Hi guys! Our kitty was just diagnosed yesterday. Does anyone have any tips on them using the litter box during the beginning when balance and everything is off?? Thanks!! -Andrea

I have a litter tray with a lid and found that my cat was fully leaning against the inside of it when using the litter. So if you have an open tray, maybe buy one with a lid? You can always take the front flap off, as I have done (because otherwise one of our other cats won’t use it). Having said that, if your cat’s not used to a lid, maybe now is not the time to try something new?!?!

Good luck, anyway, and I hope for a swift recovery!

@tozmo1, @mseamm, @Helen P, Day 23. Has anyone had an issue at day 23 where balance is still an issue? She is still wobbly when walking and still has trouble with small obstacles. Her appetite is reduced from 2 days ago. I'm 1not expecting her to be where she was 2 months ago, but have seen a plateau on progress, both, walking/navigation and eating.

Hi @Matt I know this is so painful to watch, but I believe Boo is still in recovery. My cat did not have an ear infection, so he had a lot less to overcome. Poor Boo, I know she's still recovering from her ear infection, which likely caused the vistiblular to begin with, so her balance is not going to be completely returned yet.

I wonder about hydration. Have you checked to see if she's hydrated? Here's a good video on how to check that. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KducLdeqGsM There were feral cats in the warehouse where I used to work, and they were often dehydrated when we managed to catch them. It's amazing how the skin will stay "tented" when they are dehydrated, so if that is occurring with Boo, you need to check in with the vet for next steps. Hopefully she's fully hydrated and that's not adding to the long recovery, but best to check.

Hang in there, hopefully this week will bring some new signs of recovery.

My Chloe was diagnosed with vestibular disorder on July 1. She is more alert and showing interest in life, but she still does not walk well. I was told recovery takes at least a couple of months and maybe longer. I decided to take 1 day at a time and give Chloe as long as she needs.

@andreamarcum, I took a plastic storage tote and cut out an opening with a 2 inch lip at bottom for my kitty to access. The first several days, I had to help balance her in the box as she peed or pooped.

@Matt How's Boo? I'm hoping no news is good news.

@tozmo1, thank you for reaching out. It's been 30 days and she is better. Her appetite has slowly returned to about 60ish percent. She mainly eats well at night. She had her 30 day check and the urine is better, no Crystal's and PH is at 7.0 and wed like it at 6.5. She is on new UI food which sux for her, but is best. Doctor saw her today and says that he does not believe it is idiopathic vestibular because cats usually get better in 7 days. However, reading thru posts, no cat has recovered 90% in 7 days, so not sure what he talking about. Her balance is better.

Thanks for the update. Glad to hear she's doing better. I hope she continues to progress. The little Boo has been through a lot.

@Matt - Glad to her the update!

Buddy's middle ear infection is hopefully gone now after a month of antibiotics and his fungal ear infection is being treated with a new set of ear drops and recommended cleaning. The labs came back on the fungal polyps and the fungus has not spread so it looks like that's good news for the overall recovery from Vestibular Disease since it was caused by two ear infections. One thing that they still don't know for sure is if his high BP (230) was caused by the VD, or something else so for now he is still on BP medicine. We will taper him off to see if it normalizes on it's own (per vet). If we find that he still has high BP, it's back to the meds and finding out if it is due to another as yet undetected health issue. He still has a head tilt, could be permanent unfortunately, but he is much better about balance and he has his appetite back and most of his personality, but he is MUCH more cautious now. Our poor cats! All of the vet visits can't be fun.

How about your cat? Is she behaving more like her old self? I think that that has been the hardest to be patient about!

Hang in there 'lil Buddy! and @mseamm too!

