Head Tremors in Cerebellar Hypoplasia Cats
In addition to the wobbles, another common symptom of cerebellar hypoplasia is temporary head tremors, or the uncontrollable shaking of a cat’s head (like a bobble-head doll). Also called cerebellar or intention tremors, they are an additional result of damage to the cerebellum.
The tremors, which range in severity, usually occur when the cat is trying to focus on something. They may also be brought on by stress, fear or fatigue, but the tremor usually passes in a few moments. While experiencing a tremor, your kitty may miss her target or fall over, but it otherwise shouldn’t hurt her.
Another interesting fact: The tremors are usually perpendicular to the direction of movement — so if your kitty is focusing on something straight ahead, her head will most likely wobble from side to side.
Here’s an example of CG’s tremors when he was 2 months old:
Fortunately, as CG has grown up, his head tremors have improved. He’ll still get them on occassion, but I don’t feel like they’re as severe since he’s older and larger now.
Here’s a video of Ellie’s head tremors:
One thing to watch for is what happens after the head tremor. Sometimes CG will lose his balance after a head tremor, fall over and knock his chin on the floor. I don’t think it’s ever hurt him too badly, but I do suspect a head tremor-induced chin bump to have caused a chipped tooth.
Please note that CH cats are born with head tremors; they do not develop later on in life. If your cat has developed head tremors, please visit your vet.
How are your cat’s head tremors? Have they improved as your cat has improved?