Understanding Lissencephaly in Cats
Lissencephaly is a rare neurological condition that affects the development of the brain. The name comes from Greek words meaning “smooth brain,” referring to the reduced or absent folds and grooves normally found on the surface of the brain.
Because lissencephaly is uncommon in cats, many people may have never heard of it before. With Cecil, one of Kitkat Playroom’s special needs kittens, living with this condition, we wanted to take a closer look at what lissencephaly is, how it can affect cats, and what people should know about living with a cat who has it.
What Is Lissencephaly?
A cat’s brain normally develops a complex pattern of folds and grooves as it grows. These folds are part of the normal development and organization of the cerebral cortex, the outer layer of the brain. In lissencephaly, this development is disrupted, resulting in fewer or less-developed folds than expected.
Lissencephaly is considered a developmental brain malformation. The underlying abnormality occurs during brain development, although the signs may not always be obvious right away. In kittens, some neurological abnormalities may not become apparent until they begin walking and interacting with their surroundings.
How Can Lissencephaly Affect a Cat?
The effects of lissencephaly can vary from one cat to another. Neurological signs may include changes in coordination, movement, behavior, vision, or other functions controlled by the brain. Seizures have also been reported in cats with developmental malformations of the cerebral cortex.
Some cats may have relatively mild signs, while others can have more significant neurological challenges. There isn't one specific “look” or behavior that defines a cat with lissencephaly. Their symptoms can be just as individual as their personalities.
And sometimes, what looks like a behavioral problem may actually be a neurological one.
One owner we spoke with, whose cat Blaze was diagnosed with lissencephaly at age two, explained that his symptoms include visual dysfunction, ataxia, slow postural reactions, memory difficulties, and occasional mild aggression. They emphasized how important it is for people to understand the condition rather than assuming a cat is simply being difficult.
“They are not bad cats when they struggle to use the litter box or when they become aggressive due to visual disorientation.”
Understanding why a cat behaves a certain way can make it easier to respond with patience and find ways to accommodate their needs.
How Is Lissencephaly Diagnosed?
Because many neurological conditions can cause similar signs, determining the underlying cause requires a veterinary evaluation. A veterinarian may perform a neurological examination and recommend additional testing depending on the cat’s symptoms.
Magnetic resonance imaging, or MRI, can be particularly useful when investigating structural abnormalities of the brain. MRI has helped veterinarians identify and characterize developmental brain malformations in dogs and cats.
In some cases, further evaluation may be needed to understand unusual or unexpected neurological signs. A veterinary neurologist may be consulted when a cat’s symptoms warrant a more specialized evaluation.
What Does Caring For a Cat With Lissencephaly Look Like?
There isn't one universal care routine for cats with lissencephaly. Their needs depend on how the condition affects them.
Some cats may benefit from changes to their environment or daily routines to make everyday activities easier and safer.
Some helpful ways to support a cat with neurological challenges include:
Keep things predictable. Keep food, water, litter boxes, beds, and other essentials in consistent locations, and avoid sudden changes to the environment.
Make movement easier and safer. Non-slip mats, ramps, and low-entry litter boxes can help cats with balance or coordination difficulties get around more comfortably.
Reduce fall risks. Block access to unsafe heights, stairs, balconies, and other hazards, and provide comfortable resting spots at floor level.
Make food and water accessible. Stable, shallow dishes can make eating easier, and adding water to wet food may help cats who have difficulty drinking from a bowl.
Adapt play and activities. Short play sessions, scent-based activities, gentle brushing, and easy-to-use toys can provide stimulation without becoming overwhelming.
Pay attention to changes. Knowing a cat’s normal behavior and routines can help you notice changes. Keeping notes or taking a video of new symptoms can also be helpful for a veterinarian.
Give them patience and understanding. Accidents, unusual movements, confusion, or changes in behavior may be related to neurological differences rather than intentional misbehavior.
For example, Blaze’s family has adapted his environment to accommodate some of his challenges. They use pee pads around his litter boxes because he has difficulty positioning himself correctly, provide a stable surface for him during meals, and feed him wet food with additional water because he has difficulty drinking from a bowl.
These adaptations aren't necessarily needed for every cat with lissencephaly. They demonstrate an important part of caring for any special needs animal: paying attention to what that individual cat can and cannot comfortably do and adjusting their environment accordingly.
Sometimes, a small change to a cat's surroundings can make a surprisingly big difference in their day.
Can Cats With Lissencephaly Have a Good Quality of Life?
Absolutely! A diagnosis of lissencephaly does not tell you everything about an individual cat. Having neurological differences does not mean a cat cannot have a happy and fulfilling life.
Some cats may require extensive daily care, while others may need fewer accommodations. With the right support, many cats can find ways to enjoy their everyday lives.
Cats with neurological differences can still have personalities, preferences, routines, and plenty of things they enjoy. They may play, seek attention, bond with their people, and show affection in their own ways. They may just do some things a little differently!
The goal is not to make a cat fit into what we consider “normal.” It is to understand what makes that individual cat comfortable and happy, then create an environment where they can safely enjoy being themselves.
What Should Potential Adopters Know?
For anyone considering adopting a cat with lissencephaly or another neurological condition, learning about the condition beforehand is extremely important.
Special needs cats may require additional veterinary care, environmental changes, patience, or hands-on assistance. Potential adopters should consider the individual cat’s needs and talk with their veterinary team about what caring for them may involve.
Blaze’s owner offered this advice to anyone considering adoption:
“The most critical step is gathering as much information on lissencephaly as possible before deciding to adopt.”
That preparation can help potential adopters make an informed decision and better understand their cat once they bring them home.
At Kitkat Playroom, learning about conditions like lissencephaly helps us better understand the special needs kittens in our care and the unique challenges they may face. For cats like Cecil, being understood is an important part of receiving the patience, care, and compassion they deserve.
Lissencephaly may be a part of a cat’s story, but it isn't the whole story. Every cat is an individual, with their own personality, quirks, favorite things, and ways of showing us who they are. Understanding their condition is one of the first steps toward understanding them.
A special thank you to Blaze’s family for sharing their experience and helping us provide a glimpse into what life with lissencephaly can look like.
Want to meet Blaze? Follow along with him on Instagram: @PurrfectPurradise
Sources:
Merck Veterinary Manual: Congenital and Inherited Cerebral Disorders in Small Animals (Updated March 2026)
OMIA: Lissencephaly, generic in Felis Catus (domestic cat) (2024)
MacKillop: Magnetic Resonance Imaging of Intracranial Malformations in Dogs and Cats (2011)