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Danmel

(5,778 posts)
Tue Feb 24, 2026, 10:20 PM Feb 24

My cat Zeke appears to have had a mini stroke

Waiting for test results. I'm beside myself. He is the sweetest boy in the world. Everybody loves him and he loves everybody.
We think he's between 17 and 18 years old. We adopted him 13 years ago and the shelter said he between 3 and 5.
Please send good vibes for my sweet boy.

73 replies = new reply since forum marked as read
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My cat Zeke appears to have had a mini stroke (Original Post) Danmel Feb 24 OP
Healing vibes in the way to you both SheltieLover Feb 24 #1
Sending! 2naSalit Feb 24 #2
I am so sorry ... I totally empathize! Greywing Feb 24 #3
I'm so sorry to hear that belpejic Feb 24 #4
Best vibes for Zeke canetoad Feb 24 #5
🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻 bamagal62 Feb 24 #6
Hoping for the best for Zeke irisblue Feb 24 #7
Sendind sweet zibes to Zeke and you. debm55 Feb 24 #8
Valiant vibes for Zeke... alittlelark Feb 24 #9
Sending healing vibes to Zeke. ❤️ virgdem Feb 24 #10
I am so sorry for your anxiety and please let your love for him flow through JMCKUSICK Feb 24 #11
So very sorry to hear about Zeke. nocoincidences Feb 24 #12
Our Russian Blue, Bright Eyes, had a stroke Metaphorical Feb 24 #13
Wishing Zeke the best. Abolishinist Feb 24 #14
Wishing the best for Zeke's full recovery. Nanuke Feb 24 #15
Hope and strength to Zeke KT2000 Feb 24 #16
Poor Zeke. I'm so sorry. hamsterjill Feb 24 #17
Prayers & healing vibes for Zeke 🙏💕🐈‍⬛️nt Raine Feb 24 #18
Holding you all in love and hope. 3catwoman3 Feb 24 #19
Oh dear Figarosmom Feb 24 #20
I'm so sorry. yardwork Feb 24 #21
Holding you both in love and light. Healing vibes for best possible outcome. niyad Feb 24 #22
I hope Zeke is ok. LoisB Feb 24 #23
Hugs and kisses to Zeke orangecrush Feb 24 #24
I'm sorry 😔 MustLoveBeagles Feb 24 #25
I will do so. OldBaldy1701E Feb 24 #26
Sending prayers RWB3 Feb 24 #27
Sending Love & Prayers Your Way NEOH Feb 24 #28
All the best to Zeke. My heart goes out to you both. Fla Dem Feb 24 #29
Sending good vibes to you both. MIButterfly Feb 24 #30
Be well, Zeke Bayard Feb 24 #31
My best thoughts to Zeke...so sorry to hear this...stay strong little one.... peacebuzzard Feb 24 #32
Hugs and vibes for your sweet boy LNM Feb 24 #33
Best wishes for Zeke's full recovery. area51 Feb 25 #34
Healing vibes for Zeke... Silver Gaia Feb 25 #35
Me and my cat crew send you all our love. Maru Kitteh Feb 25 #36
I'm so sorry to hear. I hope he gets better. Ilikepurple Feb 25 #37
Sending good healing vibes to your sweet boy. StarryNite Feb 25 #38
I'm so sorry. HeartsCanHope Feb 25 #39
Prayers for little Zeke !!!!! All Cats go to Cat Heaven. I have to believe this. Trueblue1968 Feb 25 #40
Sending best wishes Dear_Prudence Feb 25 #41
Sending healing vibes... Trueblue Texan Feb 25 #42
Any update on your Sweet Boy Zeke? Fla Dem Feb 25 #43
He's the same. Can barely walk Danmel Feb 25 #45
Hope you can get to a vet soon. All the best to you and Zeke. Fla Dem Feb 25 #46
This message was self-deleted by its author Maru Kitteh Feb 25 #53
If you have an oral syringe/eyedropper or anything like that puree Maru Kitteh Feb 25 #54
Sending healing vibes to your precious Zeke. nt City Lights Feb 25 #44
Only 8 lives to go! justaprogressive Feb 25 #47
Awwwww😢 PCIntern Feb 25 #48
Healing thoughts, sweet baby. colorado_ufo Feb 25 #49
Sending love and healing vibes to you and Zeke! EuterpeThelo Feb 25 #50
Sending hope and love to you and Zeke. Polly Hennessey Feb 25 #51
I'm sorry JoseBalow Feb 25 #52
Oh no! Healing wishes for your precious baby boy! CousinIT Feb 25 #55
Poor Kitty! FemDemERA Feb 25 #56
Holding you and Zeke in my heart. TygrBright Feb 25 #57
We went back to vet today Danmel Feb 25 #58
Our hearts are with you. Me, Monte, July and Ollie Maru Kitteh Feb 25 #59
Keeping my fingers crossed 🤞for little Zeke 🐈💕 Raine Feb 25 #60
Healing kitty vibes on the way. Good boy Zeke. Mew. Mew. 🐈 Clouds Passing Feb 25 #61
my kitty had spinal strokes traladeda Feb 25 #62
Thanks for this info Danmel Feb 25 #63
Thanks for all that information. Not needed now. but have 2 cats and you never know. Fla Dem Feb 25 #66
I feel your pain malaise Feb 25 #64
Best of healing vibes towards your baby, Danmel! slightlv Feb 25 #65
Thanks for updating us on Zeke. irisblue Feb 25 #67
Sending healing vibes and AltairIV Feb 25 #68
Sending loving, healing vibes to Zeke and his humans wendyb-NC Feb 25 #69
Zeke update Danmel Feb 26 #70
Sending good thoughts your way. He sounds like a real sweetheart. Vinca Feb 26 #71
Thanks for the update! traladeda Feb 27 #72
Sounds like he's doing better ... sweet! 🙂 Raine Feb 27 #73

