Stroke in cats

By
✔ MRCVS
BSc
BVM&S
FHEA
Updated October 16, 2025
6 min read

Overview

Symptoms

Risk

Diagnosis

Vet treatment

Home treatment

Prevention

When to worry

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Stroke in cats

By
✔ MRCVS
BSc
BVM&S
FHEA
Updated October 16, 2025
6 min read

Stroke in cats happen when the blood supply to part of their brain is disrupted. Symptoms come on suddenly. They vary in severity from mild to life-threatening. Strokes are the third biggest killer in humans, but they’re relatively uncommon in cats. Although they can happen in cats of any age, sex or breed, strokes are most likely in older cats over 9 years old and those with certain illnesses.

Strokes are also called cerebrovascular accidents (CVA’s). Strokes make up around 1.5% to 2% of brain-related problems referred to specialist veterinary hospitals. The most common symptoms of a stroke in cats include loss of balance and coordination, jerky eye movements and a head tilt. Although alarming, symptoms usually start to resolve within 24 hours. Prognosis is good for cats who survive the first 30 days after a stroke. Call a vet immediately if you think your cat has had a stroke.

Strokes in cats - what are they and what happens? >Strokes in cats - what are they and what happens? [Overview

How can I tell if my cat has had a stroke? >How can I tell if my cat has had a stroke? [Symptoms

Risk factors of stroke in cats >Risk factors of stroke in cats [Risk

How do vets diagnose strokes in cats? >How do vets diagnose strokes in cats? [Diagnosis

How are strokes in cats treated? >How are strokes in cats treated? [Vet treatment

How to look after your cat at home after a stroke >How to look after your cat at home after a stroke [Home treatment

Tips for reducing the risk of strokes in cats >Tips for reducing the risk of strokes in cats [Prevention

When to worry about stroke in cats >When to worry about stroke in cats [When to worry

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