Diseases That Cause Seizures in Cats

Seizures in cats can last seconds or up to 30 minutes. Signs may include shaking, foaming at the mouth or body stiffening. There are many causes of seizures, including poisoning, ear infection, low blood sugar, epilepsy and idiopathic epilepsy. There is only a 50-50 chance of identifying the origin of a seizure. Getting a good diagnosis is the first step in finding the cause and the right treatment.

  1. Epilepsy

    • Epilepsy is a condition defined by seizures that reoccur. Only .5 percent of cats are in this category. Many have one or two seizures without having more. In cats, heredity epilepsy isn't common. Usually you have to find the specific cause. Epilepsy is a chronic disease that can be controlled but not cured.

    Causes Easily Determined

    • Some causes of seizures are easily determined. Blood tests can find diabetes, anemia, low blood sugar, imbalances, leukemia and feline AIDS. These tests are done at any veterinarian's office. Sometimes the cause is a medical condition like high fever or everyday illness.

    Food Allergies and Sensitivities

    • Food allergies and sensitivities are causes of seizures. Prepared foods contain additives, chemicals or preservatives. Worming or flea control medicine also causes allergies and chemical sensitivities. Changing to a natural diet and removing toxins from the environment usually ends this cause of seizures.

    Parasites

    • Seizures in young cats are sometimes caused by parasites. Toxoplasmosis and roundworm are the most common. Worms cause infections that trigger seizures. Fecal tests are done if there is a suspicion of worms.

    Systemic Illnesses

    • If no primary causes can be found, a Radiograph, CT or MRI Scan should be used. Systemic illnesses, such as kidney failure, cancer and liver failure, can be underlying causes of severe seizures. Finding these causes can lead to a treatment which will point to an effective control.

    Idiopathic Epilepsy

    • Idiopathic epilepsy results in seizures that have no identifiable cause. Neurons in the brain misfire and may cause the cat to lose consciousness or become disoriented. Fifty to 60 percent of cats with idiopathic epilepsy have generalized seizures. These seizures have characteristics of rigid limbs, jerking movements and loss of control of bodily functions.