While there are no treatments or cures for cerebellar hypoplasia (CH), there are several things you can do to make life easier for a CH kitty. CH cats are considered special needs, which means they do require extra care and attention. How much extra care is required will depend on how severe the CH cat’s condition is.
There is a wide range of degrees and symptoms for CH. The degree of severity can range even within one litter of kittens – one kitten may be severely affected, while another cat from the same litter may only have a mild case, or might not even have CH at all. There is no set classification system for CH, but there are some general characteristics and symptoms that one can use to subjectively classify a cat’s condition.
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Degrees of Cerebellar Hypoplasia
Cats with mild CH can get around fairly well. They may have a funny walk, trip over themselves some, have mild head tremors, and have some difficulty jumping, but overall they can function well – almost as well as a “regular” cat. Video of a mild CH cat
Cats with moderate CH have more trouble getting around, and their walk is even more unstable – they may appear to be “drunken sailors.” They definitely climb a lot more than they jump, if they jump at all. They also have a wider stance to keep themselves from falling over. They might have a more difficult time eating, as they can’t keep their head still, eating with a “chicken peck” type of motion. Video of a moderate CH cat
Cats with severe CH typically can’t walk on their own. They may flop around or drag themselves from one place to another. Because of their more limited ability, they have to find alternative ways to use the litter box, eat, and drink. Video of a severe CH cat / Video of a severe CH cat using a walker
Sophie is considered to have a mild-moderate case of CH, so while she doesn’t require a ton of extra care, she does need some. Here are a few things that my husband and I found that help her tremendously:
1. “Create” a special litter box.
Because Sophie has a hard time maintaining her balance and falls over sometimes, using the litter box can be a difficult task. Falling over in a litter box can result in not-so-pretty messes. Let’s just say that my husband and I have had to give Sophie many baths. However, this homemade litter box has been a wonderful fix for that! We bought one of those big plastic storage bins, cut a hole in the side of it, and voila! A litter box with high walls! Now Sophie can use the litter box and lean against the high walls to keep herself steady. She usually goes in the corners so she has two walls to lean against. While she does still occasionally fall over and make a mess, it doesn’t happen nearly as often as it used to.
In more severe CH cases, when the cat can’t walk at all, I have seen homemade litter boxes used that have an entire side of a bin cut out so that the cat can drag itself into the box. I have also seen flat cookie sheets used as litter trays. There are many handy homemade litter box ideas out there that suit all kinds of needs; you just have to find the one that best suits yours.
Check out this post for some tips and tricks on how to control litter box odor!
2. Use baby gates on the stairs for safety.
Many cats with CH can’t or won’t climb stairs, especially those with severe CH. Sophie didn’t climb stairs at first, but she figured it out pretty quickly. Once she did, that’s all she wanted to do – it was a game of “Hey, Look What I Can Do!” This was a catch-22 for us. We were excited that Sophie had learned a skill that some say CH cats “can’t do,” but at the same time, her wobbly nature made for very nerve-racking stair climbs. She has had a few pretty bad tumbles, which she surprisingly (and luckily) came out of unscathed.
Shortly after moving into a house with stairs, I realized we had to do something to keep her off them. I would never be able to leave the house or go to bed at night without worrying about Sophie. Our first solution was putting a simple baby gate at the bottom of the stairs. She can’t jump over one like most cats can, so we thought that was the ticket. It worked for a little bit…until Sophie figured out how to climb it…
We have since upgraded to a fancier gate that doesn’t have any horizontal parts for her to grab onto and climb. We had to make a few modifications though. See the black towels wrapped around a couple of the spindles? A couple of the gaps in-between the spindles were wide enough for her to fit through, so we added the towels to close the gap in. So far this is working. Keep your fingers crossed though…Sophie has a way of getting past any obstacle we put in her way!
3. Don’t clip your CH kitty’s nails too short.
I am not at all a supporter of declawing any cats, but for CH cats, it is especially imperative that they have their claws. Especially those with more severe cases, as they rely on their claws to drag and scoot themselves around. Even Sophie, who has a mild-moderate case of CH, relies on her claws to be able to grip the carpet better when running and playing.
CH cats are also know for having poor jumping skills; many can’t or won’t jump at all. Instead, they are professional climbers.Climbing is essential for them to get around, and claws are essential for climbing. We do trim Sophie’s nails, but we don’t trim them as short as we do the other kitties’. We trim off just enough so she doesn’t get stuck on everything.
