My 3-year-old cat had a stroke and still has balance issues. What's wrong?

Hello and thank you for contacting Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. The symptoms do suggest short seizures or mini strokes. You should take Cheshire to your local vets for full clinical examination and a blood test to check his blood sugar level, red cell count, kidney and liver function. If the blood results come back normal and he keeps having the episodes, he may need further investigation, like MRI scan of the brain. Alternatively, your vet may recommend treatment with anti-epileptic medication asa trial.

Head tilt could be caused by deep inner ear infection (or polyp), stroke, infection such as toxoplasmosis, stroke, or even tumor although that would be rare at her age. If the toxo test comes back normal then I would consider requesting a referral to a neurologist where an MRI of the brain can be done. If that is not possible then I would trial treat with antibiotics and steroids. I am so sorry that she is going through this. I am sure you are very worried. Best of luck and thank you for using Pet Coach.

Oh goodness. I am very concerned about these signs- Especially his temperature. Strokes in cats most commonly happen due to underlying heart disease. If this is the case then treatment will not solve the underlying reason for the stroke. He may improve and you may be able to have more time with him, but unfortunately there is probably more than just the stroke as a problem. It is so hard to make these decisions about what to do in these situations. I try to ask myself If my Pet will be living the quality of life that I want for him. This usually helps me make my decision. I hope this helps you in whatever you decide to do. Take care and thank you for using Pet Coach.

Hello and thank you for contacting Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. These symptoms suggest that Stidi hs problems with the middle ear (infection, inflammation, polyp, tumour) or it may be related to brain disfunction (blood clot within the brain, ruptured vessel in the brain, tumor). Please, take Stidi to your local vets as soon as possible. If the symptoms are due to middle ear problem, he will need a course of strong anti-inflammatory medications and possibly antibiotics to get better.

Poor Hunter. This definitely could be a stroke, a brain tumor, or an inner ear infection. I would first have your vet take a look at him to see if they think he can be treated. If they are unsure, they may suggest treating for an inner ear infection by starting antibiotics. They may also suggest steroids which will help to decrease the inflammation and may even reduce the size of a brain tumor just enough so he isn't showing this symptoms. I would ask your vet for prices on everything before they do it or prescribe it and they will do their best to find a solution that meets your needs. Just know that you do not have to run 100 tests if you cannot afford it. It is okay to just give him some medicine to help treat a few different things and see if he improves. If not and he is having a hard time eating or drinking, then you may need to consider his quality of life. I hope this helps and he starts to feel better soon. I know this is a difficult situation for you and Hunter.

Losing balance in an old cat is not a good sign, common causes include hyperthyroidism, kidney failure, diabetes and cancer. You should take her to the vet ASAP in order to get that checked, she will need to have a blood test done.

It is quite possible he has suffered a head or high spinal injury but a 'broken neck' is unlikely given the fact he is mobile and able to move. The clear blood results are positive and although an MRI or CT scan may provide additional information, if he is eating, mobile and able to toilet normally then rest and TLC may be enough to promote recovery. Hills make a specialist b/d diet may help with brain and neurological health and speed recovery, acupuncture may also be worth considering