Cats can experience seizures (also called convulsions or fits) much like humans or dogs do. Seeing your cat having a seizure can be scary, but understanding cat seizures will help you respond appropriately.
In this comprehensive guide, we discuss what feline epilepsy is, how it differs from a single seizure, cat seizure symptoms, potential causes (from brain disorders to toxins), how veterinarians diagnose and treat seizure disorders in cats, and what you can do to manage and prevent episodes.
What Is Epilepsy in Cats?
Epilepsy in cats is a chronic neurological condition defined by recurrent seizures. In simple terms, if a cat has two or more unprovoked seizures, it is diagnosed with epilepsy. A single isolated seizure (for example, due to an accidental toxin exposure or sudden drop in blood sugar) does not mean a cat has epilepsy. Epilepsy can affect cats of any age or breed.
However, idiopathic epilepsy (epilepsy with no identifiable cause) is relatively rare in cats compared to dogs. Most feline epilepsy cases are symptomatic epilepsy, meaning there is an underlying structural or metabolic cause that triggers the seizures.
What is Meant by a Seizure or Epilepsy?
A seizure in cats is a sudden burst of abnormal brain activity that leads to involuntary movements, muscle twitching, drooling, or loss of consciousness and control. If a cat experiences repeated seizures over time, it is diagnosed with epilepsy, a chronic condition, not a specific disease, but a pattern of recurring seizures. Epilepsy can stem from various known or unknown causes. A single seizure doesn’t mean a cat has epilepsy; the diagnosis applies only when seizures happen more than once.
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What is the Difference Between a Seizure and Epilepsy in Cats?
A seizure is a one-time event caused by abnormal brain activity that lasts seconds to minutes. Symptoms include twitching, tremors, convulsions, or collapse.
Epilepsy is a chronic condition marked by repeated seizures over time. A cat is considered epileptic if it has two or more separate seizures. Seizures may result from a trigger (like toxins or injury), while epilepsy reflects an ongoing neurological issue.
In short, a seizure is a single episode; epilepsy is a recurring disorder.
Symptoms of Seizure or Epilepsy in Cats
Cat seizure symptoms can range from dramatic convulsions to subtle behavioral changes. Most seizures follow three stages: pre-ictal (before), ictal (during), and post-ictal (after). Recognizing each phase helps pet parents respond appropriately.
- Pre-ictal (aura):
- Restlessness, hiding, or sudden clinginess
- Pacing, lip licking, and vocalizing without cause
- Usually brief and easy to miss
- Ictal (seizure event):
- Collapse, leg paddling, body stiffening
- Tremors, twitching, chomping motions
- Drooling, foaming at the mouth
- Involuntary urination or defecation
- In focal seizures, symptoms may be mild (e.g., staring, jaw chewing)
- A seizure typically lasts seconds to 1–2 minutes
- Over 5 minutes = emergency
- Post-ictal (recovery):
- Disorientation, wobbliness, temporary blindness
- Lethargy or excessive hunger/thirst
- May last from several minutes to several hours
Since feline seizure symptoms vary, even mild or unusual behaviors could be seizure-related. Always record what you see and share it with your vet. A video can be especially useful for diagnosis.
For help with these symptoms, schedule a cat consultation.
Causes of Seizure or Epilepsy in Cats
Seizures in cats can result from a variety of causes, generally divided into two categories: intracranial (within the brain) and extracranial (outside the brain, but affecting it). Understanding the root cause is essential for choosing the right treatment.
1. Idiopathic Epilepsy (Primary Epilepsy)
- No identifiable cause found despite normal test results
- Likely due to genetics or brain chemistry
- Most common in young adult cats (1–6 years old)
- Less common in cats than in dogs, but it does occur
2. Intracranial Causes (Brain-related)
- Brain tumors or cancers
- Inflammation or infection (e.g., FIP, meningitis, encephalitis, toxoplasmosis)
- Head trauma (falls, accidents, blows to the head)
- Congenital brain defects like hydrocephalus in kittens
- Strokes or hemorrhages, especially in older cats
3. Extracranial Causes (Body-related)
- Toxin exposure: rodenticides, human meds, or incorrect flea treatments
- Metabolic disorders:
- Liver disease or shunt
- Kidney failure
- Diabetes (low or high blood sugar swings)
- Electrolyte imbalances: low blood sugar, calcium, or sodium
- Systemic infections: FeLV, FIV, severe infections in kittens
- Environmental factors: severe anemia, hypothermia in kittens
Seizures often occur during transitional moments, such as sleeping, waking, feeding, or under stress.
