Neuro-atypical Kitten...continuing Issues

[kat hamlin]

So our Bebop (foster kitten, 6-7 months, who we think suffered brain lesions associated with a toxoplasmosis infection when she was 2 months old) has gotten a lot better in many ways. Her balance and motor skills have definitely improved.
However, she still gets anxious and circles. A lot. Maybe 7+ sessions a day, anywhere from 1 minute to 10 minutes sessions of circling, not as tight as before but still circles. She also overgrooms to the point where she has sporadic hairloss and some hairballs.
I'm thinking she should visit the vet, but is that enough? Does she need to see a feline behaviorist to be prescribed anxiety meds? Will they insist she see a neurologist first?
She is a foster, not an owned cat, so we can't really overspend on her.

Any experiences to share?

 

[Columbine]

I would think a vet visit would be fine. If she does need anti anxiety meds, the vet would be the prescriber in any case (it's not like humans and psychiatrists. I'd say a behaviouist was the equivalent of a therapist ).

As for seeing a neurologist, that depends on your vet, and how quick they are to refer to specialists. A good vet (especially one with a lot of experience of or specialising in cats) should be able to help you on their own. Try and get some of the circling on video to show the vet, and make a mental note of roughly where any bald patches are before you go, so you can use the consulting time as effectively as possible. Take rough notes in if necessary - it can help to refer back to them so you don't forget anything, especially in more complex cases like this one.

Bless you for fostering this little girl. She's so lucky to have you in her life