belpejic

(801 posts)
4. I'm so sorry to hear that
Tue Feb 24, 2026, 10:27 PM
Feb 24

I had a 17 year old cat who also had a stroke. Hoping that your kitty can recover.

JMCKUSICK

(6,068 posts)
11. I am so sorry for your anxiety and please let your love for him flow through
Tue Feb 24, 2026, 10:39 PM
Feb 24

the energy in your touch.

Metaphorical

(2,635 posts)
13. Our Russian Blue, Bright Eyes, had a stroke
Tue Feb 24, 2026, 10:45 PM
Feb 24

She was 15, but she also had an autoimmune disease and bowel cancer. She held on for a few months after that, but it was pretty evident that she was fading.

Our other cat, Pumpkin, became very solicitous of her older pet sibling after that, never straying very far, and sleeping next to her to keep her warm. When Bright Eyes became too weak, Pumpkin would keep directing us to Bright Eyes, at which point we knew that it was time to take her to the vet one last time.

Her death hit us, especially my wife, hard, but in many respects it hit Pumpkin hardest. She slept next to BE's bedding for the next week, and she would occasionally cry out in confusion and sadness. In time, we grieved and moved on, but every so often we still slip up or say things that remind us of our tiny smoky gray cat.

Take time to grieve, and be conscious of the other pets in your house. Animals do grieve, I no longer doubt that.

hamsterjill

(17,583 posts)
17. Poor Zeke. I'm so sorry.
Tue Feb 24, 2026, 10:56 PM
Feb 24

Sending prayers and vibes to you and Zeke.

(Rescue person here). Many cats recover pretty well from strokes given some time. I have personally had one that did well after some observation and good care. I am hoping the same result for Zeke.

Please keep us posted.

niyad

(132,518 posts)
22. Holding you both in love and light. Healing vibes for best possible outcome.
Tue Feb 24, 2026, 11:04 PM
Feb 24

hhhugggggggggs for you both.

OldBaldy1701E

(11,178 posts)
26. I will do so.
Tue Feb 24, 2026, 11:16 PM
Feb 24

Our second doggie had one. He lasted another two years after it, though, and did not really have issues after it.

I hope your cat recovers.

NEOH

(319 posts)
28. Sending Love & Prayers Your Way
Tue Feb 24, 2026, 11:22 PM
Feb 24

Sending love and prayers your way for Zeke’s recovery! ❤️‍🩹 ❤️‍🩹 😺

MIButterfly

(2,706 posts)
30. Sending good vibes to you both.
Tue Feb 24, 2026, 11:37 PM
Feb 24

I hope Zeke fully recovers. I will keep a good thought for your precious Zeke.

peacebuzzard

(5,871 posts)
32. My best thoughts to Zeke...so sorry to hear this...stay strong little one....
Tue Feb 24, 2026, 11:45 PM
Feb 24

please let us know how he is doing....
I wouldnt be where I am without my little furry crew...and they send their best to your little one too...

LNM

(1,260 posts)
33. Hugs and vibes for your sweet boy
Tue Feb 24, 2026, 11:47 PM
Feb 24

I hope you can hold him close and hear his purr again.

Silver Gaia

(5,364 posts)
35. Healing vibes for Zeke...
Wed Feb 25, 2026, 12:11 AM
Feb 25

We have a dog who stroked last August and he is still with us. He doesn't walk without help, but has otherwise recovered. He is 15.

So, here's to hope!

Maru Kitteh

(31,773 posts)
36. Me and my cat crew send you all our love.
Wed Feb 25, 2026, 12:12 AM
Feb 25


Please believe me when I say our hearts are with you. I’m all too familiar with the panic and the pain. I know how special they can be.

Ilikepurple

(687 posts)
37. I'm so sorry to hear. I hope he gets better.
Wed Feb 25, 2026, 12:26 AM
Feb 25

We had an old dog a few years back who seemingly had a stroke, but it was old dog vestibular disorder and she recovered and only had one bad relapse. The emergency vet thought it was a stroke, but when we went to pick her up the next day changed the diagnosis. I know it can happen to cats too. I’m not wishing either on your cat, but that could be what’s happening?