Suggested Read: Diarrhoea in Cats
How Veterinarians Diagnose Seizure or Epilepsy in Cats
Diagnosing the cause of seizures in cats can be complex and often involves ruling out multiple possibilities. Your vet will begin by gathering a full history and conducting a physical and neurological exam. Be ready to describe what the seizure looked like, how long it lasted, and any known toxin exposure or trauma. A video of the episode can be very helpful for diagnosis.
To pinpoint the cause, common diagnostic steps include:
- Blood and urine tests: To check for metabolic issues (like liver or kidney disease), electrolyte imbalances, and infections (FeLV, FIV, toxoplasmosis).
- Imaging (MRI/CT): Used if bloodwork is normal or seizures persist. Helps detect brain tumors, inflammation, or strokes.
- CSF analysis: Spinal fluid may be tested for signs of infection or inflammation (e.g., meningitis, FIP).
- Blood pressure checks and other tests: High blood pressure or suspected liver shunt may prompt further evaluation, such as an abdominal ultrasound.
Proper diagnosis requires expert veterinary care, Visit a trusted cat doctor
Treatment of Epilepsy in Cats
Treating seizures in cats involves both managing the seizures and addressing any underlying cause if identified. If a cat has recurrent seizures, especially more than one every 6–8 weeks, treatment is typically recommended to prevent further brain stress or injury.
Key Aspects of Treatment:
1. Treating the Underlying Cause (if known):
- Infections: Antibiotics or antivirals for conditions like toxoplasmosis or FIP.
- Metabolic issues: Special diets or surgery (e.g., for a liver shunt), or medications for diabetes or high blood pressure.
- Tumors or inflammation: Surgery, chemotherapy, or supportive care depending on severity and location.
- When the cause is treatable, seizures may resolve. If not, the goal is long-term control.
2. Anti-Seizure Medications (Anticonvulsants):
- Phenobarbital: Common first-line drug; effective but requires liver monitoring.
- Levetiracetam: Well-tolerated and safe; may be given multiple times a day or in extended-release form.
- Zonisamide: Another newer option, usually given twice daily.
- Potassium bromide: Rarely used in cats due to lung side effects.
Most epileptic cats require lifelong medication. Some may need a combination of drugs to achieve control. Dosing must be consistent and closely monitored. Never stop or change medication without veterinary guidance.
3. Emergency Treatment for Severe Seizures:
- Status epilepticus (seizures >5 minutes) or cluster seizures are life-threatening emergencies.
- Immediate treatment with IV medications (e.g., diazepam, phenobarbital) and supportive care is critical.
- Vets may prescribe at-home rescue meds (like rectal diazepam) for high-risk cats, but always under supervision.
In many cases, especially in idiopathic epilepsy, the goal is not a cure but reducing seizure frequency and severity to improve quality of life.
How Are Seizures Prevented?
While you may not be able to fully prevent seizures in an epileptic cat, you can reduce their frequency and severity through consistent management and care:
- Follow medication schedules strictly: Give anti-seizure meds exactly as prescribed. Missing doses can cause breakthrough seizures. Talk to your vet about easier formulations if needed.
- Manage underlying health issues: Control conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, kidney or liver disease to lower seizure risk.
- Avoid known triggers:
- Minimize stress and sudden changes in routine.
- Be alert to potential sound-induced seizures (like from foil, jingling keys) in cats with FARS (Feline Audiogenic Reflex Seizures), and reduce loud or sudden noises if suspected.
- Limit exposure to toxins, never use dog flea meds on cats, and keep chemicals out of reach.
- Stay on top of vet checkups: Regular visits and bloodwork help track medication levels and catch any new issues early.
Even with careful management, some seizures may still happen. The goal is fewer, milder episodes and not necessarily total prevention. Always update your vet if seizure patterns change.
Suggested Read: Are Cats Really Lactose Intolerant?