Hi everyone! I am so happy and relieved I found this thread. I woke up this morning and my cat, Neko, could not walk. He as the head tilt, is falling to the side, and even flips himself at times but no rapid eye movement. I rushed him straight to the vet and truly thought we were going to have to put him down. I was absolutely incosolable. He is 16 years old and has kidney disease, we did blood work and his kidney disease has not worsened at all since his last blood panel so my vet said it may be vestibular disease. They gave him some fluids, vitamins, and nausea medication at the vet but no meds sent home. I have him set up in my office for now. He did eat a little bit of dry food when he first got home and ate some treats without issue. He even stuck his head in the treat bag. He just drank a bunch of water thankfully. He is showing desire to walk and move around so I have been helping him by holding his back end a little. His front legs seem fine, its his back legs that seem to be the issue. I’m very concerned about him possibly not eating, he’s only 6.5 lbs as it is. He has been by my side for 16 years, from when I was 14 years old, and the thought of losing him is tearing me apart. Any suggestions regarding the food or how I can make him more comfortable would be so appreciated. I hope everyone’s fur babies are doing well!

Here’s my baby, Neko, in my lap after the vet

Wow, he is absolutely GORGEOUS!! Bless his little heart. His symptoms sound the same as my cat had, with the exception of the missing rapid eye movement. At this point, it is probably just a case of making him comfortable, allowing him to be quiet and still when he wants and to encourage feeding/drinking (little and often is my suggestion). My cat would not eat or drink really for a few days and it is a worrying time, but he is fine now (except for permanent head tilt and a bit wobbly always). He is 15 years old, if that gives you any comfort.

Fingers crossed for your boy’s recovery! X

Smelly wet food is the best! Hang in there Neko!

@Helen P @tozmo1 Thank you so much! @Helen P Reading your comment was definitely a bit of a relief. I’m happy to report that he is drinking and eating his treats. I bought a bunch of different wet foods so I am going to try a few today. Now I just need to work on getting him to use the litter box. It’s just heartbreaking to see him like this. He’s usually such an active boy, even more active than my 8 year old chihuahua. I’m praying for some improvement soon for his sake.

I’m so happy to report that Neko just ate some wet food. I had him on my lap and held the bowl up right in his face and he started eating. I bursted into tears of joy. He also used the litter box on his own and is slowly starting to figure out how to compensate when he walks!

That's wonderful news. Go Neko go!

Just an update, no big changes from yesterday with Neko. He is drinking on his own and still eating his treats but has not wanted wet food in the last 12 hours or so. I’m trying all flavors and textures of wet food. I also tried baby food. He is coming out of my office and walking out into the living room and back a few times without falling. I feel terrible that he is secluded in there but he goes back in there and under the bed on his own at times so I think it’s a safe spot for him. I just miss my boy and want him to eat :/

@Alyssa Rose, for the first week, I syringe fed my kitty. I would take water and mix in wet food and add to larger syringes. She wasn't a fan, because it was forced and a little messy, but she was getting some nutrients. It's up to you, but I didn't want her to lose more and more weight. The eating should pick up in week 2 and 3.

@Matt Thank you for the advice! I syringe fed him baby food made of just chicken and chicken broth yesterday just to make sure he was getting a little more nutrients. He is eating his treats which can also be used as a meal. He ate a good bunch last night then a few at 4:30 this morning and a few more around 9am. I’m planning to syringe feed some wet food after work. He did go up the ramp I have leading to the couch today without issue so that made me very happy.

@Alyssa Rose, I suggest using renal wet food in a syringe...the treats are great, but protein is not good for kidneys. The diets are formulated around 2ish percent of protein related to the kilocalories. Next rental check, have vet run a calcium level test and B12. These can affect and help kidney disease. Typical idiopathic vestipular, with no known issues can last a week to months.

I gave my cat Oralade from the vet and he was happy drinking it directly from my hand, but not from anything else (the weirdo!). It’s got more in it than just water. Maybe try that next if you’re struggling to get food down him?

Alyssa has he tried meclizine - anti nausea med for motion sickeness that is typically advised for cats w/ vestibular. It can be gotten without a prescription but you might want to consult with vet re dosage to be sure its not too much..

@Debbie Downer I'm currently giving 12.5mg of meclizine. My little one is 6lb. @Alyssa Rose yes, consult vet if mecklizine is okay for Neko.

My vet did not prescribe any medication. I’m going to call tomorrow morning to see what they think. I mixed up some wet food with water and I am about to syringe feed him. Thank you for the tip. He has always been very picky so I knew this was going to be a major problem.