Now you may be thinking, “Geez, Emily’s furniture must be pretty torn up.” It’s actually not that bad. It may not be in the best shape, and we many not ever have fancy and expensive furniture, but to me, that’s a small price to pay for the love and joy that Sophie brings into our lives.
4. Use a non-slip silicone placemat + bowl.
Eating can sometimes be a challenge for cats with cerebellar hypoplasia. CH cats are bobble heads. They usually have a hard time holding their heads still, especially when they are concentrating on something like eating. As a result, they often eat in a chicken-pecking style, which can cause a regular food bowl to slide all over the floor. And we all know how hard it is to hit a moving target under normal circumstances, so imagine how hard it must be for a bobble-headed wobbly kitty to eat!
Thankfully Sophie eats on her own pretty well, though we do make sure we place her bowl up against a wall or corner so it doesn’t have anywhere to go. One product that I’ve seen recommended time and again in the Cerebellar Hypoplasia Cats & Kittens Facebook group is what’s called a Happy Bowl. It is a two-in-one, non-slip silicone placemat and bowl. This is a perfect bowl for CH cats because not only does it stay in one place, it makes clean up easy for those who are messy eaters.
5. Place ramps beside the furniture.
As mentioned before, cats with cerebellar hypoplasia are usually not the best jumpers. Many can’t or won’t jump, and instead climb their way up onto things. Climbing is definitely Sophie’s preferred method of vertical transportation. However, if your CH cat can’t or doesn’t climb, or if you would prefer for your cat not to climb on the furniture, I would recommend placing ramps beside your couch/bed/chairs/etc. That way your kitty has an easy and safe way to get up and down off the furniture. There are some great bedside ramps out there, as well as some that are more portable and better suited for couches and chairs.
You can take things a step further and get a cat tree that has a ramp leading up to it. We have one, though Sophie doesn’t ever use the ramp. She chooses to climb up the cat tree instead. Radagast, our other handicat, always uses the ramp though.
6. Pad the floor with foam tiles.
If you share your life with a CH cat, you know that witnessing the occasional (or maybe even frequent) fall or wipe out just comes with the territory. Sophie has caused me to have mini heart attacks on more than one occasion, that’s for sure! To prevent injuries, especially if you have hardwood floors, you can place foam floor tiles around the areas your cat has a tendency to fall (like underneath a cat tree or around the couch).
These foam floor tiles are also great for adding traction to hard flooring. CH cats often slip and slide on hardwood or tiled floors, so having something like the foam tiles to sink their claws into as they walk helps them to get around a lot better. Rugs and runners are also helpful in that department.
Over the course of the last 5+ years since we adopted Sophie, we’ve learned a lot through trial and error and through recommendations from others about how we can help and make things easier for her. Some things have worked better than others, and that’s okay. It’s a learning process. I hope that our suggestions might be helpful to your and your kitty. Keep in mind though, what works well for one CH cat might not work as well for another. If you have any questions, feel free to contact me!
Tamago says
Another great post about CH kitties! The homemade litter box is very creative and sounds perfect for your Sophie. I hope the new baby gate works well for her safety!
Oui Oui says
It’s amazing how skilled Sophie is! As they say, where there’s a will, there is a way. What a great post! We’re so glad you took the time to share it with us. Sophie is very beautiful and you must have a lot of pride in all of her accomplishments. What a pretty girl she is!
Angel AbbyGrace says
Sophie you are our inspiration!
Chelsea Price says
Sophie is too adorable! I love that video! Doesn’t seem like her CH slows her down too much – what a trooper! 🙂
Deztinee Izabella says
Aaaaw Dat’s so sweet. So glad yous helpin Sophie cope. Meez not special needs but meez mommy is, so meez helps hers. 🙂
Luv and Hugs and Kitty Kisses ♥♥♥
Dezi
Kitties Blue says
Sophie and her daddy are so cute together. We like this serious and appreciate learning about CH. Some of us are still not speaking to Mom since she abandoned us. Astrid is in that group. She sends kisses and hugs to Sampson. XO, Lily Olivia. Mauricio, Misty May,Giulietta, Fiona, Astrid, Lisbeth and Calista Jo
Winter says
That was a great post! I so happy for Sophie to find such a loving family. She is a real cutie too. Love her. She seems to have such spirit. A little clawed furniture is worth it. Mom’s recliner has tons of claw holes and we have no excuse other than being a kitty. MOL
Timmy Tomcat says
Great post and one that is really needed. She is a beautiful cat. Dad has thought of taking in a special needs but we are full up at the moment. We use the even bigger tubs with two holes cut in them for our litter pans. Great minds and all MOL
Kim says
I found that realy interesting as I think my cat has c h. Keeping there claws long is very interesting as I all ways found when I cut her claws she falls off bed and ant as good as when she has them long so I will definitely be leaving them longer in future
da tabbies o trout towne says
another grate post sophie…thanx for sharin yur storee….
we iz wunderin if it wood help ewe to get say frum de floor to a chair///sofa///bed….. with a carpeted cat ramp? ♥♥♥
Maxwell, Faraday & Allie says
We’ve had several CH kitties at our shelter, some we’ve totally fallen in love with. We’re so very glad you adopted Sophie!!
