My 18 Yr old cat cant use hind legs, head cocked to side, cant eat, cant control movements,stroke? what to do?

Question

She just turned 18, so I thought it was just a stroke from old age. Her head is to one side, and she cant stand on her own unless I put her on all fours for her. She can lick up wet cat food, and she can drink, but it's really hard for her to control any kind of movement. Her sides sank in, and she got very skin-and-bone-like. I assumed it was a stroke, so I looked it up on several websites to confirm. Some sites say wait and see because the symptoms won't last, but others say they are permanent. I don't know what to do because she is very old, but I don't want to put her down if I don't need to just yet. Please help!

Answer 1

Go to the vet immediately! He might say put him to sleep. Im sorry but it’s the best for her. Think about what she is feeling probably pain. Put her out of her misery. Don’t be selfish and let her live in pain just remember the good times and that she lived a long good life with you. Its time to say goodbye.

Answer 2

Your cat is emaciated and can hardly move on her own and you haven't taken her to a vet!? Get a clue here people. It's possible she had a stroke, but it's CLEAR she needs medical attention. Get off your computer and get to a vet.

EDIT: Sorry to have scratched such a delicate surface with you. And I must point out you didn't give a time-line for the events and how long they've been going on. I've seen more than one animal suffer because their owner's refuse to face the reality of their condition or simply don't believe in euthanasia. Personally, the first thing I would have done was called the vet and taken her in, but if going to class and doing some internet research are more your style, hey, it's your cat.

P.S. If we're not supposed to assume that you're a stay-at-home-slacker, don't assume we are, too.

Answer 3

I put my 14 year old dog down, and it was one of the hardest things I've ever had to do. I want another dog, but I don't want to go through that again. I did it because I could see she was getting no enjoyment out of life whatsoever. Like your cat, she could eat a little but movement was painful and she eventually had no control over her bowels. Your cat is 18. She probably had a stroke, and she may recover a little. But another stroke could follow. Maybe you should consider the quality of life she is going to have.

Answer 4

Seriously,put yourself in that position.Is that the quality of life you would want? 18 years is a long life and she has either had a stroke or cancer is eating her up.Animals hide pain so she is probably suffering. She will either die slowly over the next few days or weeks, or you will have to take her to the vet to be put down. Either way is awful but at least if your vet does the sleep then kill injections, there will be no pain.

Answer 5

You really should consider putting her down, but if not you should take the cat to a vet as soon as possible to get a professional opinion on the situation.

Answer 6

The poor cat has lived a very long life. A responsible and caring owner would have her put down. It's time.

Answer 7

Call the vet. We aren't qualified to diagnosis your cat's condition, even if we could see it. It sounds like the cat has very little quality of life, so you must consider that putting it to sleep could be a loving thing to do.

Answer 8

Yes, wait and see becuase many cats do bounce back after a stroke. Poor kitty... it is a good sign though that she is eating and drinking... you just need to help her along while she recovers.

Answer 9

If you care about the cat, take it to a vet and confirm the diagnosis. The doctor will suggest what needs to be done.

Answer 10

Take her to the vet. 18 is old for a cat, and it sounds like she's in pain. I hope you don't have to put her down yet, but only a veterinarian can tell for sure. Please get her some help.