Cat seizures: What they look like and how you can help

The sight of your fur baby spasming or twitching uncontrollably can leave you feeling helpless. If you're like me, thoughts like these are running through your head: So many questions. Take a breath with me, and let's get into it. How to recognise a seizure in your cat, and types of seizures At a glance, recognising a seizure in your cat can be confusing. Seizures can range from overt to subtle, with symptoms such as cat spasming, cat twitching, or even a sudden bout of unprovoked aggression or frantic circling. Here are some basic types of seizures in cats, based on research : Focal or partial seizures These seizures affect only a specific part of the brain, leading to localised body effects. Symptoms may include twitching of the eyelids, lips, ears, or abnormal limb movements. Cats may remain conscious during focal seizures, although they might appear dazed. Generalised seizures also known as grand mal seizures Generalised seizures lead to a loss of consciousness and total body function, causing convulsions or tonic-clonic, stiff or twitchy movements. During such seizures, cats might drool, urinate, or defecate due to the loss of normal body function. Psychomotor seizures also known as complex partial seizures These seizures cause unusual behaviours like growling, violent chewing at the tail or skin, loud vocalisations , or random racing spurts without affecting consciousness. A well-known example is a “fly-biting” seizure, where a cat might abruptly start chomping their mouth at the air as if trying to catch flies. Remember, epileptic seizures in cats can have a range of clinical signs and might not fit neatly into the boxes above. Understanding seizures and epilepsy in cats is evolving with ongoing research and veterinary practice—yet another reason to see your vet right away. When cat seizures strike: how to take action When a seizure strikes, the immediate instinct may be to comfort your cat, but caution is key. Here are a few steps you can take to ensure safety for both of you: Can cats die from a seizure? While it hasn't been studied extensively, a single seizure doesn't commonly kill cats. It's usually related to an underlying cause or condition—for instance, toxic poisoning . In rare cases, prolonged or continuous seizure activity that lasts for more than five minutes may be associated with a poorer prognosis. Cats in this state, status epilepticus, require treatment immediately. What's more clear is that it's important to get your cat seen and treated by your vet as soon as possible. One study featuring 76 cats with epilepsy suggested that "the age at the time of seizure onset and remission were significant independent predictors of survival." Causes of seizures in cats The types of seizures in cats are typically classified based on their manifestation and the area of the brain they affect. Here are some common types, per 2014 research that's still commonly referenced: How are cat seizures usually treated? Epilepsy, liver disease, or even certain types of poisoning can trigger seizures. That's why the treatment of ongoing seizures in cats will hinge on identifying the underlying cause. Your vet may propose several tests, including blood tests, urine evaluations, and sometimes an MRI, to pinpoint the root cause of the seizures in your cat. From there, there could be a few courses of action they'll recommend: Armed with knowledge and a solid action plan, the ominous clouds of seizures can be less daunting. Together with your vet—and possibly with a great cat insurance plan to help cover vet bills, you can forge a path towards managing this condition, ensuring your cat continues to purr, play, and prosper despite the occasional storm. * ManyPets analyses every claim on its own merits, subject to the terms and conditions of your policy. Exclusions apply, including those for pre-existing conditions. Only claims unrelated to an excluded treatment or condition are eligible for coverage.

Cat seizures: What they look like and how you can help

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