What Is a Feline Seizure?

A cat has a seizure when the neurons in its brain function independently, or misfire. When this happens, the cat may lose consciousness or otherwise be disoriented, accompanied by quick, uncontrolled body movements.

  1. Cause

    • The two most common causes of feline seizures are epilepsy and brain trauma, such as from an injury, infection or reaction to a drug or toxin. Other health conditions may be responsible, such as diabetes or kidney or liver failure.

    Types

    • Seizures come in varying intensities and are classified as three types---petit mal, grand mal and status epilepticus.

    Symptoms

    • Petit mal seizures are characterized by a blank stare or the shaking of one limb, and are usually very mild and short lived. Grand mal seizures usually last five minutes or less, involve a complete body paralysis or spasm and are the most common. Status epliepticus seizures are the most severe, with symptoms similar to the grand mal, but lasting much longer or with seizures occurring one right after another.

    Risks

    • Petit mal and grand seizures usually don't pose any serious health risks. But the status epilepticus seizures can cause serious internal injuries if left uncontrolled. Prolonged seizing can lead to increased internal temperatures, causing organ damage or even death.

    Treatment

    • The occasional seizure is not usually problematic, unless the more severe status epilepticus seizures develop. In severe cases, anticonvulsant medications are prescribed, which produce a sedative reaction in the affected nerves in the brain to reduce the frequency and severity of the attacks.