Seizures in cats can really shake up both pets and their people.
Understanding what causes these episodes and how to handle them makes a big difference.
A seizure happens when a cat’s brain suddenly fires off uncontrolled electrical signals. Lots of things can set this off—epilepsy, infections, or even toxins.
If you know the signs and when to get help, you’ll be better prepared to support your cat.
Cats having seizures might act oddly, lose control of their muscles, or even pass out.
Some cats only have a single episode, but others might have them more often and need medication.
You have safe options to treat and usually control seizures, which can make life easier for your cat.
This article covers what to watch for, why seizures start, and how vets figure out the best plan.
The goal? Keep cats as calm and safe as possible during these scary moments.
Understanding Seizures in Cats
Seizures in cats don’t always look the same.
The signs and triggers can change depending on the type and cause.
If you can spot the warning signs and figure out what sets your cat off, you’ll be able to get help faster.
Sometimes, seizures need quick action to keep your cat safe.
Types of Seizures in Cats
Generalized seizures affect the whole brain.
Cats having these might stiffen up, jerk around, or lose consciousness.
People also call these grand mal seizures.
You might see muscle twitching and odd movements.
Focal seizures (or partial seizures) only mess with one area of the brain.
Cats might twitch just one leg, act strangely, or move in weird ways.
Some cats have absence seizures, where they just stare off into space for a few seconds.
It’s not as common, but it’s good to know about.
Seizure patterns can really vary.
Some cats just have one, while others get clusters or even status epilepticus—that’s when a seizure goes on too long or they come one after another.
That needs fast vet care.
Common Causes of Feline Seizures
Seizures can start for all sorts of reasons. Idiopathic epilepsy is a big one, where there’s no clear cause.
These cats often do well with treatment.
Other causes include brain trauma, tumors, or infections like feline infectious peritonitis.
Fungal diseases like cryptococcus can also trigger seizures.
Problems with other organs can mess with the brain too.
Things like kidney disease, liver disease, high blood pressure, or heatstroke sometimes lead to seizures.
Some rarer causes are infections like feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) or even seizures triggered by certain sounds (audiogenic reflex seizures).
How Seizures Manifest in Cats
Seizures usually start with the ictal phase.
This is when the cat loses control of its muscles and might jerk or stiffen up.
Afterward, cats go through a postictal phase.
You might see confusion or disorientation, and sometimes odd behavior for a while.
Some cats act weird before a seizure—maybe hiding or pacing.
During a seizure, you might see twitching, drooling, or even loss of bladder control.
No two seizures are exactly the same.
Keeping notes on what you see can help your veterinarian pick the right treatment.
When to Seek Emergency Veterinary Care
If a seizure lasts more than five minutes or keeps coming back without your cat waking up in between, get emergency help right away—this is status epilepticus.
If your cat struggles to breathe, gets hurt, or seems extremely weak after a seizure, it’s time to call the vet.
Repeated or worsening seizures also mean you should see a veterinarian or veterinary neurologist.
Acting quickly can help prevent brain damage and keep your cat’s quality of life up.
Sometimes, you just have to trust your gut and get help fast.
For more details on diagnosis and treatment, here’s a good read: Seizures and epilepsy in cats.
Diagnosis and Management of Cat Seizures
Vets need to look closely to figure out what’s going on with cat seizures.
Managing them well can really help your cat’s day-to-day life.
The process includes tests to find the cause, picking the right meds, and watching for problems like more seizures or side effects.
Diagnostic Process and Tests
A vet will start by asking about your cat’s history.
They’ll want to know what the seizures look like, how long they last, and how often they happen.
Physical and neurological exams come next.
The vet checks for muscle issues or signs of brain trouble.
Blood tests help rule out things like infections, poisons, or organ problems.
If the vet suspects a brain tumor, they might use MRI or CT scans.
Sometimes, they’ll do a spinal fluid test to look for infection or swelling.
If things get tricky, your vet might send you to a veterinary neurologist for more tests.
This helps figure out if the seizures are idiopathic (no known cause) or from another illness.
Treatment Options for Seizures
Most cats with repeat seizures get anticonvulsant meds.
Phenobarbital is a popular choice because it works well and vets know it inside out.
Levetiracetam and zonisamide are newer meds.
Some vets pick them if they want fewer side effects.
Vets adjust medication doses based on how your cat reacts and what blood tests show.
Sometimes, they’ll suggest antioxidants or supplements to help the brain.
If one drug doesn’t work, your cat might need a different one or a combo.
Keeping up with meds and check-ups is really important.
Monitoring, Complications, and Treatment Failure
You need to keep track of how often your cat has seizures, how long they last, and any changes you notice.
Regular vet visits mean blood tests to check drug levels and liver health, since some meds can cause problems.
If seizures get worse or don’t respond to medication, the vet might try a different drug or dose.
Side effects can pop up—things like sleepiness, more thirst, or liver issues.
Some cats get used to meds and need their treatment changed.
Staying in touch with your vet helps catch problems early and keeps your cat safer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Cat seizures can look pretty different from one cat to another.
The causes are all over the map too.
Some seizures are over in a flash, while others drag on.
If you know what to look for and what to do, you’ll be ready to help your cat.
What are the signs that a cat is having a seizure?
You might see shaking, twitching, or stiffening.
Cats can lose their balance or even collapse.
Some cats make weird noises or drool a lot during a seizure.
Sometimes, a cat just stares off or looks confused.
You might see jerky movements in one part of the body.
What could be causing my cat’s seizures?
Seizures can come from brain problems like epilepsy or tumors.
Loud sounds can set off seizures in some cats, called audiogenic reflex seizures.
Poisons, infections, or liver problems are other possible causes.
Sometimes the body reacts to illness or injury, causing what vets call reactive seizures.
Are there different types of seizures that can affect cats?
Yes, definitely.
Seizures show up in all sorts of ways and can last for different lengths of time.
Some affect the whole body, while others just make a paw twitch.
There are primary seizures from epilepsy and reactive ones from other health issues.
How should I care for my cat after it has had a seizure?
Keep your cat calm and out of harm’s way.
Move anything nearby that could hurt them.
Don’t touch their mouth—you could get bitten by accident.
Once the seizure stops, offer some water and gentle comfort.
Don’t force food or water, though.
Stick around and watch your cat in case another seizure happens.
What treatment options are available for cats with seizures?
Vets often prescribe medication to control seizures.
The treatment depends on what’s causing them and what type they are.
If infections or toxins are behind the seizures, treating those can help.
Regular check-ups help the vet adjust treatments as needed.
When should I consider medical intervention for my cat’s seizures?
Call your vet if a seizure lasts longer than five minutes or if you notice seizures happening one after another.
You should also reach out if your cat can’t walk or stay awake after a seizure.
If your cat just had its first seizure, seeing a vet makes sense.
They’ll help you figure out what’s going on and how to care for your cat.
Want more details on what causes seizures? Check out Reactive seizures in cats.
If you’re curious about seizures triggered by sounds, take a look at Audiogenic reflex seizures in cats.