How to Treat Kitten Seizures

Seizures occur in kittens due to a malfunction of the neurons in the brain. Causes of seizures in kittens include genetic predisposition, kidney, liver and brain disorders (such as epilepsy), trauma, medications and toxins. Symptoms of seizures include restlessness, pacing, vomiting, collapse, disorientation and fatigue. Seizures may occur only once or may be a regular occurrence for kittens. While most kitten seizures are not fatal, there are important steps you should take to treat your kitten and keep it safe and healthy.

Things You'll Need

  • Towel or blanket
  • Veterinary examination
  • Medication
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Instructions

  1. Treatment During a Seizure

    • 1

      Stay calm and do not panic. Stay focused to prevent harm to you, your kitten and others in your home.

    • 2

      Do not touch your kitten. Your kitten will not swallow its tongue during a seizure, and does not need to be held or comforted during a seizure. During a seizure a kitten is out of control and has no idea what is going on, and will most likely scratch or bite you if you handle it.

    • 3

      Remove sharp or dangerous objects from the immediate vicinity of your kitten. Tables, chairs and decorations should be removed from the area to prevent your kitten from bumping them during the seizure.

    • 4

      Place the kitten on the floor, if you can safely do so. For example, toss a blanket or towel over the kitten and gently move an entire sofa cushion to the floor, or gently move the kitten from a bed by lowering the entire bed sheet to the floor. Your kitten could be injured during a fall from these heights.

    • 5

      Evacuate all children and other pets from the room. This prevents unnecessary injury to the children or other pets, as well as to your kitten.

    • 6

      Observe your kitten. Contact a veterinarian immediately if the seizure lasts longer than three minutes or if the kitten has multiple seizures in succession.

    • 7

      Allow your kitten to rest. A seizure causes extreme muscle fatigue and disorientation. Keep your kitten comfortable in a quiet room away free from dangerous objects (in case the kitten experiences another seizure) until it seems back to its normal self.

    Veterinary Treament

    • 8

      See your veterinarian as soon as possible for a physical examination and thorough medical history.

    • 9

      Administer medication as directed by your veterinarian. Medications may include anticonvulsant medications or medications for underlying conditions such as epilepsy.

    • 10

      Observe your kitten and contact your veterinarian immediately if another seizure occurs. Your kitten will need long-term therapy if a seizure disorder is diagnosed.