Cat Head Bobbing: 6 Causes of This Behavior

Have you ever seen your cat bob her head? Did you know this can potentially be a sign of a serious health problem? How do you know when cat head bobbing is something to be worried about and when it is a relatively normal behavior?

As a cat owner, it’s important to brush up on everything you need to know about your cat’s health. In the article below, we’ll help you understand more about head bobbing and what it could mean for your feline friend. Read on to find out more.

Cat Dental Pain

Dental pain can sometimes cause a head bob in cats. Cats who have a lot of pain, especially pain that is concentrated on one side of the mouth, may bob their heads to try to reduce the pain and pressure that is present there.

If you know or suspect that your cat has pain related to a dental problem, go to the vet as soon as you can. While this isn’t an emergency situation, it does need to be treated urgently. The sooner you take your cat to the vet for a dental issue, the better off she will be.

Cat Ear Infection

Ear infections are one of the most common and least concerning causes of head bobs in cats. If your cat suffers an ear infection, the buildup of pressure and fluid within the ear may cause her to bob her head. This symptom occurs when your cat tries to relieve some of the pain and discomfort caused by the infection.

Just because ear infections are less concerning than other items on this list, however, that does not mean you should ignore them. Take your cat to the vet for medicated ear drops and oral antibiotics to help clear up her ear infection quickly.

Cat Seizure

Seizures may cause a symptom that looks like a head bob. However, this issue is actually a result of the seizure itself. Just like humans, cats who have seizures may present repetitive movements that indicate they are in the midst of a seizure episode.

If your cat has a seizure for the first time or if you know she has recently ingested a potential toxic substance, take her to the emergency vet right away. However, if your cat has a diagnosed seizure condition, you do not necessarily have to see a vet every time she has a seizure.

Cat Brain Tumor

Brain tumors are by far the most serious potential cause of head bobbing in cats. If your cat has a brain tumor—even a benign one—it could cause a head bob that does not go away. Over time, the head bobbing symptom may worsen, and you may notice other symptoms in your cat as well.

Brain tumors may not always be able to be treated. However, your vet will perform several tests to determine whether or not your cat is a good candidate for tumor treatment. If so, you can discuss the options more thoroughly with your vet and choose the right management option for your cat.

Respiratory Infection

Respiratory infections may sometimes become so severe that they lead to a head bob in cats. This typically happens when cats suffer from a very stuffy nose or a lot of congestion related to the infection. A buildup of pressure in the sinuses and respiratory system may cause your cat to bob her head in an attempt to relieve these symptoms.

Additionally, some respiratory infections may cause dizziness, which also leads to head bobbing. If you suspect your cat has a respiratory infection, go to the vet right away for the proper diagnosis and treatment.

Reaction to Medication

In some cases, your cat’s head bobbing could be a reaction to medication. Some types of medication, particularly those that are stronger or intended for more serious health issues, may contribute to dizziness in cats. This issue, in turn, may lead to a frequent head bob.

If your cat’s head bobbing is the only side effect she is experiencing from her medication, it may be okay to continue giving her the medicine she needs. However, it’s important to double-check with your vet to be sure.

Conclusion

As you can see, there are many situations in which head bobbing may be a sign of a serious health problem for your cat. For this reason, it’s crucial to take your pet to the vet at the first sign of this symptom. Although the problem could indicate something as simple as an ear infection, it is important to rule out other, more serious problems first.

By working with a trusted vet, you can make sure you catch any serious health problems for your cat before they get out of hand. Your vet can also help you choose the right treatment or management plan for your pet.