Hi everyone! i just wanted to give a little update. Neko has made some major improvements since I started syringe feeding the wet food. @Matt thank you so much for this advice, it really seems to be helping and is also jump starting his appetite. A few hours after I syringe fed him he started eating his prescription renal care dry food. He has been moving around so much better yesterday and today and has not fallen once. He spent 8 hours hanging out in the living room yesterday rather than going back under the bed in my office/guest room. He is definitely becoming more confident. He has been going up the ramp I have for my couch and laying on my lap. He had not laid on my lap since this all started. We are not out of the woods yet but I am amazed by his improvement in the last 2 days. Here’s a pic of him sleeping on my lap this morning!

@Alyssa Rose So glad to hear Neko is doing better. He looks quite content in your lap. @Matt, how is Boo these days?

@tozmo1, ty! Her appetite has increased 10x. It's been since July 31st and she is still on Mecklazine. Her UTI is 100% better. She is on UTI food now. She is unable to do stairs...that sucks. We still have baby gates all over the house. She is living her life, but I fear that there is permanent damage to the vestibular system, which is irreversible. We never did the MRI...she has gained .75 lbs back! She has a vet appt in a few weeks to recheck her ears. She is super fast at walking and did miraculously jump into one of my cabinets. Her balance is still iffy.

To @all. I never found a Facebook group to join for vestibular. What are peoples thoughts on me creating a vestibular group in Facebook? Thoughts? @Debbie Downer, @tozmo1, @Helen P, @mseamm, @Alyssa Rose. Do you think this would help others?

@Matt I personally, have dropped off Facebook but I agree that it would make a good outlet of this. People need to know this frightening event is not the end for our babies.

I think it's a good idea, if you feel that you have the time to moderate it. Thank you.

New group added...please join if you wish: https://facebook.com/groups/283077316963531/

@Matt I think this is a great idea! There is such a lack of information and no one I have spoken to was aware that this even existed. Thank you for creating this group!

I had my cat back to the vet for a check a few days ago. She was diagnosed with vestibular disease on July 1, but I have seen little improvement in her ability to walk over the months. The vet said the vestibular disorder has cleared up but now thinks Chloe has a brain lesion. He said we could spend 4k for a neurological consult and MRI but it probably cannot be cured. Has anyone had a similar experience? I’m not sure of what to expect next, but I will care for my Chloe as long as possible.

@lisa310ar join here for more info https://facebook.com/groups/283077316963531/

Hello All, our 12 year old boy suddenly started to walk in a circle with etes totally unfocussed. this was on 24 September. we rushed him to the vet. after complete blood work, xray amd phyusical examination the vet told us it could be vestibular disease. I read online that first 24-48 hours are worst. on day 3 he was up ajd walking short distances but had a massive head tilt. last wednesday we took him to the back yard and he took a complete circle. we were so happy. however however, last 2 days he is lousy again and this morning he was really down. he is eating and drinking but just cannot stand by himself. there are buts when ue seems very alert amd will try to move around but then goes back. seems like he is getting dizzy spells. it is very encouraging to read about how it can take 4 weeks to a couple of months for recovery.

Hey Matt - I sent a request to join the Facebook group. I’ve removed the Facebook app and rarely log in but will absolutely do for this.

@lisa310ar So sorry to hear about Chloe. Hope the vet is wrong and it's still vistibular. It can last a long time. Love to Chloe and you.

@Helen P - our cat Ollie got the vest. disease two weeks ago. When you read the vet sites, they imply the cat has the episode and it goes away in two to three weeks. Ollie does well, then the next day lots of head turning and falling. Then days of wellness, and then two steps back. YOur post gave me some relief in that you had the same experience. He's on a steroid at the moment.

@ashade99 I found it was more like 2-3 months, rather then 2-3 weeks, though he was loads better after about 4-6 weeks. His balance and head tilt has never fully recovered and never will now, but he's about 95% back to how he was before. It was very up and down for the first few weeks... two steps forward and one step back. I'm sure you will see significant progress, but may take a bit longer.

His head tilt lasts for seconds and goes away. I've never seen the eye thing. It's more wobbly leg, falling over, and he'll stretch and turn his head way around from time to time. He's also just began fluids for kidney from an infection. I hope it's not months. Thank you for your help.

