Idiopathic vestibular syndrome causes sudden disorientation and loss of balance in older cats. Most cases resolve, but welfare support during recovery is critical.
An acute vestibular episode is terrifying for a cat - sudden loss of spatial orientation causes profound distress. The welfare priority is immediate comfort: quiet confined space, food and water within easy reach, gentle reassurance, and protection from falls. Owner anxiety often transmits to the cat, so calm handling matters. In severe cases, anti-nausea medication reduces the miserable nausea that accompanies spinning sensations.