Aa
Aa
A
A
A
Close
Avatar universal

Sudden onset paralysis and subsequent death in feline

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?
31 Responses
Sort by: Helpful Oldest Newest
7052683 tn?1392938795
Hi Mylife,

This answer can apply to all of the above questions on Paralysis and death of the cats mentioned.
Botulism is a major cause of poisoning that comes from a cat eating spoiled or infected meat from an animal (rodents). After the cat injest some of the blood or meat the botulism will spread through the body beginning at the back legs and finally entire body.

If your cat is free roaming and begins showing signs of paralysis , caught in time there may be help. So always immediately get your cat to emergency when you see this beginning.
Unfortunately it can also come from cardiomyopathy, spinal cord injury or infection and a host of other conditions. The only way to at least hope for an answer if immediate transport to emergency. When transporting, be sure to place a board--even ironing board , cutting board etc under the cat to prevent.
further damage if it is a direct cause of a spinal injury .
It is so difficult to see our babies in this condition, but staying calm transfers calm to your cat at this time and that is important.
Since the brain , spine, nerves and muscles all have to communicate in tandem with the brain any injury to any of these areas may set paralysis in motion. Veterinarian care is the only thing that may give you an answer and prevent further determination. So any paralysis is an EMERGENCY. The longer you wait the more chane your pet may not make it.
CML
Helpful - 1
7052683 tn?1392938795
Hi Mylife,

This answer can apply to all of the above questions on Paralysis and death of the cats mentioned.
Botulism is a major cause of poisoning that comes from a cat eating spoiled or infected meat from an animal (rodents). After the cat injest some of the blood or meat the botulism will spread through the body beginning at the back legs and finally entire body.

