Cat Stroke Treatment

If your cat has a stroke, it is important for you to know what to look for in order to begin treatment right away. Work closely with your veterinarian in order to not only treat the stroke, but also to determine whether a stroke can be prevented in the first place.

  1. Types of Strokes

    • There are two types of strokes in cats. If the blood supply to the brain has been reduced or cut off, causing a lack of oxygen, it is called a ischemic stroke. If a blood vessel bursts in the brain, which then causes bleeding, it is called a hemorrhagic stroke.

    Causes

    • Your cat could have a stroke for a wide variety of reasons. Some conditions that are associated with strokes include diabetes, high blood pressure, kidney and heart disease, thyroid issues and blood-clotting problems. Head trauma or brain tumors also can lead to strokes.

    Symptoms

    • Some signs that your cat may have had a stroke include head tilting, vision loss, changes in the pupils or loss of appetite. Your cat may become unbalanced and uncoordinated, lack energy or have other changes in behavior.

    Treatment

    • If you suspect your cat may have had a stroke, seek immediate veterinary attention. Unfortunately, there are not any stroke-specific treatments that will effectively treat the stroke itself; however, you can treat many of the causes and side effects. Your vet may place your cat on medication, such as anti-seizure or anti-inflammatory drugs, and may use intravenous fluids to help reduce shock.

    Other Information

    • Your cat may recover easily and quickly from a stroke, but its prognosis will depend on the extent of the damage and what part of the brain was affected. If your cat has any underlying health conditions, talk to your veterinarian about how to treat the issues before they become too serious, and to determine whether or not you should worry about strokes as a result of its condition.