Diabetic Stroke in Cats

According to Halo Pets, one out of every 100 domesticated cats suffers from diabetes. This is attributable mostly to the animals' diets. One of the most devastating complications the cat can suffer from is the occurrence of stroke. While certain animals may not survive a stroke, many others are able to survive for many more years.

  1. Symptoms of Feline Stroke

    • The symptoms of a feline stroke, as identified in Pet Wave, are several. The symptoms include, but are not limited to, aggression or depression, unusual vocalizations, loss of coordination (ataxia), loss of balance, repetitive circling and occasionally a distinct head tilt.
      Symptoms displayed in a feline stroke can occasionally occur in cats with a brain tumor. Therefore, undergoing the appropriate diagnostic tests, such as an MRI or CAT scan of the animal is necessary in making an appropriate diagnosis.

    Dietary Prevention

    • The website Your Diabetic Cat claims that the majority of feline diabetes, and the strokes that can sometimes result, are directly related to what sort of food the animal is regularly fed. Specifically, an indoor cat that is fed a strictly canned-food diet will be taking in an unhealthy level of carbohydrates and have little opportunity for exercise, and will likely face diabetes in its more mature years.
      The recommendation is to provide a quality dry cat food.

    Prognosis

    • Prognosis of the animal following a stroke, according to Pet Wave, depends upon several factors. Most importantly, if the animal begins to display any of the above-noted symptoms of stroke, get it to a veterinarian immediately. The effects of the stroke will, in many animals, begin to subside after about 72 hours. Of course, some cats will have more long-lasting complications. In some cats where the stroke has caused catastrophic damage, euthanasia is sometimes the most humane option.

    Expert Insight

    • According to Fab Cat, within the United Kingdom, Australia and New Zealand, the Burmese breed of cats can be particularly susceptible to diabetes mellitus (one out of every 50 animals) which, of course, increases their risk of stroke.

    Treatment

    • The Know Your Cat site says that once the cat has suffered the stroke, there is little you can do in terms of treatment, other than trying to control seizure activity that may be present, as well as getting the animal to take in regular food and water.