Cat Seizures: Understanding, Symptoms, and What To Do

Witnessing your cat experience a seizure can be a terrifying ordeal for any pet owner. These episodes of uncontrolled muscle activity, also known as fits or convulsions, can range from subtle tremors to violent shaking. While a single seizure might be triggered by a temporary metabolic upset, head injury, or toxin exposure, recurring seizures in cats could indicate epilepsy or other serious underlying health conditions. It’s crucial to remain calm if your cat has a seizure and seek immediate veterinary attention from your regular vet or the nearest emergency animal hospital.

What Are Cat Seizures?

Cat Seizures are neurological events characterized by sudden, involuntary bursts of electrical activity in the brain. This abnormal brain activity manifests as seizures, causing temporary disruptions in muscle control, awareness, and behavior. These episodes can vary greatly in duration and intensity, lasting from mere seconds to several minutes. In some severe cases, seizures can even prolong for hours, a condition known as status epilepticus, which is a medical emergency. Essentially, a seizure in a cat signifies a temporary malfunction in the brain’s normal electrical signaling.

Epilepsy in Cats: Recurrent Seizure Activity

Epilepsy is diagnosed when a cat experiences repeated, unprovoked seizures. These epileptic seizures can occur with varying frequency, sometimes at predictable intervals, and other times seemingly at random. The time between seizures can range from days or weeks to months or even years. It’s important to understand that epilepsy is a chronic neurological condition, not a one-off event, and requires ongoing management. While any cat can develop epilepsy, some breeds and genetic predispositions might increase the likelihood.

Recognizing the Signs and Symptoms of Cat Seizures

While the sight of a cat having a seizure is undoubtedly distressing, it’s essential to remember that the symptoms themselves aren’t necessarily indicative of permanent harm. However, every seizure warrants prompt veterinary attention to determine the underlying cause and rule out any life-threatening conditions.

Cat seizures are broadly classified into two main types: focal seizures and generalized seizures, each presenting with distinct symptoms.

Focal Seizures (Partial Seizures)

Focal seizures, also known as partial seizures, originate in a localized area of the brain’s cerebral cortex. These are relatively common in cats and affect only a specific part of the body. Symptoms of focal seizures in cats may include:

• Vocalization: Uncharacteristic loud crying or vocalization, seemingly indicating pain or distress.
• Aggression: Unexplained aggression or irritability.
• Hypersalivation: Excessive drooling.
• Limb Dysfunction: Temporary loss of function or weakness in a leg or limb.
• Oral Automatisms: Strange oral behaviors like chewing motions or lip licking, as if chewing imaginary gum.
• Staring: Vacant staring into space, unresponsiveness to surroundings.
• Balance Issues: Difficulty standing or inability to rise without assistance.

Generalized Seizures: Whole-Body Involvement

Generalized seizures involve the entire brain and affect the whole body. They are further categorized into grand mal and petit mal seizures, differing in their presentation and severity.

Grand Mal Seizures (Tonic-Clonic Seizures)

Grand mal seizures are the most recognizable and dramatic type of generalized seizure. They typically last for a short duration, usually under five minutes. Key signs and symptoms of grand mal seizures in cats include:

• Uncontrollable Muscle Activity: Rhythmic, violent muscle contractions affecting the entire body, often described as paddling or kicking motions.
• Loss of Posture: Falling to one side due to loss of muscle control.
• Loss of Bowel or Bladder Control: Involuntary urination or defecation.
• Loss of Awareness: Complete unawareness of their surroundings, people present, or their own actions during the seizure.

Petit Mal Seizures (Absence Seizures)

Petit mal seizures, also known as absence seizures, are more subtle and less dramatic than grand mal seizures. They may be so mild that they go unnoticed. Petit mal seizures do not involve convulsions but can cause a cat to suddenly collapse. Other subtle signs can include:

• Staring Spells: Brief episodes of staring blankly into space.
• Confusion: A temporary state of disorientation or confusion after the seizure.
• Subtle Automatisms: Minor repetitive behaviors such as chewing motions or swatting at imaginary objects, similar to focal seizures but less pronounced.

