Pacing in Cats
Researched by
The Vetster Editorial Team
Verified by
Dr. Jo Myers
Published on
Last updated on
3 min read
Symptom
Cat
Published on
Last updated on
3 min read
Key takeaways
Pacing and circling is uncommonly observed in cats, though occasional pacing and circling are normal behaviors.
- The primary conditions that cause pacing and circling are often accompanied by other symptoms
- Potential causes of pacing and circling vary widely and include behavioral (obsessive compulsive disorder, boredom, severe anxiety), vestibular disease, central nervous system disease and toxin ingestion
- When these behaviors are prolonged or accompanied by other symptoms such as head tilt, difficulty walking, abnormal mentation or gastrointestinal symptoms, an underlying medical cause is likely
- Investigation of pacing and circling in cats includes physical examination, medical history, blood work and advanced imaging (x-ray, CT scan, MRI)
- Treatment and prognosis vary widely depending on the underlying cause
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Pacing or circling for a short time while patrolling territory, waiting for a meal, looking for a place to urinate or defecate, or while watching birds through a window is normal behavior in cats. Pacing and circling that cannot be interrupted, cats that can’t seem to stop circling, or pacing and circling combined with other symptoms indicate a more serious underlying cause.
These symptoms include
Cats with sudden-onset pacing/circling or with these additional symptoms should be promptly evaluated by a veterinarian. If toxin ingestion or head trauma is suspected, emergency veterinary care should be sought.
Risk factors
Pacing and circling in cats may be characterized by: Frequency - How often is the cat pacing or circling? Is it constant or done occasionally? Development - Did this symptom suddenly arise (acute) or has it been present long-term (chronic)? Persistence - Sudden pacing or circling where the cat appears unable to stop may be an indicator of an emergency; seek immediate veterinary attention if this is observed.
Pacing and circling are associated a number of conditions, disorders, and syndromes in cats, such as
Estrus (heat)
Queening (having kittens)
Toxicosis Liver diseases
Hyperthyroidism in Cats Central diabetes insipidus
Tumor Injury
Head trauma
Loss of memory
Anxiety Disorders in Cats Boredom
Obsessive compulsive disorder
Agitation
Note: Aside from behavioral reasons like boredom, these conditions all have other, more prevalent symptoms.
Testing and diagnosis
A cat who has been observed pacing or circling may require the following diagnostics to determine the root cause and course of action:
- Physical examination: looking for causes including late term pregnancy, visible injury, or neurologic deficits
- Blood work: this provides useful information about the pet’s overall health status and can suggest underlying causes like thyroid disease, infection, or toxicosis
- Diagnostic imaging: ultrasound, X-rays, fluoroscopy, CT scan or MRI
Similar symptoms
A cat that is engaged in play may pace back and forth or run in circles. This is expected to be temporary and is not concerning.
Associated symptoms
If a cat is pacing or circling due to a medical condition, they may present with many additional symptoms.
These symptoms include
Restlessness and Agitation in Cats Head Tilt in Cats Difficulty Walking (Ataxia) in Cats
Vocalization
Staring into space
Head Pressing in Cats Seizures in Cats Vomiting in Cats Excessive Drooling (Ptyalism) in Cats Abnormal mentation
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