Recovery and Management of Epilepsy in Cats
With consistent care, many epileptic cats live long, happy lives. Key aspects of ongoing management include:
- Monitoring & Vet Visits
Regular check-ups and blood tests help vets adjust medication dosages and check for side effects (especially with drugs like phenobarbital). - Medication Routine
Give all meds exactly as prescribed. Don’t stop suddenly, as this can trigger severe seizures. - Home Safety
Remove access to high ledges or stairs. During a seizure, don’t hold or touch the cat and gently guide them to a safe area. Record how long the seizure lasts and how your cat behaves afterward. - Quality of Life
Well-managed cats can enjoy a normal life. Encourage low-stress play, feed a regular diet (unless otherwise advised), and keep their environment calm. - Keep a Seizure Log
Track date, time, duration, and any potential triggers.
Recovery after a seizure should be quiet and gentle. Be calm, supportive, and patient.
Having Seizures While on Anticonvulsant Medication
If your cat is still having seizures while on medication, it doesn’t mean treatment has failed, but adjustments are likely needed.
- Check medication levels: Ensure the correct dose is being given at the right time. Blood tests (e.g., for phenobarbital) confirm if the drug level is therapeutic.
- Adjust the treatment plan: If levels are adequate but seizures continue, your vet may increase the dose, switch meds, or add a second anticonvulsant (like combining phenobarbital with levetiracetam).
- Look for triggers: Stress, environmental changes, or disease progression can lower seizure thresholds. Your vet might recommend situational support or reassess the underlying condition.
- Never stop meds abruptly: Sudden withdrawal can cause dangerous seizures. All changes should be vet-guided.
With careful reassessment and vet guidance, seizure control is often achievable even after setbacks.
FAQs
How do you treat epilepsy in cats?
Epilepsy in cats is managed with daily anti-seizure medications like phenobarbital, levetiracetam, or zonisamide. If an underlying cause (e.g., liver disease or high blood pressure) is found, it’s treated as well. Most cats stay on meds for life, with regular vet check-ups and blood tests to monitor response. Seizures usually resolve on their own, but long or repeated seizures need emergency vet care.
How long can a cat live with epilepsy?
Many cats with epilepsy live long, healthy lives, often into their teens, especially if seizures are well controlled. Lifespan depends on the underlying cause; idiopathic epilepsy usually carries a good prognosis. Ongoing treatment, seizure control, and regular vet care are key to maintaining quality of life.
What triggers seizures in cats with epilepsy?
Seizures in epileptic cats can be spontaneous or triggered by specific events that affect brain activity or stress levels. Identifying and managing these triggers helps reduce episodes.
- Sleep/wake transitions
- Stress/excitement
- High-pitched sounds
- Missed meds
- Low blood sugar
- Unpredictable causes
Can cats recover from seizures?
Yes, most cats recover well after a seizure. They may appear disoriented, wobbly, or confused for a short time afterward, but usually return to normal within minutes to hours. If the seizure was caused by a treatable issue like a toxin or low blood sugar, recovery can be complete. In chronic cases like epilepsy, cats may not be “cured,” but with proper treatment, they can live comfortably and normally between seizures.
How to stop cat seizures naturally?
There’s no proven natural cure for seizures in cats, but supportive care can help reduce frequency. Feed a balanced diet, minimize stress, and avoid seizure triggers like loud noises. Some cats may benefit from supplements or CBD, but always consult your vet first. Natural methods can support, not replace, prescribed treatment.
References:
Baird, H. E., & da Costa, R. C. (2015). Seizure disorders in small animals. In MSD Veterinary Manual. https://www.msdvetmanual.com/nervous-system/seizure-disorders/seizure-disorders-in-small-animals
Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine. (n.d.). Seizures. Cornell Feline Health Center. https://www.vet.cornell.edu/departments-centers-and-institutes/cornell-feline-health-center/health-information/feline-health-topics/seizures
International Veterinary Epilepsy Task Force. (2015). International veterinary epilepsy task force consensus proposal: diagnostic approach to epilepsy in dogs. BMC Veterinary Research, 11(1), 148. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12917-015-0461-2
Platt, S. R., & Olby, N. J. (2013). BSAVA Manual of Canine and Feline Neurology (4th ed.). British Small Animal Veterinary Association.
UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine. (n.d.). Neurology and Neurosurgery Service. https://www.vetmed.ucdavis.edu/hospital/small-animal/neurology-and-neurosurgery
VCA Animal Hospitals. (n.d.). Seizures in Cats. https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/seizures-in-cats
