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Cerebellar hypoplasia is a neurological condition that occurs in kittens and puppies who are born with an underdeveloped cerebellum, the part of the brain that controls coordination, balance, and fine motor skills.
In both humans and animals, the cerebellum (literally “little brain”) sits underneath the cerebrum and behind the brainstem at the base of the skull. Its job is to receive and interpret information from our inner ears and feet to help us recognize exactly where our bodies are in space at any given point in time. Are we standing up, lying down, rightside up or upside down?
When the cerebellum doesn’t develop properly before birth, it causes kittens and puppies to experience walking and balance issues that last for the rest of their lives.
What Causes Cerebellar Hypoplasia?
The cerebellum’s growth can be stunted by several different things. In cats, the most common culprit is the feline panleukopenia virus, an extremely contagious and life-threatening virus that kills cells that are rapidly growing. In dogs, cerebellar hypoplasia is most commonly caused by the canine herpes virus. Some dog breeds (including Airedales, Chow Chows, and Gordon Setters) also have a genetic predisposition to developing cerebellar hypoplasia.
If a mother dog or cat is infected with these viruses, exposed to certain toxins, have nutritional deficiencies while pregnant, or suffer an injury or trauma to their womb, their offspring can be born with cerebellar hypoplasia. The condition may affect only one kitten or puppy, or the entire litter may be affected, sometimes to varying degrees.

What Cerebellar Hypoplasia Looks Like
Symptoms of cerebellar hypoplasia in puppies are usually evident around 6 weeks of age when they first begin to walk. In kittens, the signs may appear earlier. Some symptoms may be barely noticeable, while others may be more severe.
The most common sign of cerebellar hypoplasia is an unsteady, uncoordinated gait. This is why affected animals are often affectionately referred to as “wobblers”. Because they have balance issues, they may walk with their legs very wide apart to avoid toppling over, appear to sway from side to side while walking, and often lean against walls or other objects for support.
Other signs include:
- Head tremors. This is uncontrollable shaking of the kitten’s or puppy’s head while they are trying to focus on something. These can be brought on by fatigue, fear, or stress, but usually pass in a few moments. These tremors aren’t painful, and unlike seizures, they aren’t harmful and don’t cause any type of permanent damage.
- Intention tremors. These usually occur when the kitten or puppy intends to voluntarily make some kind of movement, like walking, playing, or bending over to eat or drink out of a bowl. These can result in them falling or flipping over, but don’t usually cause damage (unless the fall is severe, like off a high bed or down a flight of stairs).
- An inability to correctly judge distance. This makes it more difficult for them to jump from place to place (especially for kittens), or to correctly gauge how far away an object is.
- Frequent falling over or flipping.
Animals with cerebellar hypoplasia may appear perfectly normal while sitting still, but once they’re moving or focused on something, their tremors and uncoordinated gait immediately give them away.
How Is Cerebellar Hypoplasia Diagnosed?
Unfortunately, cerebellar hypoplasia can’t be diagnosed with routine laboratory testing. The only way to officially diagnose it is with a CT (computed tomography) scan or MRI (magnetic resonance imaging). If the animal’s cerebellum is smaller than normal, it will show up on the results.
Fortunately, these tests are often unnecessary due the fact that the symptoms are so easy to spot. However, there are other diseases and conditions that can mimic cerebellar hypoplasia, so it’s best to have confirmation from your veterinarian.
So What Is Life Like For Pets With Cerebellar Hypoplasia?
I’m very glad you asked!
It’s important to remember that cats and dogs with cerebellar hypoplasia aren’t sick, weak, or in pain – they’re simply uncoordinated. They often learn to adapt to their disability over time and become quite skilled at working around it. They’re not contagious to other animals, can be safely spayed and neutered, and enjoy the same quality of life and life expectancy as “normal” healthy pets. Cerebellar hypoplasia is non-progressive, so although it will always be there, it will never get worse. In fact, some pets actually improve over time as they learn ways to adapt.
Below is a video of a cat named Charley with cerebellar hypoplasia. He is obviously living a very happy life!
Although pets with cerebellar hypoplasia can get along quite well, there are some things to keep in mind when caring for them:
They require protection when outdoors. Since cats with CH can be easily injured or attacked if they go outdoors, they should be kept indoors only (unless taken outside for short visits and closely supervised in a safe, fenced-in area). Dogs should be kept on a leash at all times when outside.