Stages of a Seizure Episode

Seizures in cats typically progress through three distinct phases:

1. Pre-ictal Phase (Aura): This is the period immediately preceding the seizure. Some cats may exhibit subtle behavioral changes, becoming restless, uneasy, or overly affectionate and attention-seeking. Others may salivate excessively or suddenly hide. However, it’s important to note that many cats show no discernible aura before a seizure.

2. Ictal Phase: This is the seizure itself, characterized by the observable physical manifestations described above. The ictal phase can last from seconds to minutes, and in severe cases, longer.

3. Post-ictal Phase: This is the recovery period following the seizure. During this phase, cats may appear confused, disoriented, tired, or restless. They might pace, pant, or exhibit temporary blindness. The post-ictal phase can last from a few minutes to several hours, or in some cases, even a couple of days, although most cats recover within a few hours.

While epilepsy is characterized by recurrent seizures, it’s important to remember that not every cat with repeated seizures is epileptic. Epilepsy is less common in cats than in dogs, affecting less than 3% of the feline population.

What Triggers Seizures in Cats? Common Causes

A wide range of conditions can trigger seizures in cats. Identifying the underlying cause is crucial for effective treatment and management. These causes can be broadly categorized as intracranial (originating within the brain) or extracranial (originating outside the brain).

Intracranial Causes:

Intracranial causes of seizures are related to issues within the brain itself and can be further divided into structural and functional abnormalities.

• Structural Brain Abnormalities: These involve physical changes in the brain’s structure, such as:

  • Brain Tumors: Growths in the brain can disrupt normal brain function and trigger seizures.
  • Head Trauma: Injuries to the head can cause brain damage and lead to seizures, both immediately and in the long term.
  • Brain Infections or Inflammation: Infections like encephalitis or meningitis, or inflammatory conditions, can irritate the brain and cause seizures.

• Functional Brain Abnormalities: These involve disruptions in brain function without clear structural changes.

  • Idiopathic Epilepsy: This is diagnosed when no underlying cause for the seizures can be identified after thorough investigation. It is considered a diagnosis of exclusion, meaning other causes must be ruled out first. The seizures are thought to be due to an inherent electrical instability in the brain.

Extracranial Causes:

Extracranial causes of seizures originate outside the brain but still affect its function. These include:

• Toxins and Poisons: Exposure to various toxins is a common cause of seizures in cats. Common culprits include:

  • Pyrethrins and Pyrethroids: These chemicals are found in many dog flea and tick medications, sprays, and shampoos. Cats are highly sensitive to these compounds, and accidental exposure, often through grooming a treated dog, can lead to seizures.
  • Antifreeze (Ethylene Glycol): Extremely toxic to cats and can cause seizures, kidney failure, and death.
  • Lead: Exposure to lead, found in old paint, batteries, and some toys, can cause neurological damage and seizures.
  • Certain Medications: Some human and veterinary medications can be toxic to cats or cause seizures as a side effect.
  • Toxic Plants: Certain plants are poisonous to cats and can induce seizures.

• Metabolic Disorders: Imbalances in the body’s internal chemistry can disrupt brain function and trigger seizures.

  • Hypoglycemia (Low Blood Sugar): Insufficient glucose in the blood can deprive the brain of energy and cause seizures.
  • Liver or Kidney Problems: These organ dysfunctions can lead to the buildup of toxins in the bloodstream, affecting the brain.
  • Electrolyte Imbalances: Abnormal levels of electrolytes like calcium, sodium, or potassium can disrupt nerve and muscle function, including brain activity.
  • Thiamine Deficiency: Vitamin B1 (thiamine) is essential for brain function. Deficiency, often due to poor diet, can cause neurological problems and seizures.

• Infectious Diseases: Certain viral, bacterial, fungal, and parasitic infections can affect the brain and trigger seizures. Examples include:

  • Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP): A viral disease that can affect the nervous system.
  • Toxoplasmosis: A parasitic infection that can cause neurological signs, including seizures.
  • Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV) and Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV): These viral infections can sometimes affect the nervous system.
  • Cryptococcosis: A fungal infection that can invade the brain.

