Reasons Why Cats Have Seizures

Seizures in cats are symptoms of a neurological disorder that is caused by some other medical condition. The sudden intense firing of nerves in your cat's brain results in a seizure, which can last from a few seconds to several minutes.

  1. Causes

    • The causes of seizures can include inflammatory or infectious diseases of the nervous system, poisons or toxins, low blood glucose, a brain tumor, liver disease, blood vessel disorders, head trauma, and congenital problems such as hydrocephalus, commonly known as "water on the brain," according to Pet Place.

    Seizures

    • Pet Place indicates that seizures have three components: aura, or the signs of an oncoming seizure (restlessness, shaking, salivation); ictus, which is the actual seizure itself; and the postictial stage, which is the time immediately following the seizure during which your cat is disoriented and confused. This final stage can be brief or may continue for days.

    Diagnosis

    • Your veterinarian can diagnose your cat's seizures by way of an examination, including a neurological exam, according to a paper from Carnegie Mellon University. Blood tests can determine an underlying condition.

    Epilepsy

    • According to Drs. Foster &Smith, most feline seizures are caused by epilepsy. In cases of feline epilepsy your cat would typically have his first seizure between the ages of two and three. Epilepsy cannot be cured, but it can be controlled with medication.

    Warning

    • If your cat has a seizure, it is important to see your veterinarian as soon as possible. If she has not recovered within a 30-minute period, you should contact your veterinarian immediately or seek medical attention at an emergency veterinary facility.