They may require modifications in the home to keep them safe. Stairs may need to be blocked off, or if the cat or dog can navigate stairs (which many can), they may need textured stair pads to help them grip better. Carpeting throughout the house will also help for those times when they may take an unintentional tumble.
They may need customized food and water dishes. Many pets with cerebellar hypoplasia “peck” at their food because they have difficulty leaning down to eat or drink. Dishes that are raised off the floor, such as those in elevated feeders, are very helpful, as are water bowls that are both wide in diameter and heavy so they don’t slip around.
Why You Should Consider Adopting A Pet With Cerebellar Hypoplasia
The wonderful thing about cats and dogs with cerebellar hypoplasia is that they don’t seem to know they are any different from anyone else. Most can run, play, go up and down stairs, and are incredibly affectionate (most likely from developing a close bond with their guardians).
Although they may be limited in what they can do, it’s inspiring to watch them progress over time, figure things out, and create their own ways of getting around obstacles. For instance, some cats with CH may not be able to jump, but they can become very skilled climbers instead.
Years ago when I was in veterinary practice, we didn’t know the things we know now about cerebellar hypoplasia. It breaks my heart to think of the kittens and puppies who were euthanized because it was thought that they would never have a “normal life.” Even now, many shelters still don’t place CH pets for adoption, and many are needlessly destroyed every year.
If you choose to open your heart and your home to a cat, dog, puppy, or kitten with cerebellar hypoplasia, you become a spokesperson and advocate for all pets with this condition. You will be able to spread the word that although these animals may be different, they are intelligent, loving, make great pets, and can live long, healthy, fulfilled, and happy lives!
Have you ever had a cat or dog with cerebellar hypoplasia? Please share your story with us in the comments below!
My parents are currently fostering (via Chloe’s pet rescue) a two year old dog with a bit more severe case of CH. She is a sweet girl who loves to play but it is incredible the comments we get when taking her out.
At the dog park more than one person thought she was having a heat stroke or seizures, most of the time people just say, “Aah, poor thing is nervous.” She’s not nervous or having seizures, she is just a bit wobbly.
She would do better in a home with carpet though and she is probably twice as stubborn as she is wobbly.
https://www.facebook.com/chloespetrescue/videos/1207923282663262/
I have a cat named Wobbie who has CH, found her when she was about 4 weeks old. She is now about seven, has gained a lot of control over her legs and muscles. Great cat! Very vocal. Would like to adopt a kitten or two with CH. I currently care for about 80 cats. Boy do I have some stories.
I’ll bet you do! 🙂 I would love to adopt a CH cat too…and that’s very encouraging to hear that Wobbie has gotten stronger as she’s gotten older!
I have a 4yr old male with CH. He’s has a problem with eating. I don’t know how to take care of him and I’m trying to find someone or a rescue center that can take better care of him than I can. He only weighs 5 lbs and should weight about 12 to 15 lbs. If you or anyone can help me find a place that can help him please let me know cause I don’t want him to die.
We currently have two wonderful dogs with CH. They are brothers. We got them from our niece who’s dog had two litters of pups a year apart and there was one CH pup in each litter. We quickly grew attached to our first one (his name is Zeus). At first it was hard to know how to help him best. We learned that walking him with the harness helped a lot. He is such a loving dog. A year later Lehi was born. Instantly we knew we wanted him. He and Zeus have become so close and have each other to play with. I have other dogs that I love very much too but Zeus and Lehi are the most loyal loving dogs ever. I think if anyone wants true companionship with a dog they would be amazed at the love a CH dog can give. These boys have changed our lives for the better and have made us better people.
I own one personally. She is a lab great dane mix. Such a lovely pup. She will be 3 this year. She has her trouble but she still lives a full life. She does like to cuddle and I can say the animal food focusing on musles and joints help her. She has less shakey days from it.
What kind of food do you get??
