#Signs of psychological trauma in cats how to#

If a cat’s pupils are about mid-size after head trauma, this is a very good sign. Most of the time normally, a cat’s pupil size sits somewhere in between.

The pupils in a cat can be very small (miotic) or very large (mydriatic). If a cat is walking, they may have trouble keeping balance, leading to stumbling and falling over. Difficulty Walking or StandingĪlong with a stunned and altered mental state, head trauma in cats can also lead to an inability to walk normally. These changes may also be accompanied by abnormal vocalizing like loud meowing, yowling, or hissing. Mentation refers to a cat’s level of consciousness: their alertness and ability to process their surroundings. Abnormal Behavior/MentationĪ cat experiencing head trauma may appear stunned, disoriented, and not completely aware. These can help clue you into both the likelihood that head trauma has occurred, as well as how severe it may be. In a cat that has experienced a recent head trauma, there are important abnormalities to look for.

The Top 7 Clinical Signs of Head Trauma in Catsįalls from high places can result in head trauma. Household objects like flower pots or vases may also get knocked and fall on them. A common example is being hit in the head or fallen on top of by a young child in the frenzy of play in the home. Although this tragically may be intentional in some cases, accidents happen too. Preferring quiet, dark places like closets, under blankets and pillows, or beneath furniture, cats may be injured by being sat on or having a heavy object unknowingly placed on top of them.īlunt trauma inside the home can also occur. Cats can also misjudge what’s needed for a very high jump and may miss their landing or slip.Ĭats living on a higher floor of an apartment building or townhouse who have access to a balcony or open window can suffer from an event called “high rise syndrome” where they can fall from a very high height and sustain injuries.īesides falls, cats can also be subject to accidents caused by their human family. Often, reaching a high place is one thing, but some cats may have trouble finding a safe route back down. Cats can fall from bookshelves, cabinets, the fridge and similar high places. Indoor cats have their share of risks too. Misjudging a jump or slipping off can lead to a bad fall.Īlthough cats are conditioned to land on their feet, this may not always happen if the location is too high, or if the cat’s judgment is impaired trying to escape a source of danger. Whether out of preference or as a result of trying to escape a source of danger, outdoor cats will also seek high-up locations, like trees and fences. Head trauma can also occur if a cat gets into a fight with another animal, especially a much bigger one, like a large dog. And although the risk is higher for outdoor kitties, indoor cats have their share of risks as well.Ĭats that roam outdoors, especially intact male cats, are always at a high risk of getting hit by a moving vehicle. Unfortunately, head trauma in cats can be very common. These secondary effects can worsen with time, making it important for early evaluation and treatment. Increased ICP contributes to compression of the brain and poor oxygen supply to brain tissues (cerebral perfusion). Skull fractures, including fractures of the nasal bones, can occur.Įven if a penetrating injury or fractures don’t happen, bleeding (hemorrhage) or swelling within the skull just from an impact or blunt trauma can lead to secondary injury to the brain from the increased pressure, which is called intracranial pressure (ICP). Most cats will be just fine after a small accidental knock on the head.īut a significant impact or injury from an object or due to a fall from a high place can lead to more severe effects. However, there can be minor and major head trauma. Head trauma in cats involves an injury to the skull and sometimes structures inside like the brain and nervous system.

#Signs of psychological trauma in cats how to#

In this article, you’ll learn the top 7 signs seen with head trauma in cats, as well as common causes, how injuries are treated, how to prevent these injuries, and some frequently asked questions. Head trauma in cats can be a very life-threatening medical condition, requiring early recognition of signs and treatment for the best outcome.