As many cat parents have learned over the years, cats don't always land on their feet. Contrary to the popular cat myth, cats can and do fall. But if they hit their heads hard enough, can cats get concussions? What are the cat concussion symptoms you should look out for?
Concussion Risks and Causes
Cat head injuries are fairly common, and no cat is immune to them. Because of their proclivity for climbing, feral, stray or outdoor cats risk head trauma from falling out of trees and off of fences or from being struck by a vehicle. Aggressive fighting with other cats or animals can lead to brain injuries, too.
Can cats get concussions if they live exclusively indoors? Absolutely, especially from seemingly minor incidents such as accidentally being stepped on, sat on or having a heavy object fall on them. Cats that live in tall buildings are at risk for what's called "high-rise syndrome," a term coined by the Animal Medical Center (AMC) in New York City to describe an accidental fall from a structure of a significant height. These types of serious falls often result in "a common triad of injuries: chest trauma, head/facial injuries and limb fractures," says the AMC.
Signs of a Head Injury
Though small, your cat's brain is a fine-tuned, efficient and complex machine (cats are geniuses, after all). A cat's brain is very much like a human brain, points out the Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine. It controls and coordinates a central nervous system (including the brain and spinal cord) and a peripheral nervous system composed of other nerves and muscles. There are many mechanisms at work in your kitty's golf ball-sized gray matter!
When your fur baby does sustain a brain injury like a concussion, the important lines of communication between these two nervous systems are disrupted, resulting in visible signs of a problem. However, because cats often conceal their injuries and illnesses, you'll need to keep a close eye on any behavioral changes that your kitty exhibits. Cat concussion symptoms to look out for include:
- Trouble walking
- Vomiting
- Unresponsiveness (not reacting to her name being called, for example, or staring into space for an unusually long time)
- Seizures
- Swollen face
- Bleeding from the eyes, nose, mouth or open wound
- Loss of consciousness
If your cat has sustained a fall or head injury, contact your veterinarian's office right away to properly assess her condition and get immediate medical attention.
Tasty Tips
Concussion Treatment
Your vet will perform a variety of diagnostic exams to assess the injury and work to relieve the pain — and shock — of a concussion. In many cases, the injury looks worse than the damage incurred. The Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University notes that an injured cat's appearance can be frightening for concerned pet parents, but that the outlook is often positive. Even if your cat doesn't exhibit outward signs of injury, like a bloody nose or swollen face, it's important to get her immediate care.
When helping your cat recover from an injury, take note of her eating habits. Ensure that she gets the proper nutrition and that she's drinking enough (but not too much) water. If you notice that she's losing weight rapidly, is breathing fast or heavily or is sensitive to your touch, don't wait to report these symptoms to your vet.
Recovery
The upside of all this is that, in many cases, your feline friend will bounce back just fine from her concussion. "Unless there is significant brain swelling — if it's just a matter of wound healing — many cats that have experienced head trauma may be feeling better within a week or two," says Tufts. While more seriously injured cats may take longer to recover and require more help with routine activities (like eating and using the litter box), most will eventually be back to their lively selves.
There are a few ways that you can help to prevent head injuries from happening in the first place: Secure your windows and screens, enclose your balcony with screens and anchor heavy furniture to the wall. If your kitty does get injured one day, your love, patience and awareness will go a long way toward helping her recover.
Related products
Hill's Science Diet Adult Tender Ocean Fish Dinner Cat Food
With delicious chunks in a decadent gravy
Hill's Science Diet Perfect Weight Salmon & Vegetable Canned Cat Food
Over 70% of cats lost weight within 10 weeks when fed this nutrition
Hill's Science Diet Adult Healthy Cuisine Roasted Chicken & Rice Medley Cat Food
Delicious roasted chicken and rice in a mouthwatering sauce
Hill's Science Diet Adult Tender Chicken Dinner cat food
With delicious chunks in a decadent gravy
Hill's Science Diet Adult Tender Tuna Dinner Cat Food
With delicious chunks in a decadent gravy
Hill's Science Diet Adult Savory Salmon Entrée Cat Food
Precisely balanced nutrition with the delicious taste of savory minced salmon to help fuel the energy needs of cats during the prime of their life
Hill's Science Diet Adult Sensitive Stomach & Skin Duck & Vegetable Entrée Cat Food
Supports digestive health, nourishes skin and promotes a lustrous fur
Hill's Science Diet Adult Savory Chicken Entrée Cat Food
Precisely balanced nutrition with the delicious taste of savory minced chicken to help fuel the energy needs of cats during the prime of their life
Hill's Science Diet Sensitive Stomach & Skin Salmon & Tuna Dinner
Carefully made, gourmet daily nutrition. Tasty chunks with Salmon & Tuna in a decadent gravy. Supports digestive health, nourishes skin and promotes a lustrous fur.
