Like humans, cats can suffer strokes resulting from inadequate blood supply to the brain. Animals recover from strokes better than humans do, and many cats continue productive, happy lives after a stroke. Feline stroke symptoms are different than human stroke symptoms, so consult your vet if your cat displays the following signs.
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Head Tilt
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If your cat begins walking with her head held at an odd angle, she may have suffered a stroke.
Loss of Balance
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Strange movement patterns, such as walking in circles or falling, may reveal your cat's loss of balance.
Lost or Reduced Sight
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A cat with lost or reduced sight may bump into things, sleep excessively, have trouble finding food or water dishes, or startle easily. Because cats often compensate with other senses, you may not know your cat has lost sight.
Changes in the Brain
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Your vet can make a definite stroke diagnosis by performing a CT or MRI scan on your cat's brain.
Saddle Thrombus
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Saddle thrombus, resulting in a cat's inability to move or control her back legs, is sometimes referred to as a "cat stroke." However, the blood clot in saddle thrombus usually doesn't affect the brain.
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