Hi everyone, im so glad i found this thread. i really need advice. My 16 year old persian has vestibular disease. started with an episode of nystagmus, followed by the head tilt, etc. the biggest issue however is that she stopped eating the next day. the doctor has given her antibiotics, anti nausea, and steroid shots, but she still wont eat. she drinks plenty of water and uses the litter box, but otherwise just sleeps most of the day. I have been syringe feeding her for 30 days now, and she is slowly losing some weight because of it. Is it unusual for them to still not eat after so long with this?? The vet says she is a super senior and we should just euthanize her if she wont eat on her own at this point. I am SO torn because I dont want her to suffer, but if there is a chance she can come back from this i want to help her!!!

I'm so sorry you and your kitty are going through this. My experience is that there is no set time for vestibular to resolve itself. She is indeed a senior, but that doesn't mean there isn't something else at play. Have you considered getting a second opinion on her condition? It seems curious that she drinks plenty of water and can move to the litter box but won't eat.

I recommend a second opinion just to be sure something else isn't going on.

Did you see the link above to the Facebook group Matt set up? You may get other viewpoints there.

It's so hard when our babies are seniors. We want to do all we can for them as they have given us so much. All the best to you both. You'll know when it's the right time for both of you to euthanize. Sounds like it's not this moment. Lots of love to your baby!

@tozmo1 thank you so much for your response. At your suggestion, I joined Matt’s group, so will post there. i just may get a second opinion as well. it all seems so off to me, and before that bout of nystagmus, Katie was as playful as a kitten, you never would have known she was 16. Thank you for your kind words as well, it’s always comforting to know someone else understands what youre going through with our precious fur babies xx

In my opinion ( not a vet, just a long time cat person of many decades) "slowly losing some weight" does NOT sound like you need to think about euthanasia just yet. Did vet have other options or did he just jump right to euthanasia? Have you tried good old fashioned meclazine - aka an over the counter motion sickness med. Should consult with vet or someone re exact dosage.

Is your cat interacting with you, is she accepting the syringe readily and perhaps getting adequate amt of food that way? Or are you fighting her to get it in? Have you pulled out the proverbial "big guns" in an effort to try to jump start her appetite - tuna, rotisserie chicken, bacon, anything with a good strong odor. I dont know whats in those cat treats but they are definitely designed to get a cat excited.

Yes, it can take a LONNGGGG time to.... I was going to say get back to normal, but it may be a new normal. If she doesnt completely recover its not unreasonable to still hope and expect she will make an adjustment. My Figgy still has a slight head tilt 6 yrs later but he has a good life. For the longest time he couldnt jump but lately hes been doing this little hop to get into bed... instead of having to grab and pull himself up.

Hi everyone, my cat Chaz is 11 years old. After a vet cleaned his ears quite vigorously with solution, he started to become off balance- falling off of beds and chairs. Within 24 hours he could not walk or use litter box without assistance. He does not have a head tilt or darting eyes. His pupils are the same size he simply looks weak in his back legs. During the vet visit he was also given injected convenia (an antibiotic) for a totally separate issue. Its been four days and his balance is gradually getting worse not better. I took him to a different vet who seemed to believe it could be from either the ear cleaning or an adverse reaction to the covenia antibiotic which is now in his system for 2 weeks, this is preventing him from receiving any other antibiotic if it is an ear infection related incident. Since his balance is getting worse, im not sure what to think or do. I cannot afford to keep going to the vet for them to give him fluids and send me on my way - only for him to get worse the following days . Please any advice or similar stories that could help me and Chaz.

Checkout face book group called feline cat vestibular. Ill approve

I'm so sorry Kate. That sounds similar to what happened to Bandit - it was after a thorough ear cleaning that he started to have balance issues, though he did develop a head tilt. We took him to the vet many times and there was nothing they could do, but eventually he got used to his condition. He kept the head tilt but is able to get around. You could consider seeing if there is a neurological specialist around. We took bandit to a specialist in Minneapolis, and while they couldn't really help him they at least ruled out some other things and helped us figure out how to go forward.

I'll be crossing my fingers for Chaz that he improves!!

thank you so much. Its so comforting to know other people have gone through the same thing. Its so emotionally exhausting to watch your cat stumble around with no real answers. I'll try whatever I can afford to help him.