Hill's Science Diet Adult Turkey & Liver Entrée Cat Food
Precisely balanced nutrition with the delicious taste of minced turkey & liver to help fuel the energy needs of cats during the prime of their life
Hill's Science Diet Kitten Tender Chicken Dinner
With delicious chunks in a decadent gravy
Hill's Prescription Diet c/d Multicare Stress with Ocean Fish Dry Cat Food
Supports urinary care with added ingredients to help reduce stress in cats
Hill's Science Diet Adult Perfect Weight Roasted Vegetable & Chicken Medley cat food
Over 70% of cats lost weight within 10 weeks when fed this nutrition
Hill's Science Diet Adult Tender Chicken Dinner cat food
Delectable chunks with tender chicken smothered in a rich gravy
Hill's Science Diet Adult Light Chicken Recipe Cat Food
Fewer calories for less active cats
Hill's Prescription Diet c/d Multicare Stress + Metabolic Weight Chicken Flavor Dry Cat Food
Nutrition to support urinary care and weight management with added ingredients to reduce stress in cats
Hill's Science Diet Adult Savory Entrée Can Variety Pack Cat Food
null Hill's Science Diet Kitten with Salmon
Precisely balanced nutrition with the delicious taste of minced salmon to help build immunity and a healthy digestive system
Hill's Science Diet Adult Savory Turkey Entrée Cat Food
Precisely balanced nutrition with the delicious taste of gourmet minced turkey to help fuel the energy needs of cats during the prime of their life
Hill's Science Diet Adult Sensitive Stomach & Skin Salmon & Vegetable Entrée Cat Food
Supports digestive health, nourishes skin and promotes a lustrous fur
Related articles
When Are Cats Full-Grown?
Learn key signs to tell if your kitten is reaching cat adulthood, including life stage specifics and special considerations for gender, breed & more
Why Exercise is Important to Keep Your Cat Healthy
Learn how to keep your new kitten active and playful, which can help her maintain her ideal weight.
Why Are Adopted Cats Returned to Shelters?
Learning common reasons why adopted cats are returned to shelters can help you better prepare for your adoption journey and enjoy your new pet.
Training Your Cat: Basic Things to Work On
With proper understanding and patience, cats can be trained. Learn how to properly train your new cat or kitten with these easy-to-follow tips.
Moving & Relocation with Your Cat: Tips & Suggestions
Get tips on how reduce your cat's stress level for the next time you have to move or relocate. Find ways to help your cat settle in.
Smart Litter Boxes: What You Need to Know
Learn helpful information about self-cleaning litter boxes, including how they actually work, overall benefits, typical costs and transitioning tips.
Reasons for Your Cat Vomiting
Learn the different causes of cat vomiting, from throwing up common hairballs to more serious health concerns, and how grooming & food can help prevent it.
Why Do Cats Meow?
Learn what your cat's meow really means, so you can understand what they are trying to communicate to you.
Gingivitis in Cats: Causes, Signs, Treatment & Prevention
Learn helpful info about gingivitis in cats, the most common oral disease among cats, including what it is, causes, symptoms, treatment & prevention tips.
Are Cats Protective of Their Humans?
Dogs are well-known for their loyalty, but are cats protective too? Learn whether cats defend their people and how to deal with an overprotective kitty.
Stomatitis in Cats: Causes, Diagnosis & Treatment
Learn about stomatitis in cats, an inflammation of the mouth, including the two types, symptoms of the condition, and treatments your vet might recommend.
Can Cats Have Down Syndrome?
Learn about special needs cats and whether strange behaviors or physical characteristics might mean they have down syndrome.
Origins of 6 Common Cat Sayings
Learn about the origins of the most common cat phrases and exactly what it means when you hear one.
Getting Your Cat Into Her Carrier
Getting your cat in & out of her carrier can be a challenging task when it's time to go to the vet. Learn helpful carrier tips for keeping your cat calm.
Do Cats Understand Words?
Discover interesting information about whether you cat actually understands your words and if it's important to actually talk to your feline friend.
Rehoming a Cat: Tips for Finding a New Home
Learn situations which might necessitate rehoming a cat, as well as tips for researching new homes and how to prepare a cat for a new forever home.
Cat Seizures: Causes, Symptoms & What You Should Do
Learn how to spot the signs of a cat seizure, what you should do if your cat is having a seizure, and what the common causes of seizures are.
Cats & Ingrown Nails: Spotting Them & What You Should Do
Cats & Ingrown Nails: What You Should Look For
Kitten Teething: Age Timeline, Signs & How You Can Help
Kitten Teething: Age Timeline, Signs & How You Can Help
Cat Ear Infections: Symptoms, Diagnosis, Treatment & Prevention
Learn about common causes, signs & symptoms, and treatment of a cat ear infection, as well as tips for how to prevent them from happening.
Put your cat on a diet without them knowing
Our low calorie formula helps you control your cat's weight. It's packed with high-quality protein for building lean muscles, and made with purposeful ingredients for a flavorful, nutritious meal. Clinically proven antioxidants, Vitamin C+E, help promote a healthy immune system.
Put your cat on a diet without them knowing
Our low calorie formula helps you control your cat's weight. It's packed with high-quality protein for building lean muscles, and made with purposeful ingredients for a flavorful, nutritious meal. Clinically proven antioxidants, Vitamin C+E, help promote a healthy immune system.