If your cat is free roaming and begins showing signs of paralysis , caught in time there may be help. So always immediately get your cat to emergency when you see this beginning.
Unfortunately it can also come from cardiomyopathy, spinal cord injury or infection and a host of other conditions. The only way to at least hope for an answer if immediate transport to emergency. When transporting, be sure to place a board--even ironing board , cutting board etc under the cat to prevent.
further damage if it is a direct cause of a spinal injury .
It is so difficult to see our babies in this condition, but staying calm transfers calm to your cat at this time and that is important.
Since the brain , spine, nerves and muscles all have to communicate in tandem with the brain any injury to any of these areas may set paralysis in motion. Veterinarian care is the only thing that may give you an answer and prevent further determination. So any paralysis is an EMERGENCY. The longer you wait the more chane your pet may not make it.
CML
Helpful - 1
Avatar universal
This is an old thread but I read up on the symptoms as I am curious about things as my cat has occasional pica (meaning she will eat weird stuff or attempt to). I found an article discussing such potential leads on what happened to your cat...one thing caught my eye...mice bait. Mice bait can be commonly placed outside around people's house, in basements, and sometimes not to the renter or owners knowledge. Say if the pest removal company put some near the windows in the basement or what not. It would cause such results if a cat ate a small pile of it. Cats are not always smart on what they inspect, sadly. Not sure this helps or if you'll see it. Here is the article where I pieced it together. https://www.thesprucepets.com/dangers-of-mice-552522
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Hello,
Monday 9/30/19 shortly before 5 a.m I heard a weird crying sound.  I thought it was a dream because I didn't hear any other noise  At 5 a.m. we found our 7 year old cat, Ash, in a state of paralysis next to our bed.  We rushed him to the ER and all his organs and blood work came back normal as we were waiting to make a decision on the next course of action to take Ash let our a loud sigh and passed shortly there after.  The vet thinks it could have been a stoke or a brain tumor.  However, Ash had been acting perfectly fine.  No change in his eating or bathroom use.  Ash was his usual loveable self.  He even sat on the couch with us Sunday evening watching T.V. and was cuddled next to my wife when I went to bed.  Ash is and will be missed something terrible.  I just wish I had some understanding as too what could have caused this.  Ash has always been and indoor cat and hasn't gotten out of the house in years.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Please help...
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
I had found a kitten by my house a few month ago and took him home he seemed perfectly health and very sweet my brothers friend took him for just under a month and he went to the vet a few times for shots when I picked him up from her house he had a cough and it sounded like he had  liquid in his lungs so I took him home a watched him carefully. He didn't seem to get any worse but it never went away. He always slept on my pillow by me so when I woke up this morning to hear him crying and laying on the floor I got worried. I picked  him up and he was completely limp. He couldn't move at all... I had my little brother go get my mom and she said we couldn't take him to the vet because it's Sunday and they were closed... so we sat by him and loved on him for about 20-25 minute when he took his last breath... when he went to the vet before hand they said he was fine... so why did he become paralyzed and die???
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
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.
Helpful - 0
874521 tn?1424116797
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
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
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.
Helpful - 0
2 Comments
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
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...
Avatar universal
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.
Helpful - 0
17793339 tn?1460152682
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.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
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 ????
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Thank u for your kind words.  I'm trying to remind myself of the blessing he was and be thankful for the time I had.  When I adopted him I had a one yr old female cat.  The vet said he was too young to b fixed so I didn't worry bout her getting pregnant.  A short time later they had four kittens.  I never got rid of any of them because I instantly grew attached.  Two yrs ago one of Nicquos babies passed similarly to his dad.  I still have momma cat she's 13 and three of their babies who are 11.  Im so thankful I have them.  They remind me of him everyday.  
Helpful - 0
874521 tn?1424116797
Im so sorry for your loss, its never easy to loose a pet but especially hard when its sudden and unexpected.
I am pretty sure what happened is a cardiac arrest. this can happen even to what appears to be a healthy kitty, same as with us.
Aside from the loss and the shock, rest easy in the thoughts he went suddenly and suffered very little if any pain. he was with you up to the end, in a loving home
Yes they are a huge blessing to us for the brief time they allow us to share their lives....RIP dear little Nicquo. you were loved and will be always remembered xoxox
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
My cat Nicquo died all of a sudden last night.  He was sitting by me on the couching begging for a fruit loop, he didn't like people food at all but wanted to play with it.  I heard 2 painful sounds and looked beside the couch on the floor and he was laying on his side.  He only made those 2 noises.  I fell to the floor  to see what was wrong with him.  I tried to stand him up cause I thought he had a hair ball and was being lazy.  His body was limp as a noodle but warm.  His eyes were big, lifeless and glossy looking.  I'm petting him, kissing him and talking to him for what seems to have been a eternity, but had only been a couple minutes.  He coughed or gasped 2 times. I tried to do cpr but it didn't help.  I was so hysterical that when I tried to feel if his heart was beating I couldn't tell.  Nothing on his body moved at all.  The last sign of life were the 2 coughs or gasps.  I layed in the floor with him for almost an hour trying to see if he was alive.  I think I was in denial.  At some point he lost control of his bowels and noticed he had peed on himself too.  I called Animal Emergency and they said he was gone.  It was just really hard for me to accept.  We buried him a couple hours later.  All day today I have had a sick feeling that he might have still been alive just paralyzed.  If anyone has gone through something similar please let me know.  He was such a blessing to me and my kids since we adopted him 12 years ago.  I am so grateful that he was my baby and that I got to be part of his life for that long, but it just doesn't seem long enough.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Well he became paralised and he even could not close his eyes and he died pls anyone help me to know the reason
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Hi i just wanna know what happened to my cat,3 days before he was not that healthy he vomited once and he started to stop eating less and after that day my cat got blind and was saying meow continusly and after that day i called him and he didnt respond i checked everywhere atlast i found him i called him but he didnt respond but he was breathing and when i turned to the other side his eyes where open wide and he was not blinking still he was breathing i tried to pull him but he cried and after 3 min he passed away!pls letme know what is the reason
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Hey..i just wanna let u know that my cat passed away yesterday. He was so weak after some hours saw him under my car and i called him and he didnt respond so i went the other side and saw that ma cats eye was open and he was paralyzed and he could only breath and when i touched him he just cried and after 2 min he died i dont know what is the reason ifu can help me pls help me find out the reason for my cats death pls
Helpful - 0
15676353 tn?1442198135
   I have just noticed my cat, Khandi, just sitting on the floor in the basement two days ago. I have her food/water bowl and litter box down there...she prefers it, and has full reign of the house via cat-door that is never locked. I went to feed her the other morning and she didn't come to her bowl like she normally does. Rather, she just sat there, meowing at me. I walked over to her, pet her, and motioned for her to come. She tried to get up, but couldn't. I took her to the vet right away. They did the check up and took X-rays, just for nothing to be found wrong. She was just paralyzed from the waist down. No signs of pain or injury. She is a healthy 11 year old cat otherwise. No signs of a stroke (eyes not dilated, pulse normal, temp normal, etc.) I can't afford to take her to get an MRI done or surgery, plus at her age...not sure if it would benefit her. She pulls herself along well with her front feet. I am just so worried that if she doesn't get better, I may have to put her down. This is no way to live. She is normally a very friendly cat. Has anyone else had this happen, or similar?  
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
I also live in western pa, and until recently had 5 cats. I had been letting them out in my neighborhood like several of my other neighbors do. About two weeks ago I found a dead shrew( a tiny mole) that they had caught and "gifted" me. Last week I found another, half eaten. Now there is a nest of them on my property living in a hedge, so I'm pretty sure that's where they caught them. That being said, I know I never poisoned or baited these shrews.

