An epileptic seizure in your cat often comes on very suddenly and can be very distressing. Seizures can have various causes – they do not always indicate epilepsy.
Table of Contents:
- What is epilepsy in cats?
- Symptoms of epilepsy in cats
- Causes and possible triggers
- Diagnosis by the veterinarian
- Treatment of epilepsy in cats
- Epilepsy in cats: managing daily life
- Life expectancy and prognosis
- Conclusion: epilepsy in cats
- FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions
What is epilepsy in cats?
Epilepsy is a neurological condition characterised by recurrent seizures. It is caused by a temporary disruption of the electrical activity in the brain. During a seizure, nerve cells become excessively excited and send out uncontrolled signals. This results in seizures, twitching or changes in behaviour, varying in severity.
However, not every seizure automatically means that your cat has epilepsy. Other conditions or external triggers can also cause a single seizure . Veterinarians generally only diagnose epilepsy when epileptic seizures occur repeatedly or an underlying condition is identified.
In principle, there are two forms:
- Primary (idiopathic) epilepsy: Despite thorough examinations, no clear cause for the seizures can be found. It is suspected to be an innate or genetically determined disorder of the transmission of electrical impulses in the brain. This form is relatively rare in cats.
- Secondary (symptomatic) epilepsy: The seizures result from another condition or an external trigger. These include, for example, brain tumours, brain infections, brain injuries, metabolic disorders or poisoning. Treatment therefore focuses not only on the seizures themselves, but above all on the underlying cause. This form is significantly more common in cats.
Symptoms of epilepsy in cats
The symptoms of epilepsy can vary depending on the type and severity of the seizure. Some cats may only experience mild twitching, while others lose consciousness and have seizures affecting their whole body. An epileptic seizure often lasts only a few seconds to a few minutes.
Typical signs during an epileptic seizure include:
- sudden collapse
- seizures or stiffening of the limbs
- uncontrolled twitching
- heavy drooling
- chewing movements or smacking
- a blank stare or lack of response to the surroundings
- uncontrolled urination or defecation
- loss of consciousness in severe seizures
Not every seizure is the same. Veterinarians generally distinguish between two types of seizures:
- Generalised seizure: The disorder affects the entire brain. The cat often loses consciousness, collapses and has seizures affecting the whole body.
- Focal seizure: In this case, only part of the brain is affected. The symptoms are usually milder and may be limited to, for example, facial twitching, individual limbs or unusual behaviour. However, a focal seizure can develop into a generalised seizure.
After a seizure many cats appear disoriented, restless or very exhausted. Some seek the company of their owner, while others withdraw and sleep a lot. This recovery phase can last from a few minutes to several hours.
Causes and possible triggers
Epileptic seizures in cats can have various causes. While no clear cause is found in primary epilepsy, seizures in secondary epilepsy result from another condition or an external trigger.
Possible causes include:
- brain tumours
- brain or meningeal infections
- brain injuries or trauma
- metabolic diseases, for example of the liver or kidneys
- diabetes mellitus or hypoglycaemia
- poisoning from plants, medication or other toxins
- vitamin or nutrient deficiencies, for example a deficiency of vitamin B1
The cat's age can also provide clues about the cause. Primary epilepsy is more common in younger cats, while other conditions more often cause seizures in older animals. This is why a thorough examination by the veterinarian is particularly important.
Can stress trigger an epileptic seizure?
Stress is not considered an actual cause of epilepsy. However, in cats that already suffer from epilepsy, intense excitement, unfamiliar situations or changes in daily life can trigger a seizure. A calm environment and regular routines can therefore help prevent unnecessary stress for the animal.
Diagnosis by the veterinarian
If your cat has had an epileptic seizure, you should have it examined by a veterinarian. This is the only way to determine whether epilepsy is actually present or whether another condition is causing the seizures. If a seizure lasts longer than five minutes or if several seizures occur in quick succession , it is a medical emergency. In this case, you should contact a veterinarian or animal hospital immediately.
