Feline Stroke Symptoms

Feline strokes (feline cerebrovascular incident) are very uncommon, but they do occur. A stroke occurs when the blood flow to the brain is blocked or diminishes. A stroke can cause severe damage to the brain cells, so if your cat exhibits the signs or symptoms of a stroke, immediate attention is necessary. The long-term prognosis depends on how quickly you can seek help from a vet and then how quickly the cat’s mental and physical functions return to normal.

Just like in humans there are several physical symptoms that may point towards your cat suffering from a stroke:

Mobility and loss of balance: Loss of balance, stumbling or slow movements are very typical in cats that suffered from a stroke. Your cat may appear drunk or may avoid jumping and running.

Head tilting: After having suffered from a stroke your cat may have difficulties moving its head to one side or the other. It will appear drunk and confused, keeping its head tilted to one side. It will be uncoordinated, falling and bumping into things. These are the clearest symptoms that your cat has suffered a stroke. Immediate attention is necessary so you should try to get an emergency appointment with your vet.

Mismatched Pupils: A stroke can cause one of your cat’s pupils to be more dilated than the other.

Eating: Strokes often compromise facial muscles and nerves, affecting your cat’s ability to eat or swallow.

Vomiting: As a result of compromised facial or throat muscles and nerves your cat may often choke and gag on things and may throw up.

Weight loss: Weight loss is a direct result of loss of appetite and vomiting. There can be many reasons for weight loss in cats, so don’t panic and assume the worst just because your darling suddenly lost a few inches around the waist…

Lack of Energy: As a result of the weight loss, loss of appetite and vomiting, your cat will be abnormally inactive and exhausted and shunning contact with humans and other animals. It will hide and sleep extensively more than usual.

Brain Function: Depending upon the extent of damage to its brain cells, you may notice a change in its personality, as in your cat appearing to be obviously disoriented and confused or frightened. Also you may notice that your cat sleeps way more during the day than usually.

Bathroom Habits: A stroke can also affect a cat’s abdominal muscles or the nerves. Your cat may struggle to have a bowel movement or it may urinate without realising.

Feline strokes are quite rare. But if your cat exhibits any of the symptoms above, especially confusion, head tilting and loss of balance and mobility, see your vet.