What is Stroke?
Strokes in cats can be either ischemic (the blood supply is cut off) or hemorrhagic (blood is leaked out into the brain). Blood vessel blockages often occur because materials have broken off elsewhere in the body and become stuck in the veins or arteries leading to the brain. Blood clotting problems can also create obstructions of blood to the brain. Trauma from injury may lead to the rupturing of blood vessels, allowing them to bleed out into the cranial area. Both genders seem to be affected by strokes equally. A stroke is a medical emergency and immediate veterinary care should be sought.
The brain of all mammals needs constant and consistent blood flow to operate properly. When a rupture or obstruction decreases the amount of blood supply to the brain, this depletes the brain's oxygen levels and leads to brain damage. In cats, this occurrence is often referred to as a Feline Ischemic Encephalopathy (FIE), or a stroke. It was long thought that cats did not experience strokes, however, advances in medicine have made it very clear that feline strokes do happen and are not uncommon. However, they can be over diagnosed by owners and it is important a cat is seen by a veterinarian to confirm the diagnosis.
Stroke Average Cost
From 238 quotes ranging from $500 - $5,000
Average Cost
$2,500
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Symptoms of Stroke in Cats
The signs of a stroke happening in a cat differ greatly from symptoms commonly noticed during a stroke in a human. Symptoms will rapidly manifest, with conditions holding steady after 24 hours. Signs to watch for are listed as follows:
- Loss of balance
- Ataxia (unbalanced gait)
- Circling
- Confusion
- Depression
- Head tilting
- Aggression
- Fearfulness
- Behavioral changes
- Loss of appetite
- Vomiting
- Loss of vision
Causes of Stroke in Cats
For a number of reasons, strokes happen more often in outdoor cats during the summer. There are many underlying diseases that increase a cat's risk of stroke including:
- Trauma to the head
- Trauma to the body that dislodges fat or cartilage parts
- Genetic defects
- Heart disease
- Liver disease
- Kidney failure
- Diabetes
- Parasitic infection
- Ingestion of toxins
- Hyperthyroidism
- Hypertension
- Hyperadrenocorticism
Diagnosis of Stroke in Cats
If you suspect your cat is exhibiting signs of a stroke, take it to a veterinary clinic or animal hospital at once. Be sure to provide the veterinarian with your cat's full medical history to assist in identifying possible underlying causes of the stroke. If your cat has suffered significant trauma from an injury, multiple life-threatening problems may need to be addressed at once to stabilize the animal. The veterinarian will perform a physical examination, checking for other injuries, enlargement of organs and other symptoms that may be present.
Full blood work including a complete blood count and a biochemical profile will be needed to assess the cat's condition and identify potential underlying problems. Urinalysis can help reveal issues with the kidneys or the liver. Thyroid levels in the blood should be measured to see if hormonal disorders exist. Blood pressure must be measured. For a complete diagnosis, a CT scan or MRI will be needed to get a close and clear view of the compromised blood vessels. This may not be available in some areas. If a parasitic infection is suspected, a fecal sample may be collected for microscopic examination.
Treatment of Stroke in Cats
The cat may need to be kept for observation to watch for possible signs of a second stroke occurring. If an underlying cause has been diagnosed, further treatment is generally required to address the issue.
Supportive Care
During the stroke and in the hours that follow, keeping the cat's condition stable can greatly affect the outcome of a stroke in a cat. This may involve administering intravenous fluids and giving anti-inflammatory medications to the cat. Hospitalization is required for this process. The goal is to keep the cat as comfortable as possible to promote healing.
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Recovery of Stroke in Cats
The prognosis of a cat who has experienced a stroke will vary depending on the primary issue that has caused the event to happen. Many health issues such as heart or liver disease, hyperthyroidism and diabetes will require life-long treatments. Kidney failure can carry a very guarded prognosis. Long-term medication prescriptions may be needed and the costs can add up. Any damage to the brain that has taken place in the first 24 hours is often permanent. If a vital area of the brain has been destroyed, the cat may need to be euthanized.
If the stroke has been identified and treated quickly, there is a good chance of a full recovery taking place. It may be best to keep your cat indoors to lower the chance of injury or parasite and poison exposure. Ensure all toxic materials are kept out of your cat's reach within the home. The recovery process may take a prolonged period of time and include a lot of vigorous physiotherapy and ongoing at-home care.
Stroke Average Cost
From 238 quotes ranging from $500 - $5,000
Average Cost
$2,500
Top
Stroke Questions and Advice from Veterinary Professionals
Marmalade
Miss Puss
8 Years
2 found this helpful
2 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Tilted Head, Twitching Head,
I think Miss Puss had a stroke last night. Her head tilted, she could not walk, she was making unusual cries. Her symptoms lasted only about a half an hour, and this morning she is her old self. Do you think it could have been a stroke?
