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Seizures in Cats
During an active seizure, the animal often will fall over, twitch, urinate, defecate, and drool. She may fall over and be stiff and rigid (grand mal seizure). Some seizures may look like the cat is staring into space or biting at invisible things (chewing gum seizures). After a seizure, the animal may be disoriented, walk into walls, or appear to be blind. Cats may also behave normally following a seizure.
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Emergency Steps
1Make sure your cat is ion a safe place. Do not attempt to restrain the cat.
2Keep your hands away from the cat’s mouth. Your cat may not know who you are during a seizure and may bite you.
3Call your vet if this is a first seizure, it lasts more than 3-4 minutes, if your cat is not recovering from the seizure, or for repeated seizures.
- Seizures lasting longer than 3-4 minutes and repeated seizures are medical emergencies. The cat is at risk for high fever and brain damage.
Cat Seizure FAQs
What happens during an active seizure?
During an active seizure, the animal often will fall over, twitch, urinate, defecate, and drool. In addition, she may not recognize you, or may fall over and be stiff and rigid (grand mal seizure). Some seizures may look like the cat is just staring into space or biting at invisible things (chewing gum seizures).
What causes seizures?
Central nervous system (brain) causes include:
- Epilepsy
- Infection or inflammation in the brain
- Vascular accident (bleed or clot)
- Scar tissue in the brain (after a head injury)
- Tumor
Noncentral nervous system causes include:
- Low blood sugar
- Low blood calcium
- Organ failure
- Poisoning
Should I try to hold my cat's tongue during a seizure?
No, you should not put your hands near your cat's mouth. Your cat will not swallow her tongue.
Does anti-seizure medication prevent seizures?
Anti-seizure medication does not cure the cause of seizures; it helps to reduce the number or severity of episodes. Your cat will most likely have future episodes and require future trips to the vet.
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Our pet first aid online course can be good for: Pet Owners, Pet Sitters, Dog Walkers, and Dog Trainers, Animal Shelter Staff & Volunteers, Groomers, Pet Retail Employees, Other Pet Care Providers, and more!
Information Provided Deborah C. Mandell, BS, VMD
Pet First Aid information provided by Dr. Debbie Mandell, Professor of Emergency and Critical Care Medicine at the Veterinary Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania; American Red Cross National Pet Care Advisor for the American Red Cross Scientific Advisory Council. Visit redcross.org/take-a-class/scientific-advisory-council to see how we work, members, sub councils, scientific reviews, and recent research.
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