to side
- Whether there is discharge, smell or redness in the ear
- Whether your cat vomits or is reluctant to eat or use the litter box
- When it began and whether it came on suddenly
When to book a routine visit
Even if your cat is bright, a head that stays tilted needs a vet examination, and if it tilted suddenly or there is unsteadiness or flicking eyes, go straight away. Do not wait for it to pass by itself.
Related conditions
Conditions whose entries mention this sign. The list is somewhere to read on, not a way to reach a diagnosis.
Body systems: Ears and hearing