Feline strokes are caused by a lack of blood flow to parts of the brain.Balance, equilibrium, control of limbs, sight, and consciousness are some of the functions that can be lost due to strokes and other abnormal neurological events.The signs of a stroke may include dizziness, convulsions, and other disorders.Regardless of the root cause, the symptoms associated with a stroke in a cat need to be seen by a doctor immediately.
Step 1: Look at the cat's general state of mind.
If you notice that your cat is acting out, you need to check the animal's general health.Check the animal's breathing if the cat has lost consciousness.Check to see if the cat responds to your voice.Take into account any shaking or spasms.
Step 2: Look for signs of depression.
Symptoms of depression can be seen in a cat that has had a stroke.The cat may not be responding in the usual way.The cat may feel confused, woozy, and/or suffer from a thumping headaches, which may cause this behavior.
Step 3: Look for an abnormal head tilt.
The cat's head is held at an angle with one ear lower than the other.The symptom may be a tilt, turning, or twisting of the head.Pressure on a specific part of the brain is the symptom of a stroke.This symptom may mean that the cat has a problem with the vestibular apparatus in its inner ear.The sense of balance and orientation of the cat is affected by vestibular disease.Regardless of whether a stroke or vestibular disease causes it, the symptom is cause for concern and an immediate trip to the vet.
Step 4: It's a good idea to watch for unstable walking or circling.
Your cat can't walk in a straight line.The cat can fall to one side or walk in circles.Pressure on a portion of the brain is what causes this symptom.Weakness on one side of the body may be present in these symptoms.The cat might show signs of weakness in all of his legs.As with other symptoms, the pressure on the cat's brain can cause unstable walking and/or circling.It's possible that your cat has a seizure if it has tremors or moves its limbs wildly.You may not be able to see the actual seizures.You may see the cat after.This is a phase of a seizure that can last for a few minutes.If there is an isolated seizure, you should take the cat to the vet as soon as possible.
Step 5: Look at the cat's eyes.
Look at the cat's eyes.His eyes may flick from side to side if he has had a stroke.There is a lack of blood supply to the nerves that feed the eyes.If your cat's pupils are not equal in size, the third eyelid is not visible, and if there is a head tilt, this is more indicative of a stroke.The cat may be sick from motion sickness.
Step 6: There is a chance that your cat is blind.
Though less common than the other symptoms related to the cat's eyes, some cats may also exhibit blindness due to stroke.The symptom of high blood pressure in a cat is a telltale sign of a stroke.
Step 7: Look at the cat's tongue.
It should be pink.That is serious if the tongue is blue, purple, or white.The veterinary hospital is where your cat needs to be taken.
Step 8: Symptoms in strokes in humans are not hard to detect.
The most common signs of stroke in humans are partial paralysis and a droop to one side of the face.Humans and cats don't experience strokes the same way.When a cat has a stroke, these symptoms don't show up.
Step 9: Take a look at how quickly the symptoms appeared.
The effects of a stroke are caused by the loss of blood supply to the part of the brain.If your cat develops worsening balance issues over several weeks, then a stroke is not likely to be the cause.If your cat has recurring or worsening symptoms, you should take it to the vet.
Step 10: You can track how long the symptoms last.
In a cat, stroke symptoms last at least twenty-four hours.If you notice symptoms, you should take your cat to the vet.Similar to humans, cats can have a mini-stroke.If symptoms decrease in severity, you should still take your cat to the vet, even if the symptoms begin tobate after a day.The signs are a strong indication that there is a problem that needs further investigation to prevent the cat from having a stroke in the future.
Step 11: Take a look at your cat's medical history.
When there are underlying health conditions, strokes are more likely in cats.If you take your cat to the vet frequently, you should look at his records.The chance of a stroke is much higher if the vet has previously diagnosed your cat with a disease.
Step 12: The cat should be taken to the vet immediately.
The sooner the cat sees a vet, the better care it will receive, meaning a better chance for recovery.Strokes in cats are not as bad as strokes in humans, but they are still serious and need immediate attention.As you put the cat in its carrier to tell the vet the symptoms you have seen, you may want to call ahead.You might need to take him to the emergency veterinary hospital at night.
Step 13: Inquire with the doctor.
Some questions will be asked by your vet to help determine a course of action.Make sure you pay attention to your cat because they will ask a lot of questions about it.They want to know if your cat could have eaten a plant, a medication, or a poison to cause the symptoms.They might ask if there was a fall prior to the symptoms.They will inquire about his water and food intake.They will likely ask if there has been any sickness.You will need to know if your cat has had a vaccine.
Step 14: There are tests that you should get.
Your vet may order a blood panel, urinalysis, x-rays, or an echocardiogram.These tests can help determine the cause of a stroke in cats.If your vet thinks there might be a serious neurological problem, he or she may need a vet specializing in neurology.A blood clot or an area of damage to the brain can be identified with additional tests.In a similar way to how humans are tested, these tests are done for animals.
Step 15: You should care for your cat.
It is possible for your cat's symptoms to be resolved after a few days at home.The cat may need to be hospitalized.Neurological outcomes can be hard to determine.You and your vet will need time to figure out what the long term effects will be.There is a medication that can be used to manage motion sickness in your cat.Mirtazapine can increase your cat's appetite if it is down.Anti-seizure medications such as phenobarbital can be used if your cat is having seizures.
Step 16: Look for possible outcomes.
The cat may recover in a few days if the symptoms are actually vestibular disease.The cat may have a head tilt.While he is otherwise fine, that may be the only lasting effect.Some cats have balance problems.The outcome of a neurological event can't be completely predicted because of the brain's complexity.It may be difficult to keep an eye on your pet.They are not likely to be in pain.
Step 17: Your cat is in need of protection.
Cats with neurological problems should be kept indoors.After the cat comes home, you may need to confine it to one room.If you have other pets in the house that may attack the cat, this is a good idea.
Step 18: If necessary, help the cat with functions.
You might need to help the cat eat, drink, or go to the litter box while you recover.The severity of the condition will determine this.You might need to carry him to the food bowl, the water dish, or the litter box.There are signs that he needs to go to the litter box, such as meowing or general discontent.It will take some time to know if this is a permanent necessity for your cat.
Step 19: Children and a cat.
Children should not be near the cat while it is being monitored and noted.The cat may bite or scratch if it is confused or seizing.The best way to avoid injury is to keep children away.
Step 20: Don't give up, stay patient.
Some cats recover well with proper care.Recovering from these situations can take anywhere from 2 to 4 months.Stay patient and remember how much your cat needs you.