• Congenital Disorders: Birth defects or genetic abnormalities can predispose cats to seizures.

• Immune-Mediated Diseases: Conditions where the body’s immune system attacks its own tissues, such as immune-mediated encephalitis (inflammation of the brain), can cause seizures.

Diagnosing Cat Seizures: Veterinary Assessment

Diagnosing the cause of seizures in cats involves a thorough veterinary examination and diagnostic testing. Your veterinarian will rely heavily on your detailed account of the seizure event. If possible, recording a video of your cat’s seizure can be extremely helpful for diagnosis. Note the seizure’s duration, specific symptoms, and any events preceding or following the seizure.

Your veterinarian will ask for a comprehensive medical history, including:

• Toxin Exposure: Has your cat potentially been exposed to any toxins, such as flea and tick medications, household cleaners, or poisonous plants?
• Recent Trauma: Has your cat experienced any recent head trauma or injuries?
• Other Illness Signs: Are there any other signs of illness, such as lethargy, vomiting, diarrhea, or changes in appetite or thirst?
• Outdoor Access: Has your cat been outdoors recently, increasing the risk of exposure to toxins or infectious agents?
• Seizure Patterns: Do seizures occur in relation to specific activities like sleep, exercise, or feeding?
• Behavioral Changes: Have you noticed any recent changes in your cat’s behavior, such as confusion, disorientation, or increased anxiety?

Further diagnostic tests may include:

• Physical and Neurological Examination: A thorough physical exam and neurological assessment to evaluate reflexes, coordination, and nerve function.
• Blood Tests: Complete blood count (CBC) and serum biochemistry profile to assess organ function (liver, kidneys), blood glucose levels, electrolytes, and detect signs of infection or inflammation.
• Urinalysis: To evaluate kidney function and check for urinary tract infections.
• Radiographs (X-rays): Chest and abdominal X-rays may be recommended to rule out certain underlying conditions.
• Advanced Diagnostic Tests: Depending on the initial findings, further tests may be necessary:
  • Blood Lead Level: To check for lead poisoning.
  • Bile Acid Test: To assess liver function.
  • Serology and PCR Testing: To test for infectious diseases like toxoplasmosis, FIP, FeLV, FIV, and cryptococcosis.
  • MRI of the Brain: Magnetic resonance imaging provides detailed images of the brain to identify structural abnormalities like tumors, inflammation, or lesions.
  • Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF) Tap (Spinal Tap): Analysis of CSF can help diagnose brain infections, inflammation, or certain neurological conditions.

If, after all diagnostic tests, no underlying cause is identified, your veterinarian may diagnose idiopathic epilepsy or primary epilepsy.

Treatment Options for Cat Seizures

Treatment for cat seizures aims to reduce the frequency, severity, and duration of seizures. Medication is the primary treatment approach, especially for recurrent seizures.

• Anticonvulsant Medications: These medications are used to manage seizures and are typically started if a cat has experienced multiple seizures, severe seizures, or status epilepticus. Even if the underlying cause is unknown, treatment is often initiated to prevent further seizures and potential brain damage. Common anticonvulsant medications for cats include:
  • Phenobarbital: A commonly used and effective anticonvulsant.
  • Levetiracetam (Keppra): Often used as an add-on medication or in cases where phenobarbital is not suitable.
  • Zonisamide: Another anticonvulsant option.
  • Diazepam (Valium): Primarily used for emergency seizure control.

Finding the right medication and dosage for each cat often involves some trial and error. Your veterinarian may need to adjust the medication type or dosage based on your cat’s response and blood level monitoring.

• Addressing Underlying Causes: If the seizures are caused by an identifiable underlying condition, treating that condition is crucial.

  • Toxin Exposure: If toxin ingestion is suspected, immediate decontamination measures are necessary. For topical toxins like flea medications, bathing the cat to remove the substance is essential. Supportive care and specific antidotes may also be required depending on the toxin.
  • Metabolic Disorders: Treating underlying metabolic imbalances, such as hypoglycemia, liver disease, or kidney disease, is necessary to control seizures. This may involve dietary changes, medications, or other therapies.
  • Infections: Infections of the brain or body need to be treated with appropriate medications, such as antibiotics, antifungals, or antiviral drugs.
  • Brain Tumors: Treatment options for brain tumors may include surgery, radiation therapy, or chemotherapy, depending on the tumor type and location.

