Signs of Seizures in Cats: What To Do if Your Cat is Seizing

When your cat experiences a seizure, the moment can be frightening and overwhelming. Their sudden change in behavior, twitching, or collapse may leave you frozen with uncertainty. Seizures in cats are unpredictable, and they can stem from many underlying issues. Understanding what a seizure looks like, what could be causing it, and how to respond can help you act quickly when your cat needs emergency care. In this blog, we’re breaking down the signs of seizures in cats, what happens during and after a seizure, and what steps to take if your cat begins seizing. If you’re in the Prosper or Frisco area and your cat is having a seizure, Veterinary Emergency and Specialty Hospital of Prosper and Frisco is here 24/7 to provide immediate care.

 

 

What Do Seizures in Cats Look Like?

Seizures in cats may not always be as dramatic as people expect. While some episodes include full-body convulsions, others can be far more subtle. Understanding what to look for can help you recognize a seizure and respond quickly.

Common Signs of Seizures in Cats

Seizures in cats often happen in three phases: the pre-ictal (aura), ictal (seizure itself), and post-ictal (recovery) stages. Signs may include:

• Sudden collapse or loss of consciousness
• Jerking or twitching movements, especially in the legs or face
• Drooling or excessive salivation
• Vocalizations like yowling or meowing
• Paddling of the limbs
• Involuntary urination or defecation
• Fixed, glazed, or dilated pupils
• Disorientation or confusion before and after the episode

Some cats may also experience partial seizures, which can manifest as twitching on just one side of the body, repetitive chewing, or unusual facial movements. These more subtle signs are often mistaken for other conditions, so it’s important to observe carefully.

What Causes Seizures in Cats?

Seizures in cats can occur for a variety of reasons. While the seizure itself is a symptom, the underlying cause may lie in the brain or result from systemic illness. Diagnostic testing by a veterinary professional is needed to determine what’s triggering the episode.

Intracranial Causes

These include issues directly related to the brain. Possible causes are:

• Brain tumors
• Head trauma
• Inflammatory diseases such as feline infectious peritonitis (FIP)
• Congenital abnormalities
• Epilepsy

Intracranial causes may require advanced imaging such as an MRI or CT scan, which is typically performed by a veterinary neurologist.

Extracranial Causes

These stem from problems outside the brain that impact the brain’s function. Examples include:

• Toxins (ingestion of medications, pesticides, or household chemicals)
• Liver disease or hepatic encephalopathy
• Kidney disease
• Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar)
• High blood pressure

Some toxins, like certain flea products made for dogs, can cause serious neurological side effects if used on cats. Cats are also highly sensitive to common over-the-counter medications such as acetaminophen and ibuprofen.

What to Do if Your Cat is Seizing

When a seizure happens, your cat needs your calm presence and quick action. While you can’t stop the seizure itself, you can help keep your cat safe and prepare to get them veterinary care.

Step 1: Stay Calm and Keep Your Cat Safe

Your first goal is to create a safe environment. Move furniture or objects away so your cat doesn’t hurt themselves during the seizure. If they are on a couch or elevated surface, gently place them on the floor to prevent falls. Do not attempt to hold your cat or put anything in their mouth.

Step 2: Time the Seizure

Use your phone or a clock to time how long the seizure lasts. Most seizures in cats last less than one minute. However, if the seizure continues for more than five minutes or your cat has multiple seizures in a short period of time, this is an emergency and requires immediate veterinary attention.

Step 3: Contact an Emergency Veterinarian

Seizures in cats should never be ignored. Even a single episode can indicate an underlying health issue that needs medical attention. After the seizure, your cat may seem disoriented, wobbly, or temporarily blind, but this is normal. Contact Veterinary Emergency and Specialty Hospital of Prosper and Frisco right away so we can assess your cat and determine next steps.

Diagnosing the Cause of Seizures in Cats in Prosper and Frisco, TX

Once your cat is stable, the next step is identifying what triggered the seizure. This often involves a combination of physical exams, bloodwork, and advanced diagnostics.

What to Expect During Your Visit to VESHPF

When you bring your cat to our emergency hospital, we’ll begin by gathering a thorough history. Be prepared to share:

• When the seizure occurred and how long it lasted
• What your cat was doing before the seizure
• Any access to toxins or new medications
• Changes in appetite, behavior, or energy levels

Next, our team will perform a neurological exam and run blood tests to evaluate organ function and rule out metabolic causes. Depending on the results, we may recommend additional testing, including:

• Advanced imaging
• Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis
• Blood pressure measurement
• Urinalysis and toxin screening

Our goal is to pinpoint the cause and determine whether your cat needs long-term treatment, hospitalization, or referral to a specialist.

Can Seizures in Cats Be Treated?

Yes, many causes of seizures in cats can be managed or treated, depending on the diagnosis. Once we identify the cause, we’ll recommend a treatment plan tailored to your cat’s condition.

Ongoing Management and Care

If your cat is diagnosed with epilepsy or another condition that requires long-term care, your veterinarian may prescribe anticonvulsant medications. These medications help reduce the frequency and severity of seizures. Regular checkups and bloodwork will be important to monitor your cat’s response to treatment and adjust dosing as needed.

Cats with conditions like liver or kidney disease may benefit from specialized diets, medications, and ongoing monitoring. If a toxin caused the seizure, treatment will focus on removing the toxin and supporting recovery. In some cases, seizures may never happen again. In others, your cat may need lifelong care. Either way, a strong partnership with your veterinary team makes all the difference.

When Seizures in Cats Require Emergency Care

Not all seizures require hospitalization, but some do. You should seek emergency veterinary care if:

• The seizure lasts more than five minutes
• Your cat has more than one seizure in 24 hours
• Your cat does not recover normally after the episode
• Your cat is young, elderly, or has other medical conditions
• The cause of the seizure is unknown

Cats who experience cluster seizures or status epilepticus (a prolonged seizure that doesn’t stop) are at serious risk and need urgent treatment. If you live in or near Prosper, TX, our emergency team is available around the clock to help.

Helping Your Cat Live Well After a Seizure

Seizures in cats can feel like a turning point, but with expert care and guidance, many cats go on to live healthy, happy lives. Understanding what causes seizures in cats, how to recognize the signs, and what to do when one occurs gives you the confidence to act fast and support your pet when they need it most. If your cat has experienced a seizure or you’re concerned about unusual behavior, reach out to Veterinary Emergency and Specialty Hospital of Prosper and Frisco. Our team is always here to help, day or night.