Seizures in Older Cats

Due to vast improvements in medical care over the last several decades, pets have the opportunity to live much longer. Cats in particular can live well into their mid to late teens with the proper care. However, just as in humans, old age does have its potential for problems. Older cats may experience a variety of age-related health complications, some of which are first indicated by seizures.

  1. The Older Cat

    • According to the Cornell University School of Veterinary Medicine, the aging process in cats brings about both behavioral and physical changes. Just as in humans, memory may become compromised, sight or hearing may become impaired, and arthritis and joint problems occur, as do other more serious conditions. Even as early as 7 to 10 years of age, cats can begin to exhibit these signs of aging.

    Health Problems

    • Older cats are prone to circulatory problems, kidney or liver problems, and various brain changes, including possible tumors or cancers. Often dental problems will also contribute to infections affecting these vital organs.

    Causes of Seizures

    • Seizures are metabolic, structural or idiopathic. Idiopathic seizures, which are those with no known cause, are not common in cats. Generally seizures are connected to problems with poor circulation, kidney, liver, or heart complications, diabetes, anemia, brain tumors or buildup of toxins. Although epilepsy is occasionally diagnosed in cats, it is more common in dogs. Generally cats that are experiencing seizures have underlying health conditions that are the cause.

    Symptoms

    • During the pre-seizure, or aura phase, cats will seem disoriented, begin to salivate excessively, pace, hide or meow incessantly. The second phase, called the ictal phase, is the actual seizure itself, and can last from 30 seconds to several minutes. Cats may appear to be excited or collapse with uncontrollable twitching of the limbs. They may also lose control of bladder and bowels, vomit or lose consciousness. The third phase, or the post-ictal phase, is where cats slowly recover but remain disoriented for several hours.

    Diagnosis and Treatment

    • Veterinarians conduct a variety of tests to determine the cause of seizures including blood work, X-rays, and sometimes an electrical brain evaluation (EEG) is necessary. If no underlying factor can be determined, a diagnosis of idiopathic epilepsy is given, and such cases require medications for the rest of the cat’s life. However, cats generally have underlying health problems which, if treated effectively, will usually treat the corresponding seizure.

    Considerations

    • It is important to work closely with a veterinarian throughout any cat’s life, especially as they age into their golden years. Annual checkups and close monitoring of an aging cat can catch problems before they become critical. However, when a seizure occurs it needs to be evaluated by a veterinarian as soon as possible. If multiple seizures occur, especially if they do so back to back, this is a life-threatening condition requiring immediate emergency medical attention.