Sue & Boo says
Sophie, you go girl!
Cary says
I am totally sharing this with my partner. As you know, we have a handicat with a mild case of CH (Zoe). Loved reading this!
Kitty Cat Chronicles says
Thanks! We’d love to hear about the things you do for your Zoe 🙂
Jenna Drady says
So sweet! Thanks for sharing your story on the pet parade with us!
Great idea with the littler box.
ღ husky hugz ღ frum our pack at Love is being owned by a husky!
Stacey says
I have never heard of CH before but I am so glad that you have found ways to help her deal with it. She is a very pretty cat and lucky to have such caring and loving humans 🙂 Have a wonderful weekend!
Veda says
i love the litterbox idea! I have just rescued a little CH kitten. Didn’t know at the time and went through a lot of fear, tears and heartbreak, but now that I know what it entails, the whole family is adapting and helping! It still makes me sad and upset to watch her struggle, but I know it will get better. Thanks for this!
Maxwell, Faraday & Allie says
We’ve had several CH kitties at our shelter, some we’ve totally fallen in love with. We’re so very glad you adopted Sophie!!
Sue & Boo says
Sophie, you go girl!
Cat Lover 101 says
We have a cat with moderate CH. Just like Sophie he kept falling in his litter box and would also cause a mess. I love your litter box idea!! I’ll implement it in my home and see how it works out. Luckily we don’t have stairs so I don’t need to worry about that. And just like you said, we always keep his claws cause he uses them to climb up on things. Great post, thank you! 😀
Kelly says
Having cats all my life and I had not known about Cerebellar Hypoplasia before reading your posts! Thank you for sharing this information it is truly something to be aware of and how we an assist cats that have it. I like the kitty litter idea and think this would work well for senior cats as well.
Nichole says
I had no idea what this was until reading your post. Great information and a source for those who are going through this with their cats!
Hindy Pearson says
What a beautiful post. While volunteering in shelters I saw too many people who would surrender their pets for the most absurd reasons, and here you are doing everything you can to make Sophie’s life easier. I am sure others who have special cats will benefit from your very helpful advice. My dog Red is blind, so I never close doors inside the house, don’t leave things on the floor she can trip over, if she’s sleeping I never just pick her up without calling her so I don’t startle her, and I use a pet stroller so she can join us on walks.
Debbie says
I never would have thought about the litter box issue with CH cats. What a great idea to use a high-walled DIY litterbox so she can lean on the walls. I love seeing how happy and spirited Sophie is, despite her limitations. If you can even call them that with her “can do” attitude!!! 🙂 Great tips!
Stephanie says
Great post, love the ideas that you shared!
Kamira Gayle says
Awww go Sophie!! Love the video clip. I visited a cat parlor once and they had a pair of CH cats. They were so sweet and I wondered how they manage with using the litter box and such. Your tips are very practical and useful, especially the high walled litter box. That helps contain all the mess from going outside.
Amy Hempe says
I love that pets with special needs have you as an advocate. So many things you have to get for them have to be DIY projects. And so many things are basic projects that nearly anyone can do. Great work!
The Daily Pip says
That’s interesting about the nails. I never would have thought of that, but it definitely makes sense. I have never had a CH kitty but I would love to adopt one someday. I have learned a lot from you and Sophie!
Sadie says
Thank you for sharing this information. The last photo captures both struggle and determination. These special needs babies are just ‘extra special’ and it is rewarding to work with them and witness their tenacity.
Cathy Armato says
Sophie is just incredible, and so are you! The information you provide is so helpful & the education about CH is great.
Love & biscuits,
Dogs Luv Us and We Luv Them
Carol Bryant says
Thanks for shining the spotlight on a topic that more folks need to be aware of. I learned a lot about CH here in your post that I had no idea about before.
Tonya Wilhelm says
What a wonderful kitty and kitty parents. You guys are amazing and she’s amazing. Special needs pets are so, well, SPECIAL. 🙂 I love reading about her.