Aug. 13, 2018
2 Recommendations
It is difficult to say what the cause of the symptoms were and I cannot confirm whether it was a stroke or something more serious; you should keep an eye on her and visit your Veterinarian for an examination to be on the safe side especially if this episode occurs again. Regards Dr Callum Turner DVM
Aug. 14, 2018
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tabby
Leela
11 Years
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
As Described
Hi there
My 11 year old cat is currently at the emergency veterinary hospital. We found poo in the bedroom and then found the cat in a cardboard box house my son had made her. She was non responsive initially but then came out but was walking in circles and when I held her in my arms she was not aligned in the usual way. She was unresponsive and limp on the journey.
Unfortunately I was not allowed to accompany her downstairs (which is a great shame as she will have been very scared and I could have reassured her).
The vet has told me she is showing signs of a stroke (the pupils are different sizes) but that her breathing and heart rate is also irregular which may be a sign of heart disease. They are running further tests over night and she is on oxygen.
I am wondering what to realistically expect - especially so I can manage the children’s expectations as they are distraught.
We are going on holiday on Friday so the timing could not be worse!
July 25, 2018
Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM
0 Recommendations
I'm sorry that that is happening to Leela. Unfortunately, without knowing more about what is going on with her, I have a hard time commenting on what you might expect for her recovery, but often these types of situations are a 'wait and see' kind of situation to see how her body is going to respond. It would be very reasonable to ask your veterinarian what they think as far as how she is recovering, as they can see her and know more about her status.
July 25, 2018
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tabby
Sarah
17 Years
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Falling Over
Falling Over, Pupils Different Size
Falling Over, Pu
Falling Over, No Balance, Pupil Siz
I think my 17 yr old tabby had a stroke. She is having difficulty walking...falling to the side, has trouble jumping on couch (fell off), no balance, pupils different sizes, eyes moving back & forth (barely noticeable), but no head tilt. Pooped right outside the litter box.
July 25, 2018
0 Recommendations
There are a few possible causes for these symptoms especially in an older cat which may include stroke, poisoning, head trauma, vestibular issues, hepatic encephalopathy among other conditions; you should really visit your Veterinarian for an examination to determine the underlying cause of the symptoms. Regards Dr Callum Turner DVM
July 25, 2018
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Unknown
Felix
4 Weeks
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Diarrhea
Weakness
Uneasy
Tilted Head
Fits
Unable To Ealk
Uneas
My 4 week old kitten keept having seizures and the vet had given it a steroid injection that lasts 3 days. This is the third day after the injection and the cat was acting completely normal again like a healthy cat. Then he started having diarrhoea and he was staying very still and looked extremely weak. I then let him sleep for a while. We have been bottle feeding him for about two weeks (when he was found on a backroad). It was a powder formula. Now my at cant walk straight, cannot see, is having fits, being extremely weak but still racing away and jumping away from everything. The vet said there was immense pressure on his brain and this caused seizures and blindness. Now I feel my cat is very near death and I really am worried for him help please.
July 22, 2018
0 Recommendations
Without examining Felix it is difficult to determine the specific underlying cause for these symptoms; there are a few congenital conditions which may cause similar issues but I cannot say for certain. You should keep in contact with your Veterinarian but you may need a consult with a Neurologist to narrow in on a specific diagnosis. Regards Dr Callum Turner DVM
July 23, 2018
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Cat
Little Willie
6 Weeks
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Circling
Trouble Walking
Out Of It
My kitten is about 6 weeks old. Yesterday we walked outside to it acting strange. He had very little balance and seemed to be showing signs of a stroke. However he never lost his appetite, or got physicallly sick. We took it to the vet and they gave us some medicine to help with the slight “cold” and since then he has been doing slightly better however he still has trouble balancing, tends to circle, and just altogether not be himself. Do you think he will recover fully or at all?
July 5, 2018
0 Recommendations
Without examining Little Willie I cannot determine the cause for the circling behaviour and loss of balance; head trauma, cerebellar deformities, ear infections, poisoning among other causes may lead to similar symptoms. You should keep an eye on Little Willie for signs of improvement or other symptoms presenting, if there is no improvement you should return to your Veterinarian for a more thorough examination. Regards Dr Callum Turner DVM
July 6, 2018
I've a Bengal kitten in my home.she suffered from fever last 4 days. After medication she is in normal temperature but she has all symptoms of stroke now. She is 3.5months old. I need indoor recovery process in details. How can I help her. Please help me
Aug. 8, 2018
Sarani B.
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Farm Tabby
Anakin
10 Months
1 found this helpful
1 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Not Drinking, Eating Or Walking
This year (2019) I came home from a night out and found my cat didn’t come home. When he did that night his back legs didn’t work and he was skiddish. Fast forward a few vet visits, blood tests that showed no results, a vet (left clueless) who sent him home with daily exercise helped by me, and 3 and a half months later he still can’t walk properly. He has lost muscle and fat. As of tonight he’s showing symptoms similar to small seizure episodes and is refusing food and water. I have syringed cat milk into him mouth and he took it all. He is reactive to my touch and sound/voice
Stroke Average Cost
From 238 quotes ranging from $500 - $5,000
Average Cost
$2,500
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Easily compare quotes from the most trusted pet insurance companies in the United States.
