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Can You Prevent Neurological Disorders in Cats? The nervous system, especially the brain, can react to abnormalities elsewhere in the body. This is why it’s very important to keep your cat’s preventive care up to date. Yearly (or biannual) physical exams and age-appropriate lab work is recommended so you and your vet can manage syndromes such as chronic kidney disease, hypertension, hepatitis, and diabetes. These can have neurologic consequences including stroke, seizures, decreased mental ability, and difficulty walking/weakness. It’s also important to follow vaccination and preventive medication guidelines because viral and parasitic diseases can have neurologic implications. Follow your veterinarian’s guidance for medications, because some flea and tick preventatives that are safe to use in dogs are toxic in cats, leading to potentially fatal tremors and seizures. Certain antibiotics can also cause neurologic damage if used outside of the veterinarian’s recommended dosing and duration.   Featured image: iStock.com/shironosov,Veterinary neurologists are specialists who specifically examine and treat diseases of the nervous system. Your cat may never need the care of a neurologist, but it’s helpful to understand neurological disorders in cats so you know what signs to look for and when such a specialist should become involved in your cat’s care. What Does a Cat’s Nervous System Do? The cat’s nervous system, which is similar to that of people and all other mammals, includes a brain, spinal cord, and nerves. Although your cat will never win a Nobel Prize, their relatively well-developed brains allow for executive functions like decision-making, memory, and emotional/behavioral control. You can also thank your cat’s nervous system for your cat’s unique personality. A cat’s muscles are also controlled by their nervous system. This allows coordinated movement and gives cats special dexterity for hunting and catching food.

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While some cats are known for their zany behaviors and off-the-wall antics, others may prefer relaxing on the couch and spending quiet time with their owners to their peer’s rough-and-tumble lifestyle. While breed alone cannot determine a cat’s personality, some are known for their peaceful nature and homebody tendencies. We’ve asked Joan Miller, chair of outreach and education for the Cat Fanciers’ Association Chair, to share the top ten most docile cat breeds.