If your cat is having a seizure, it’s an emergency. Get the info you need on helping her fast. Show Seeing your cat having a seizure is scary. The first thing you need to know is that your cat isn’t in pain. Seizures are the result of abnormal brain activity—communication between the brain and the rest of the body goes temporarily haywire. When you learn the symptoms, causes, and actions to take after a seizure, you’ll feel more prepared to deal with this scary event if it occurs. Cat Seizure SymptomsGeneralized seizures are the most common type of seizure in cats, according to Small Door Veterinary. They affect the entire body and can range from mild (petit mal) to severe (grand mal). “Usually grand mal seizures last 20 to 30 seconds,” Erick Mears, DVM, DACVIM, medical director of BluePearl Pet Hospital in Tampa Bay, Fla., says. “Typically, you’ll see your cat lying on their side, often paddling like they’re swimming but with jerky motions. They may also drool and lose control of their bladder or bowels.” During a seizure your cat is unconscious. Afterward, it’s normal for your kitty to have a glassy-eyed appearance. Your cat may seem dazed for hours afterward, Mears says. Petit mal seizures don’t trigger uncontrollable muscle movements (convulsions). Signs of this type of seizure are more subtle and include disorientation, a spacey gaze, and strange behavior (for example, moving the jaw in a chewing motion). But this type of seizure is rarely seen in cats, say the experts at VCA Hospitals. Causes of Seizures in CatsMultiple conditions can interrupt brain functioning and lead to seizures, including:
“We often see seizures in cats with diabetes. Cats with the disease can develop low blood sugar that triggers seizures,” Mears says. “Other common drivers of seizures in cats are infections that cause inflammation in the spinal cord or brain as well as tumors, especially in older cats.” What to Do If Your Cat Is Having a SeizureThere isn’t a lot you can do while your cat is having a seizure other than make sure they don’t get hurt. Move things out of the way on the floor so your cat doesn’t bump into anything, Mears advises. And avoid putting your fingers anywhere near your cat’s mouth—your cat isn’t aware of what’s going on and could accidentally bite you. “Just be with your cat. Once your kitty comes out of the seizure, talk soothingly to them,” Mears says. “But still avoid touching your cat’s head. Your kitty may still be out of it and react unexpectedly.” If you know your cat is diabetic, you can also rub a little bit of corn syrup on her lips to boost blood sugar. Do this once she’s calm and she’ll lick it off, Mears says. How to Treat Seizures in CatsWhen your cat comes out of a seizure and is in a calm state, immediately take her to your veterinarian. If your vet’s office is closed, proceed to an emergency veterinary clinic. “Although the seizure has passed, your cat could have another one,” Mears explains. “To break a cycle of seizures often requires intravenous (IV) medications.” Your veterinarian will run diagnostic tests to determine what’s causing the seizures. Tests include blood and urine samples and imaging tests like Xrays and MRI. What treatment your veterinarian recommends depends on the underlying cause of seizures. How to Prevent Seizures in CatsSome causes of seizures in cats are preventable, such as ingesting toxins. Keep medications, cleaning products, essential oils, and other chemicals away from your pet. Also, avoid giving your cat medicine meant for people or applying dog products to your cat (like flea prevention products). According to the ASPCA, these are some of the most common causes of toxin seizures in cats. You can also help your cat avoid another seizure risk factor: diabetes. Obesity increases the likelihood that your cat will develop diabetes. Ask your veterinarian if your cat is at a healthy weight, and if not, what diet would be best. Maintain regular veterinary checkups to monitor your cat’s overall health too. Usually, the earlier diseases or infections are caught, the easier they are to treat. If your cat takes a prescription medication, be sure to follow the veterinary guidelines for dosage to avoid overdosing your cat. While seizures are alarming, many are treatable. See your veterinarian if your cat has a seizure or displays any kind of odd behavior. With proper care, cats with seizures often live long lives.
Compared with dogs, seizures in cats of all ages are more commonly the partial rather than general type. Depending on the affected region of the brain, the symptoms can vary significantly and may be very subtle.
A vet will need to perform a thorough health check of the cat and will recommend what diagnostic tests are necessary. This will usually involve blood tests which may be followed by an ultrasound, x-ray, or referral for advanced imaging depending on the findings.
Cats are typically less adventurous than dogs when it comes to toxins, and the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center warns that many times seizures in cats are due to human actions. For example, some pet owners will apply a flea-control product made for dogs, not knowing how dangerous that is for cats. Owners may also overdose the pet or accidentally give the wrong medication. The attached chart shows the most common toxins that cause seizures in cats, so post it in a conspicuous place and share this information with your clients to help ward off problems before they begin. Top Problem ProductsPermethrin is, as always, the most common cause of seizures in cats. This can happen when a dog flea-prevention product is applied to a cat or when the cat licks a recently treated dog, presses up against him or rests in the same spot. Fluoroquinolone antibiotics will also cause seizures. The biggest concern is in overdose situations, and seizures are most commonly seen when the overdose is given intravenously. Often, the mistake is first realized when the cat has a seizure before the infusion is completed. Diphenhydramine can also cause seizures when overdosed. It can happen with any route of exposure, but is more common and occurs at lower doses when it is given intravenously. Amitriptyline is a tricyclic antidepressant and can cause seizures at supratherapeutic dosages. Mirtazapine overdose can commonly cause seizures, especially in cats with underlying renal or hepatic disease. Ibuprofen can cause serious CNS signs at very high doses. Depression, ataxia, coma and seizure top the list. Tea Tree (Melaleuca Alternifolia) oil is most commonly an issue when high strength preparations (often 100%) are ingested or applied to cats. Alpha lipoic acid is found in many supplements. At high doses, it can cause hypoglycemia, seizures and hepatotoxicity. Minodixil is used in humans as a systemic vasodilator and as a topical treatment to stimulate localized hair growth. Any exposure in cats can cause death. The most common signs in cats are pulmonary edema, pleural effusion, compromised cardiac function and death. Acetaminophen is a potent inducer of methemoglobinemia, especially in cats. Seizures may be seen secondary to hypoxia in patients with methemoglobinemia. Ivermectin and Moxidectin are in the avermectin family of anthelmintics. At supratherapeutic dosages, variety of CNS signs can be seen, including depression, ataxia and seizures. Baclofen is a centrally acting skeletal muscle relaxant. It is extremely potent and can cause severe signs such as depression, coma, apnea and seizures. Bromethalin is a neurotoxic rodenticides, and cats are significantly more sensitive than dogs. We can see a convulsant syndrome with bromethalin that is often refractory to any type of long-term treatment, making decontamination supremely important for these cases where dosages have the potential to cause toxicosis. Check out the most common toxic causes of seizures in dogs and download a free poster. |
What can trigger a seizure in a cat
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