Yes — cats can experience concussions. Concussions are a form of traumatic brain injury caused by blunt trauma to the head or a sharp, forceful impact, and they can occur in cats just as they can in humans or other animals. Common scenarios include falls from heights, being struck by vehicles, rough play or fights, or being stepped on. Signs can be subtle or easily mistaken for other issues, so prompt veterinary assessment is important if head trauma is suspected. Key points and guidance
- What counts as a concussion in a cat: A concussion involves a head impact that disrupts normal brain function. It may accompany other injuries, but neurological signs can occur even if other injuries seem minor.
- Common causes in cats: Falls from trees, windows, balconies, stairways; being hit by a car or bicyclist; fights with other pets; heavy objects falling on them. Indoor cats are still at risk from household accidents or being stepped on.
- Recognizing potential concussion: Look for disorientation, unsteady gait or ataxia, head tilt or circling, dilated or unequal pupils, lethargy, vomiting, responsiveness changes, sensitivity to light or sound, seizures in some cases. If any head trauma is suspected, assume a concussion until a veterinarian can assess.
- What to do if you suspect a concussion: Seek immediate veterinary care. Minimize movement to prevent further injury, avoid giving food or water if the cat is vomiting or severely lethargic, and transport the cat gently to the clinic. Do not administer human pain medications or other drugs unless directed by a veterinarian.
- Diagnosis and treatment: A vet will perform a physical and neurological exam, and may recommend imaging (such as CT or MRI) to assess the extent of brain injury and screen for other issues. Treatment focuses on supportive care, monitoring for changes, and addressing any concurrent injuries. Recovery can vary from days to weeks, depending on severity.
- Prevention tips: Cat-proof high-risk areas (secure windows and balconies, remove fall hazards), supervise outdoors or provide safe indoor enrichment, and use pet-safe protective measures where appropriate. If your cat has had a head injury, follow the veterinarian’s guidance on rest, gradual return to activity, and follow-up exams.
If you’d like, I can tailor this to your situation—describe any head injury events your cat recently had, note the symptoms you’ve observed, and I’ll outline the most probable concerns and steps.