Beth Patterson says
I always like to learn more about special needs and the ways to accommodate them. Sophie seems to be a very happy and lucky cat!
Lone Star Cats says
Great tips!
The Island Cats says
Those are some good tips. You certainly have made life a little easier for Sophie…and for you.
Ellen Pilch says
Excellent tips. Also useful for elderly cats too. We have done many of these for Prancie, our older kitty.
Meezer's Mews & Terrieristical Woofs says
With Sophie being a smart kitty, I bet she will learn to climb u the towels on your new baby gate arrangement, MOL! She is one determeined kitty:)
Those are all great tips, and can be adapted to help other kitties with various issues of balance and mobility.
Teddy says
Sophie is amazing but that’s in a huge part to the way you have helped her “find her level” – she’s fearless and adventurous and it’s been made easier for her with all the helpful aids you have provided for her. Great information for anyone with a CH cat or really ANY other disability that has to do with mobility. BRAVO!
Hugs, Teddy
Eastside Cats says
Obviously, there isn’t any ‘quit’ in Sophie’s lexicon!
Raven says
Lots of great ideas for adapting your home for a special needs kitty. We did similar things as our dog aged and we also made modifications for Sammi, our three-legged cat.
Kitties Blue says
Super post, Emily, with lots of great info. I always love seeing and hearing about Sophie. I am going to really miss seeing her at BlogPaws this year. Astrid sends Sampy 123456787654567876543456765432345654323456789876543579 kisses and oodles of love. Love and hugs, Janet
Hiking Diva says
I’m fostering a 3mo mild CH kitten who has an out of state forever home lined up, but he will be with me for a month or so.
Bobble LOVES looking out the window at birds & chipmunks. I have a straight-back chair set up at the window that is the perfect height. I’m working on getting some ramps for him. The problem is, he has fallen backwards off the chair a few times. (I have pillows set up)
I’m looking for ideas that could prevent him from falling backwards but still allow him (one day) to come and go. Any ideas?
Emily says
Thank you for fostering Bobble and giving him the love and care he deserves! <3 Hmmm... maybe you could create some sort of barrier on 3 sides of the chair? That way he still has access to the chair from one side, but if he falls over towards the other sides there would be something to hold him up. You could make the sides out of cardboard perhaps? I'm going to do some research to see if there are any sort of seats or perches that have walls that would be good for this kind of thing...
Cindy Potter says
Thanks for being here I have a 5week old wobbly kitten I’m fostering and I believe it’s mild. In trying to find her a forever home I’d like to be as educated on the subject as I can.
Cat Johnston says
We adopted 2 CH kittens from a local shelter. Here are some CH tips we received from the shelter, and my experience. We have found some are not currently helpful for my particular kittens, but perhaps will become more useful when they get a little older. Either way I’ll pass them all on to you:
• Use shallow litter so the sides of the box are higher to lean against
• Use a long planter-box as a litter box. The sides are tall to help hold them up on both sides. (The high sides are too high for our kittens to get into the box, so maybe when they are older?)
• Roll up throw blankets, etc. To form a bumper around the edge of the couch/bed/wherever so they are less likely to flop off.
• likewise we have high side cat beds. One of them, we use on the couch, once had a seperate cushion. We removed the inner pillow and let them have the higher bummer to flop against.
• They often use their hind legs together, like rabbits do, and launch themselves forward. Once older they can really zoom. Be prepared. (I’m seeing one of my kittens already figuring this out)
• Duct tape several soda case boxes (the long ones) together and make a tunnel/track about the house. The walls prevent flopping sideways and backwards. Once they figure it out they can really get around. (We haven’t done this yet, but a friend had rabbits and this worked great) plus the handle opening can provide both light and play spots. We plan to turn the cardboard around so they are uniformly brown, and less trashy looking, just need a little more duct tape to reseal them.
• You can make easy wheeled/caster slings to help them get around. See YouTube or Google for diagram. (Since I have kittens I want to encourage them to learn how to walk, if possible. To build the muscles and make different neuro pathways. If that doesn’t work *then* I plan to make them the wheeled sling.)
• They are definitely indoor cats. However they love going on a field trip outside to romp and play. They need the sunshine (like all living things), the ground is soft, the grass is fun, etc. But never leave them unattended outside!
• our kittens LOVE to be carried, so they can see all the things and smell all the smells. We occasionally use a long fabric tie, like a baby papoose, to free up our hands. (However, I still want these kittens to learn to self-travel, so I discourage it a bit. Even though its super adorable).