• Single or Infrequent Seizures: A single, short seizure that resolves quickly may not always require long-term anticonvulsant medication, especially if an underlying cause is identified and addressed. However, veterinary consultation is still essential to evaluate the situation and determine the best course of action.

Managing Seizures and Recovery in Cats

Managing seizures in cats is often a long-term commitment involving medication, monitoring, and lifestyle adjustments.

• Medication Adjustments: It’s not uncommon for the initial weeks or months of anticonvulsant therapy to require dosage adjustments. If seizures persist after starting medication, contact your veterinarian. They will likely perform blood tests to measure medication levels and adjust the dosage accordingly. Other factors, such as stress or disease progression, can also affect seizure control.

• Long-Term Management: While there is no cure for epilepsy in cats, it can often be effectively managed with medication. The goal is to reduce seizure frequency, duration, and severity, improving the cat’s quality of life. Complete seizure prevention may not always be achievable, even with treatment.

• Contagion: Seizures are not contagious; you cannot “catch” seizures from a cat or vice versa.

• Cost of Treatment: The cost of treating seizures in cats can vary significantly depending on factors like diagnostic testing, medication costs (especially for long-term management), veterinary visits, and geographic location. Larger cities and specialist veterinary care may incur higher costs.

• Recovery After a Seizure: For seizures lasting only a few minutes with immediate recovery, there is usually no immediate cause for alarm, but veterinary consultation is still recommended, especially for first-time seizures or in young cats. Immediate veterinary care is crucial if a seizure lasts longer than 5 minutes or if cluster seizures (multiple seizures in a short period) occur.

Long-term seizure management includes:

• Symptom Recognition: Learning to recognize the signs of a seizure and the pre-ictal phase.
• Balanced Diet: Feeding a high-quality, balanced diet to support overall health.
• Seizure Logging: Keeping a detailed record of seizure episodes, including date, time, duration, symptoms, and any potential triggers. This information is invaluable for your veterinarian in managing your cat’s condition.
• Regular Veterinary Checkups: Routine veterinary visits and blood tests are necessary to monitor medication levels, assess overall health, and detect any potential medication side effects.

Preventing Cat Seizures: Proactive Measures

Preventing seizures in cats is not always possible, especially in cases of epilepsy or congenital conditions. However, some proactive measures can reduce the risk of seizures caused by preventable factors.

• Vaccinations: Keeping your cat up-to-date on routine vaccinations can prevent some infectious diseases that can cause seizures.

• Toxin Avoidance: Minimize your cat’s exposure to toxins by:

  • Using Cat-Safe Flea and Tick Products: Only use flea and tick medications specifically formulated for cats and strictly follow label instructions. Avoid using dog flea products on cats.
  • Secure Hazardous Substances: Store household cleaners, medications, antifreeze, and other toxic substances safely out of your cat’s reach.
  • Indoor Plants: Be aware of poisonous plants and keep them away from your cat or choose cat-safe plant varieties.

• Routine Veterinary Care: Regular veterinary checkups can help detect and manage underlying health conditions that could predispose your cat to seizures.

While there is no vaccine to prevent seizures directly, a proactive approach to your cat’s health and environment can help minimize the risk of seizures caused by preventable factors.

In Summary: Understanding and Managing Cat Seizures

Cat seizures are a manifestation of abnormal brain activity resulting in involuntary muscle activity. They can be caused by various factors, ranging from temporary metabolic disturbances to serious underlying conditions like epilepsy. While witnessing a cat seizure is distressing, prompt veterinary attention is crucial for diagnosis and management. With proper veterinary care, including medication and management strategies, many cats with seizures can live comfortable and fulfilling lives. If you suspect your cat is having a seizure, contact your veterinarian immediately to ensure they receive the best possible care.