Seizure Disorders in Cats

Cats

Overview of Feline Seizure Disorders 

A seizure or convulsion is a sudden excessive firing of nerves in the brain. It results in a series of involuntary contractions of the voluntary muscles, abnormal sensations, abnormal behaviors, or some combination of these events. A seizure can last from seconds to minutes in cats. 

The severity of the seizure can vary between a far-away look or twitching in one part of the face to your cat falling on his side, barking, gnashing his teeth, urinating, defecating and paddling his limbs.

Seizures are symptoms of some neurological disorder – they are not in themselves a disease. Some underlying causes of seizures in cats include:

Low blood glucose (sugar)

Liver disease (called "hepatic encephalopathy")

Inflammatory or infectious diseases that affect the nervous system

Poisons or toxins

Brain tumor

Head trauma

Blood vessel disorders that affect circulation to the brain

Congenital problems – those present at birth – such as hydrocephalus ("water on the brain").

Seizures frequently are idiopathic, which means the cause cannot be determined. A diagnosis of seizure disorder does not mean nothing can be done for your pet.

There is no current accurate estimate of the incidence of seizure episodes in cats. Seizures occur in both males and females with equal frequency, and many pets have one seizure and never have another.

Components of a Cat Seizure

There are three components of a seizure:

Aura. Certain signs of an impending seizure may be evident, such as restlessness, whining, shaking, salivation, affection, wandering or hiding. These signs may persist from seconds to days in duration and may or may not be apparent to you.

Ictus. During ictus, the seizure occurs. The attack may last seconds or minutes. Your cat may fall on his side and may look like he is kicking or paddling. He will salivate, lose control of his bladder, and be unaware of his surroundings.

Postictial stage. This stage occurs immediately after the seizure. Your cat will appear confused and disoriented and may wander or pace. He may still exhibit salivation and may be unresponsive to you. Or he may come to you for comfort. The period may be short or it may last for days.

Warning signs that require emergency veterinary attention:

Seizures that last longer than 10 minutes

Seizures that occur more than twice in a 24 hour time period

Seizures that begin before your cat has completely recovered from the previous seizure

What to do if your cat has a seizure:

Do not panic. If your pet is having a seizure, he is unconscious and he is not suffering. Your pet may seem like he is not breathing, but he is.

Time the seizure. Actually look at a clock or watch and note the time; although it may seem like forever, it may only be 30 seconds.

Keep your pet from hurting himself by moving furniture away from the immediate area. Also protect him from water, stairs, and other sharp objects. If possible, place a pillow under his head to prevent head trauma.

Note what type of muscular activity or abnormal behavior does your pet exhibits during the seizures? Your veterinarian may want you to keep a record of the date and length of time of each seizure.

If the seizure lasts more than 5 minutes, call your veterinarian or veterinary emergency clinic immediately.

Pets do not swallow their tongues. Do not put your hand in your cat's mouth – you may get bit. Do not put spoons or any other object into your pet's mouth.

Keep children and other pets away from your seizing animal.

Remain by your pet's side; stroke and comfort your animal so when he comes out of the seizure you are there to calm him.

What Happens After the Cat Seizure

Observe your cat's post-seizure behavior. Do not allow your cat access to the stairs until he is fully recovered. Offer water if he wishes to drink. Keep your cat indoors. 

Be prepared for vocalization and stumbling after the seizure ends. You need to be strong and offer support and comfort to your pet. He will be confused and may feel as though he did something wrong. Speak softly and with a soothing voice.

If your cat has not fully recovered within 30 minutes, contact your veterinarian or local emergency facility.

Diagnosis of Seizure Disorders in Cats

Diagnostic tests are needed to determine the presence of an underlying disease or cause for the seizure disorder. Seizures for which an underlying cause cannot be determined after thorough diagnostic evaluation are called idiopathic. Tests may include:

Complete medical history

Thorough physical exam, including a complete neurologic examination and complete examination of the back of the eyes ( "fundiscopic" examination)

Blood tests to determine your pet's general health and the presence of an underlying disease that may be causing the seizures.

Urinalysis

Fecal examination

Other diagnostic tests as needed based on the results of the history, physical examination and initial laboratory tests.

Treatment of Seizure Disorders in Cats

Results of the history, physical examination and initial laboratory tests will determine the need for further diagnostic tests and will help determine the appropriate treatment for your pet's seizure disorder. Treatment will be dictated by the underlying cause. When possible, the specific underlying cause of the seizure disorder should be treated.

Home Care for the Cat with Seizures

If your cat has a seizure, call your veterinarian promptly.

During a seizure, concentrate on observing the characteristics of the seizure while keeping him from harm. Do not attempt to open your cat's mouth or manipulate his tongue – you may get bitten inadvertently. Protect your cat from injury by moving hazardous objects like furniture with sharp corners, or protecting him from falling down stairs. Loud or sharp noises may prolong or worsen the seizure. You may use a soft towel to gently help protect and comfort your cat. 

After the seizure, give your cat sufficient time to recover from the seizure. Speak calmly and try to comfort your cat. Arrange to have your cat seen by your veterinarian as soon as possible after the seizure is over.

If the seizure episode lasts more than 10 minutes, you should arrange to be seen by your veterinarian or emergency veterinarian as soon as possible.

Preventative Care

Prevention is aimed at keeping your pet calm and safe. Avoid exposure to poisons and toxins that can cause seizures – do not allow your pet to roam unsupervised. Keep him in a safe environment for when a seizure does occur. Keep your pet in a fenced yard or on a leash when going for a walk.

Make sure your pet receives all of the appropriate vaccinations so as to prevent known infectious causes of seizures like distemper and rabies.