Seizures

If your cat has been diagnosed with a seizure disorder, knowing more about the disease can help you provide them with a better quality of life. Seizures in cats can be caused by trauma, toxins, metabolic disease, infections, or a brain tumor. Only 20% of seizures in cats are of unknown origin.

What is a seizure?

A seizure is a sudden electrical disturbance in the brain. A focal seizure, which is more common in cats, affects only part of the brain, and the cat remains conscious. A generalized seizure means the entire brain is affected, and includes loss of consciousness. Cats usually give behavior signs before and after that differentiate a seizure from fainting or a dizzy spell.  

What are common seizure signs in cats?

Signs of an impending seizure include:

• Staring into space 
• Nervousness, neediness, or other behavior changes

Focal seizure signs include:

• Tail chasing or limb chewing
• Repetitive motions in one part of the body

Generalized seizure signs include: 

• Falling over, with loss of consciousness
• Stiffness of legs, or paddling 
• Urination and defecation
• Vomiting and salivation
• Disorientation after the seizure

How are seizures managed in cats?  

Ideally, you should pursue diagnostics and specific treatments for underlying conditions that may be causing your cat to seizure. Anti-epileptic medications can be prescribed to reduce the severity and frequency, but may not eliminate the seizures entirely. Medication is lifelong, and regular diagnostic testing is needed to monitor your cat’s status and prognosis.  

What is the prognosis for cats with seizures?

The prognosis varies based on the cause, and your cat’s treatment response. Most cats will respond to anti-epileptic medication, but some may experience refractory seizures or adverse side effects, and have a poorer prognosis. 

Management tips for cats with seizures

At-home needs include:

• Consistency with medications, which can be compounded into tasty treats
• Easy access to food, water, litter box, and a safe location
• Prescription diets and supplements that promote brain function
• Caution with handling, and avoiding sudden movements or other stimuli
• Keeping track of seizure length, time, and day, and taking a video for your veterinarian

For end-of-life care:

• Try to keep your cat safe, comfortable, and indoors
• Monitor for pain or discomfort
• Evaluate your cat’s quality of life with our scoring tool
• Track progression of your cat’s health with our calendar

In a crisis situation:

• Contact your veterinarian immediately if your cat has a seizure lasting longer than two minutes, multiple seizures in one day, collapses and does not recover, or vocalizes in pain.

Before your cat’s condition becomes unmanageable, or they begin losing their quality of life, beginning end-of-life care discussions is vital. Learn more about pet hospice, in-home euthanasia, and our teleadvice service, or contact a Lap of Love veterinarian in your area, so you can feel fully prepared for this difficult time.