What could be the problem with Stig?

Question
We are adopting a cat (Stig) from an RSPCA rescue centre. Stig has difficulty in walking in that his back legs seem to pivot round his body as he moves and occasionally he'll fall over onto his side.  He never seems to notice this and he leads a relatively normal life. He is on a course of steroids to help him walk and the staff at the rescue centre believe that Stig may have suffered some kind of head trauma. Have you ever come across this sort of thing before and is there anything we should be aware of, like keep him away from stairs?

Answer
Hi Josh, aren't cats amazing. Poor Stig is having all this difficulty yet he keeps moving and leading his life without feeling sorry for himself. Animals don't have the emotion attached to their injuries that humans do and they usually are much more successful at adapting to any limitations in their lives.
As to what could be wrong with him. That is a tough question. I would suggest either a spine injury or a congenital defect of the hip bones or one affecting the spinal fluid, spina bifida, or even cerebellar hypoplasia, but it would be good to have more information. How long has he been like this? How old is he? was any other trauma apparent when he was picked up by the SPCA such as cuts, bruising, etc. Did he have any tire marks or grease marks on his coat when they got him that could indicate he may have been hit by a car? Is there feeling in the legs? Is there feeling in the tail? Has there been any improvement at all or worsening of his condition during the time they have had him? Has he improved on the steroids. This is not the type of medication you want to keep him on indefinitely. Has he been seen by a vet yet? xrays done? Can he have a normal bowel movement? Does he dribble urine? Does he clean his rear end or does he need assistance? Is he rear end lower than his front end when walking?? or trying to walk? etc
How wonderful of you to adopt a handicapped cat as your new pet. He certainly deserves to be loved as much as any other pet. If you can give me more details then I can try to give you a better answer. You want to get as many details as possible from the shelter now before they forget them anyways. They are swamped with many cats coming into care everyday so it is easy to forget the little things. You may need this info in the future for Stigs veterinary care. And yes, you should keep him away from stairs, open windows or anything that could cause a falling injury to him. He doesn't need any more problems!He should be an indoor cat only. He may need ramps to get onto the bed or up on furniture etc.
Teresa