Seizures

Seizures and Your Cat



There are many reasons why human being experience seizures, which are convulsing fits.

However, this medical problem is not subject to affecting only humans. Your cat may

also experience seizures. As with any medical condition, you should see your vet is any

health problems arise in any of your pets. When you have a cat for a pet, it is important

that you are responsible for keeping him or her as healthy and happy as possible.



Seizures are not always the same in every cat. They can occur at any time, and often have

symptoms like loss of consciousness, contractions of the muscles, involuntary bodily

functions, non-responsiveness, hallucinations, running in circles, and viciousness. You

cat may or may not recognize you if he of she is going to have a seizure or after the

seizure occurs. There are three main phases of seizures. In the pre-ictal phase, the cat

may "know" a seizure is going to happen. He or she may appear nervous, hide, or find

you and cling to you. Your cat may also be very nervous and tremble. This may last for

up to a few hours, but in some cases, only lasts a few seconds. The ictal phase is the

actual seizure. In this phase, the cat usually falls to its side and seems paralyzed. The

body shakes uncontrollably and the head sometimes draws backwards. You cat may lose

control of bodily functions. Usually this phase will not last more than five minutes, and

immediately afterward, he or she enters the post-ictal phase. You cat may experience

temporary blindness, confusion, nervousness, and disorientation during this period.



If your cat has a seizure, do not panic. Unlike humans, cats cannot swallow their tongues,

so keep your hands away from his or her mouth at all times. There is nothing you can do

to stop the seizure, so simply prevent the cat from falling or otherwise hurting him or

herself during the seizure and afterwards.



Immediately call your vet. In most cases, seizures are caused by epilepsy, which is

treatable and usually not damaging to your cat, but other medical conditions may also

occur. Your vet can help your cat by doing a physical examination, studying his or her

blood and urine, and doing an electrocardiogram to rule out more serious liver, heart,

kidney, and blood disease. Your vet can prescribe medications to help prevent future

seizures and talk to you about ways to minimize the harm done to your cat during

seizures. Even if he or she has seizures, you cat may be able to live along and healthy

life with the proper care.