Seizures in cats are typically not a disease themselves but a sign that there is something abnormal happening in the brain or body. They can have a variety of causes, ranging from metabolic issues to toxins to structural brain problems, and they require veterinary evaluation to identify the underlying cause and appropriate treatment. Key reasons cats have seizures
- Metabolic problems: Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia), liver or kidney disease, electrolyte imbalances, or other systemic illnesses can precipitate seizures.
- Toxins and toxins exposure: Certain substances are particularly dangerous to cats, including antifreeze (ethylene glycol), some rodenticides, certain human medications, and insecticides such as pet-safe products that are misused. Ingesting or absorbing these can trigger seizures or toxin-related brain irritation.
- Infections and inflammatory processes: Brain infections, meningitis, or inflammatory conditions can provoke seizures, especially in younger cats.
- Brain-based (primary and secondary epilepsy): Idiopathic or genetic epilepsy is more commonly seen in young adult cats, where no clear external cause is found. Secondary epilepsy is due to an underlying brain issue such as a brain tumor, stroke, head trauma, or inflammatory disease.
- Age- and health-related conditions: Chronic diseases (like hypertension, kidney or liver disease) and infectious diseases can alter brain function and increase seizure risk.
- Peri-event triggers: Seizures often appear during times of changing brain activity, such as during excitement, feeding, falling asleep, or waking up, in some cats.
What to do if a cat has a seizure
- Stay calm and ensure the cat is in a safe environment. Do not try to restrain or place objects in the mouth.
- Time the seizure. If it lasts longer than five minutes or if two or more seizures occur in a short period without recovery between them, seek emergent veterinary care.
- After the event, contact your veterinarian for guidance and a thorough examination, as ongoing seizures or recurring episodes require diagnostic testing (blood work, urine analysis, imaging, possibly EEG) to determine cause and treatment.
- Document details for the vet: onset time, duration, any observed triggers, posture during the seizure, whether the cat bit or drooled, prior illnesses, medications or toxins exposure, and whether any symptoms persist afterward (lethargy, confusion, ataxia).
Diagnosis and treatment overview
- Diagnostic steps: Physical and neurological examination, blood tests (to assess organ function and metabolic status), imaging (ultrasound or MRI/CT if indicated), and toxin screens if exposure is suspected.
- Treatments depend on the cause:
- For toxins, antidotes or supportive care may be required.
- For metabolic issues, correcting the underlying imbalance is key.
- For idiopathic epilepsy, long-term anti-seizure medications may be prescribed, along with monitoring and dose adjustments.
- For structural brain disease (tumor or inflammation), specific therapies targeting the underlying condition are chosen.
- Prognosis varies widely and is highly dependent on the underlying cause and response to treatment.
Prevention and home management
- Keep hazardous substances out of reach; use cat-safe products and follow label directions when applying flea/tick preventatives.
- Ensure consistent feeding and balanced diets to prevent metabolic problems; avoid sudden changes that can destabilize a cat’s health.
- Regular veterinary check-ups, especially for elderly cats or those with known health issues, help detect problems early.
- If a cat has a known seizure disorder, work with the veterinarian on an individualized plan, including when to administer any rescue medications and how to adjust therapy over time.
If you’d like, share more details about your cat’s age, health history, and what you observed during the seizure episodes. With that, a veterinary-focused list of potential causes and next steps can be outlined to guide you in seeking care.