Three days ago my oldest cat came home and spent the day inside. A couple of  hours later I noticed that he was acting weak and having a hard time walking. I tried to separate him and get him to eat after he started vomiting liquid. After a few hours he was unable to stand up. He started having seizures shortly after that. Hours later my neighbor informed me of another of my cats was trapped under a car. I retrieved the cat only to find it to was paralyzed and suffering from seizures. Shortly later they both passed.

Now I have the other three cats inside, and two of them were in since two days before this started. One of those two started showing signs of losing coordination in its legs.

I immediately bathed them and separate them in different rooms of the house. I was suspicious the the first two had come in contact with a toxin of some kind and had spread it. the last two cats seem to be fine at the moment but I am watching them closely. In the morning I am taking the sick one two the vet and hoping for some kind of good news.

While searching for answers I found this thread and your story is too similar to mine to be mere coincidence. Also, at first I looked up poisoning, and all these symptoms fit ingestion of arsenic, and other neurotoxins commonly used in pesticides. Onset can be sudden, as well as delayed.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
I also live in western pa, and until recently had 5 cats. I had been letting them out in my neighborhood like several of my other neighbors do. About two weeks ago I found a dead shrew( a tiny mole) that they had caught and "gifted" me. Last week I found another, half eaten. Now there is a nest of them on my property living in a hedge, so I'm pretty sure that's where they caught them. That being said, I know I never poisoned or baited these shrews.

Three days ago my oldest cat came home and spent the day inside. A couple of  hours later I noticed that he was acting weak and having a hard time walking. I tried to separate him and get him to eat after he started vomiting liquid. After a few hours he was unable to stand up. He started having seizures shortly after that. Hours later my neighbor informed me of another of my cats was trapped under a car. I retrieved the cat only to find it to was paralyzed and suffering from seizures. Shortly later they both passed.

Now I have the other three cats inside, and two of them were in since two days before this started. One of those two started showing signs of losing coordination in its legs.

I immediately bathed them and separate them in different rooms of the house. I was suspicious the the first two had come in contact with a toxin of some kind and had spread it. the last two cats seem to be fine at the moment but I am watching them closely. In the morning I am taking the sick one two the vet and hoping for some kind of good news.

While searching for answers I found this thread and your story is too similar to mine to be mere coincidence. Also, at first I looked up poisoning, and all these symptoms fit ingestion of arsenic, and other neurotoxins commonly used in pesticides. Onset can be sudden, as well as delayed.
Helpful - 0
611067 tn?1458591483
OMG - my prayers are with you hun!  I hope and pray you will be able to find out what is happening and that he will recover!  Prayers headed to your babies way!!!
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
I am so sorry about your kitty.  It's hard enough to lose our sweet pets suddenly, doubly hard to lose them gradually, especially when they're suffering and we're unable to render aid.  Will keep you and kitty in my prayers.  God bless.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
My cat has been hit by sudden paralysis, maybe not as sudden as yours - started last Thursday, it's Sunday (July 4th) now, and it seems to have been progressing so that he cannot stand up anymore.  I've taken him to the vet, and one possibility is cryptococcosis, a fungal/yeast infection that may have spread to his brain.  He has a bump on his nose, and has suffered his whole life with respiratory problems.  Also, he's Siamese, and originally from Southern California, which makes the fungus a more likely suspect.

I don't know what's going to happen next.  It's so awful!  Will he snap out of it?  Will I just find him still?

So sorry for your losses.  Wanted to put forth one possibility...dunno how quickly this fungus acts once it hits the brain.

My cat has no other symptoms aside from some slight dehydration, probably from not getting to the water as often as he normally would.  Now, I'm forcing it on him as much as I can!

I'm scared that my story will have a sad ending as well.
Helpful - 0
2
Have an Answer?

You are reading content posted in the Cats Community

Top Cats Answerers
874521 tn?1424116797
Canada..., SK
506791 tn?1439842983
Saint Mary's County, MD
242912 tn?1660619837
CA
740516 tn?1360942486
Brazil
Learn About Top Answerers
Didn't find the answer you were looking for?
Ask a question
Popular Resources
Members of our Pet Communities share their Halloween pet photos.
Like to travel but hate to leave your pooch at home? Dr. Carol Osborne talks tips on how (and where!) to take a trip with your pampered pet
Ooh and aah your way through these too-cute photos of MedHelp members' best friends
A list of national and international resources and hotlines to help connect you to needed health and medical services.
Herpes sores blister, then burst, scab and heal.
Herpes spreads by oral, vaginal and anal sex.