Sudden onset paralysis and subsequent death in feline

[KittyMcD]

The other  night my kitty got outside for the first time in the three-plus years she's been with us.  I was unaware that she'd gotten out but when I found a big dead mole on the floor by her escape route (a torn window screen), I tossed the mole outside and began calling her name.  I initially noticed the mole when I heard what sounded like a low gutteral growl coming from the ground-level window with the torn screen, so after calling her name a few times I looked out that same window and to my horror there she was, lying motionless just outside the window!  I ran out and picked her up and she was completely limp but warm; her eyes were wide open and her pupils dilated.  We rushed her to the emergency vet and although they tried to revive her, she died shortly after we arrived.  She made no sounds and remained motionless during the entire 25 minute drive to the ER.  She had no signs of external trauma and, except for pale gums, looked completely normal.  The vet thought perhaps she'd had a stroke, and I've read online of feline hypertrophic cardiomyopathy as it relates to paralysis, but I can't help but think her death was a result of something that happened to her outside.  I know she was only out for an hour or two--long enough to kill that huge mole, bring it in the house and go out again.  Could the mole have had anything to do with it?  The vet doubted she'd ingested poison as the paralysis was too sudden and there were no signs of vomiting.  Snake bite was another thought that crossed my mind but we live in Western Pennsylvania and I don't think there are any very deadly snakes here.  Do you have any suggestions?

[Ghost1333]

It seems im adding to this list of people wanting to find answers to what caused this, So far this has caused 3 deaths and one possible death of the mother and her 5 kittens all about 10 weeks or so no longer needing to nurse. Would have been 4 days ago from the posting of this. My girlfriend noticed one kitten being overly sluggish, now these kittens were outside kittens and the mother was an older barn Cat. My GF took at first the Grey Tiger, but later we collected the all but the mother. So returning back to it, she had 5 kittens, a Dark tiger stripe to a very ghostly grey tiger stripe, like the printer ran out of ink. The Ghostly tiger stripe we names star. Star, started out with a dizzy limp, like he had an inner ear infection, but wasnt the case, he just stopped moving, and like the posts above just went limp as a noodle, Eyes stayed open like in a daze, My GF took him to the vet, and basically was told we could try this. The Vet gave a cocktail of antibiotics in a shot and also a steroid shot. Sadly about 12 hours later he passed away to it. When talking to the vet we informed her of what all we did, We fed him via Syringe  feedings with a mix of paste food, electrolyte water, aka pedalite, and a bit of honey to help raise the blood sugar.  The Vet assured us that we did everything to spect and more. Soon before Star passed, another kitten started to show the same signs, but was taken in just 7 hours. The mother was found also with the same issues but passed away tuesday around 11pm. now here it is around 430 am and another is suddenly having the same issues, and also another. We think poison, like antifreeze from the downstairs unit. but with how slow it is effecting each one. we dont know. Any answers would be great. I also hope this helps others.

[opus88]

Yes Lindapalm is right the condition is actually a form of Cardiomyopathy or HCM a defect in the heart causing it to throw a blood clot that gets lodged in the lower limbs, seldom any warning signs and no treatment. I am so sorry for your loss, it's such a shock when this happens so suddenly

[ianmorr]

My cat just died.The whole day he didnt show up to eat.A couple hours ago we were calling him and he was nowhere to be seen.15 minutes went by and we heard loud meow's coming from the stairs , we saw him drooling all over the place while meowing in agony.He was strugling to move his back legs.We put him a comfy place and started stroking him.His eyes were open and his pupils dilated.An hour later he was completly paralyzed and was having seizures.A bit later he past.If anybody knows what was the cause of death please leave an answer.

[lindapalm]

My daughter in laws cat had  saddle thrombosis and was in extreme agony,couldn't move her back legs. and had to be put to sleep.  Google that sickness and see if your cats symptoms fit that illness

[Shaley2000]

I think this may be what happen to my cat... he died this morning after become paralyzed at some point last night while I was sleeping but he didn't show signs that he could die.. he was always coughing though and it sounded like he had liquid in his lungs but the vet said he would be fine...

[ianmorr]

My cat just died.The whole day he didnt show up to eat.A couple hours ago we were calling him and he was nowhere to be seen.15 minutes went by and we heard loud meow's coming from the stairs , we saw him drooling all over the place while meowing in agony.He was strugling to move his back legs.We put him a comfy place and started stroking him.His eyes were open and his pupils dilated.An hour later he was completly paralyzed and was having seizures.A bit later he past.If anybody knows what was the cause of death please leave an answer.

[Luvrinacl68]

I lost my dear cat Jasmine to this two days ago.  She appeared to be acting normal all day until around midnight when I found her in the kitchen by the refrigerator unable to move her legs.  I immediately picked her up and placed her on the bed and begin calling around for a pet emergency clinic.  It's unfortunate that our town had none and the closes one was 50 minutes away. She died on the way to the clinic.  This illness strucked her briefly and she only lasted less than three hours.  I am so heartbroken because I had her for over 16 years.  She was my baby and she loved me unconditionally.  She would stay by my side and follow me with joy in her eyes.  She didn't have to suffer the way she did.  I would never forget the look of confusion she gave me before she passed. I would always love her.

[Midiguana]

We just had this exact same thing happen to a 4 year old in door only cat that was healthy and lively. We found her paralyzed and eyes wide open dilated unresponsive. Today she died ????