We have a cane corso Mastiff with this condition. He’s only 3 years old. I’m absolutely torn because we just surrendered him to the animal shelter yesterday. I wanted to keep him, but he snaps at people and is easily startled responding with barking and growling. My family had been asking me to have him euthanized or surrendered. It all came to a head the other day, and I finally gave in. I didn’t want to euthanize him. But now I’m wondering if it is worse for him to be there. He’s not around people he knows it in an environment which he’s used to. I’m really struggling with what to do. Any thoughts / suggestions would be great
I’m urgent to find a rescue center for a cat with CH that showed up at my house. I’ve rescued a lot of animals but none with CH. I have been trying get this guy to eat and even got the food that helps animals recover. He will not eat and I have to bottle feed him. He fights me the all the time and then he throws it all up. He’s about 4 yrs old the vet says and he only weighs about 5 lbs. I don’t know what to do for him and I don’t want him to die.
I live in south Calif. If there is a rescue center that can take better care of him then I can please let me know.
Thank you Linda Luallin
Hi Linda, it’s so good of you to help this little kitty! If you live in Southern California, I would recommend reaching out to Helen Woodward Animal Center in Rancho Santa Fe, just outside San Diego. They are a wonderful, no-kill shelter that assists with medical needs cases as they are able to. Their website is www.animalcenter.org, and you can call them at (858) 756-4117. If they are unable to help, they may be able to put you in touch with another shelter who can. Hopefully you can get some help with this little guy, and wishing you the best of luck!! <3
hi I recently adopted a little 4 year old pomeron mix with Cerebellar Hypoplasia from Save a Life Animal rescue his name is Bentley he is so sweet and loveable and very smart I am so happy he came into our lives.
Hi Mary Jane! I’m so happy to hear you opened your heart and home to a dog with cerebellar hypoplasia. Thank you so much for sharing your experience so others can see that dogs and cats with this condition are no different than other pets… they just have an extra challenge to overcome! <3
Good Morning!
We adopted our Arlo when he was just 3 months old. He was born blind and, at about 8 weeks old, the breeder was told by their veterinarian that he also had Cerebellar Hypoplasia. Obviously, the breeder gave him to a local rescue group in their area and Arlo was placed in foster care. We saw the notice about Arlo and – since we have been rescuing animals with disabilities for close to 30 years – we knew our home would be a safe and happy place for him. We have two other Boxers who immediately adapted to Arlo and, obviously, Arlo was overjoyed to become part of their family, too. Over this past almost year and a half, he has become a cherished and very loved part of our family
Yes, Arlo is the greatest challenge we have ever encountered with our rescues. But, he also has taught us an unsurmountable amount of patience and an equal amount of amazement at how brave, unstoppable and resilient animals are.
We love Arlo unconditionally and would rescue another “special needs” dog again. He is our “role model” for how we should accept life – with its ups and downs – as a gift to enjoy and embrace.
Pam & John Richetta
I work as a volunteer and foster with Our Big Fat Caribbean Rescue on the tiny island of Vieques, Puerto Rico (about 8 miles off the shore of the big island). I took into foster a litter of 7 puppies at 4-5 weeks old in December and have fallen in love and foster failed with two. One, I am confident, has CH. We may pursue an MRI or CT when we get back to Michigan where there are adequate veterinary resources (we only have a vet on island 2 days a week here and there isn’t lab equipment for blood draws or even an X-ray machine here). Betty is positively the most inspiring puppy I have ever met. She is gaining some coordination and adapting well. She tremors and falls when startled or encountering something new, walks with a wide stance and high steps some. Her tremors and balance issues are notably worse when her blood sugar is low or when she’s tired. When she plays, she does so without abandon and without much trouble because she isn’t thinking too hard about what she’s doing. I am already learning life lessons (like play without abandon once in a while…) from her and can’t wait to see how these two girls fit into our pack at home. (We also have a senior multi-breed mix rescued from a hoarding situation and a senior Maltipoo with degenerative mitral valve disease that had been living as a street dog on the island.) I suspect they will teach our whole family lessons on love and life. I cannot imagine life without her, or even considering putting down an animal with such a light inside her, because her body doesn’t work as well as other dogs. She’s special, unique and beautiful, and I am grateful to have the privilege of loving and caring for her. <3
I just found out my rescue dog, Gus has CH. He has all the normal symptoms but loves his home and his chocolate Labrador brother. He does fairly well compensating for his struggles and has a stubborn but mostly sweet personality-i love him to bits! I’m so glad I could rescue him.
He does seem to be reacting in fear to more and more to people, thunder, cars driving by…He randomly growls or snaps at people so I’m wondering if anyone has noticed if CH dogs are hard or harder to train. I don’t want to have expectations for him that aren’t realistic.
Ruth