HeartsCanHope

(1,681 posts)
39. I'm so sorry.
Wed Feb 25, 2026, 01:06 AM
Feb 25

Sending healing vibes and Zeke, You and your family will be in my thoughts. Please give Zeke some loves from me.

Trueblue1968

(19,253 posts)
40. Prayers for little Zeke !!!!! All Cats go to Cat Heaven. I have to believe this.
Wed Feb 25, 2026, 01:09 AM
Feb 25

My 5 girls are in Cat Heaven.

Danmel

(5,778 posts)
45. He's the same. Can barely walk
Wed Feb 25, 2026, 11:07 AM
Feb 25

He's lethargic and not eating. And it's snowing again and the roads are a mess.

Response to Fla Dem (Reply #46)

Maru Kitteh

(31,773 posts)
54. If you have an oral syringe/eyedropper or anything like that puree
Wed Feb 25, 2026, 01:31 PM
Feb 25

some wet food with water at about a 1:4 ratio, (25% food 75% water) and get him the nutrition and hydration that way. If using dry food make it about 10% food and 90% water.

Is there anyone who can help you get Zeke to the doctor? I think DU would be happy to pick up the tab. I know I can throw in and would be more than happy to help.

EuterpeThelo

(368 posts)
50. Sending love and healing vibes to you and Zeke!
Wed Feb 25, 2026, 12:24 PM
Feb 25

My oldest kitty just turned 18 and she is the sweetest girl...my familiar. We had one that lived to 20-1/2 (we're on our 10th rescue cat now). I so understand your pain and fear. I wish you and Zeke all the best and hope so much that he will be OK.

Polly Hennessey

(8,839 posts)
51. Sending hope and love to you and Zeke.
Wed Feb 25, 2026, 12:43 PM
Feb 25

Remember, our cat babies are resilient and strong. I also hope your weather improves and you two will be at the Vets soon.

TygrBright

(21,364 posts)
57. Holding you and Zeke in my heart.
Wed Feb 25, 2026, 04:14 PM
Feb 25

We have a sick kitty as well - it's so difficult not to be able to instantly relieve their misery.

empathetically,
Bright

Danmel

(5,778 posts)
58. We went back to vet today
Wed Feb 25, 2026, 04:34 PM
Feb 25

They gave him a steroid injection, some sub cutaneous fluid and told us to watch him for 48 hours.

Maru Kitteh

(31,773 posts)
59. Our hearts are with you. Me, Monte, July and Ollie
Wed Feb 25, 2026, 06:01 PM
Feb 25

and Mr. Maru. Thank you for giving an update. Love and kisses to sweet Zeke.

Raine

(31,180 posts)
60. Keeping my fingers crossed 🤞for little Zeke 🐈💕
Wed Feb 25, 2026, 07:43 PM
Feb 25

that he overcomes this and you have him longer.

traladeda

(52 posts)
62. my kitty had spinal strokes
Wed Feb 25, 2026, 09:08 PM
Feb 25

My cat had a few spinal strokes during her time on earth. She recovered from all of them, but the last two strokes took more of a permanent toll. Still, she was happy and I saw to it that she experienced all the things she loved every single day. Cats -- especially ones with hypertension -- tend to get them in the cervical spinal cord.

Feline ischaemic myelopathy with a predilection for the cranial cervical spinal cord in older cats
Katherine M Simpson
https://doi.org/10.1177/1098612X14522050

Other spinal strokes are one and done.

Don't feel pressured by the doc to rush into any decision (unless this is the painful stroke -- "saddle thrombus" -- but Zeke would have let you know what to do.) All strokes are not the same and recovery is not uncommon in spinal strokes.

Danmel

(5,778 posts)
63. Thanks for this info
Wed Feb 25, 2026, 09:16 PM
Feb 25

He is hypertensive. He and my husband are on the same meds.
He ate this evening which made me happy.

slightlv

(7,790 posts)
65. Best of healing vibes towards your baby, Danmel!
Wed Feb 25, 2026, 10:04 PM
Feb 25

I can only imagine the pain and worry you're going through. I've had cats all my life... all rescues. And even though most of them lived into their 20's, each one who got sick and/or died left me feeling so diminished and devastated. I pray the great Goddess Bast lays her paws lovingly on Zeke, and heals him so he has many more years with you...

wendyb-NC

(4,696 posts)
69. Sending loving, healing vibes to Zeke and his humans
Wed Feb 25, 2026, 11:24 PM
Feb 25

Our pets are our family. Keep him close, hold him and make him feel safe and secure.

Danmel

(5,778 posts)
70. Zeke update
Thu Feb 26, 2026, 09:23 PM
Feb 26

The vet started him on a step down steroid treatment. Keep him in your thoughts, we're hoping this will help our sweet boy.
On his chart, when they recorded animals disposition, they actually wrote sweet.

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