First, the veterinarian will ask about the animal's previous health and the course of the seizure. This will be followed by a thorough general and neurological examination. Depending on the suspected cause, further examinations may be appropriate, for example:
- blood tests
- urine tests
- cerebrospinal fluid tests
- imaging procedures such as MRI or CT to rule out or identify changes in the brain
Helpful: a video of the seizure
An epileptic seizure is usually over before you can take your cat to the veterinarian. Therefore, it can be helpful to film the seizure with your smartphone, provided this can be done safely. The video provides important information about the type, duration and course of the seizure and can help with the diagnosis. Also make a note of when the seizure started and how long it lasted.
Treatment of epilepsy in cats
The appropriate treatment depends on the cause of the epilepsy. If another condition underlies the seizures, its treatment is the first priority. If the cause can be eliminated or controlled, the seizures may occur less frequently or stop altogether.
If no treatable cause can be identified or the cat suffers from primary epilepsy, long-term medication may be necessary. The aim of treatment is to reduce the frequency and severity of seizures and to improve your cat's quality of life in the long term. However, a complete cure is not possible in most cases.
What treatment options are available?
Depending on the cause and course of the condition, different measures may be used:
- treatment of an underlying condition, such as inflammation or a metabolic disorder
- long-term administration of anti-epileptic medication to reduce the frequency and severity of seizures
- emergency medication for prolonged or severe seizures, provided it has been prescribed by the veterinarian
- regular check-ups to monitor the success of the treatment and adjust the therapy if necessary
Possible side effects
Like many other medications, anti-epileptic drugs can cause side effects. At the beginning of treatment, some cats may appear tired or drowsy. Unsteadiness when walking, increased appetite or increased thirst may also occur. Many of these symptoms improve after an adjustment period. If the side effects persist or worsen, the veterinarian should review the treatment and adjust it if necessary.
Regular check-ups
Regular check-ups help assess the success of the treatment and adjust the therapy if necessary. Depending on the medications used, blood tests may also be necessary. Always administer medication exactly as instructed by the veterinarian and never stop taking it or change the dosage on your own. Otherwise, seizures may occur more frequently or worsen.
Epilepsy in cats: managing daily life
With the right treatment, many cats can lead a good and largely normal life despite epilepsy. A consistent treatment plan, regular check-ups and a low-stress daily routine are important. This can often reduce the risk of further seizures and maintain your cat's quality of life in the long term.
What to do during an epileptic seizure?
An epileptic seizure can be frightening. Nevertheless, try to stay calm and avoid touching your pet unnecessarily. During a seizure, your cat has no control over its movements and could unintentionally scratch or bite.
The following measures can help in an emergency:
- remove objects that your cat could injure itself on
- ensure a calm environment and reduce loud noises or bright lights
- monitor the seizure and, if possible, time its duration
- film the seizure, if this can be done safely, to help the veterinarian with the diagnosis
- contact a veterinary practice or animal hospital immediately if the seizure lasts longer than five minutes or if several seizures occur in quick succession
Care
Many cats with epilepsy benefit from regular daily routines and a calm environment. Avoid major changes in daily life where possible and ensure that medication is given regularly and as prescribed by the veterinarian. Also monitor whether the frequency, duration or course of the seizures changes, and inform your veterinarian of any unusual symptoms. A seizure diary can be helpful.
Diet for epilepsy
There is currently no special diet for the treatment of epilepsy in cats. However, a balanced, nutritionally appropriate diet supports overall health and can help ensure that your cat receives sufficient energy and nutrients during treatment.
If your cat, for example, suffers from chronic kidney disease, the veterinarian may recommend a special kidney diet. KATTOVIT Kidney/Renal was specially developed to support kidney function and is characterised by reduced phosphorus and protein content to relieve the kidneys.
If your cat eats very little after a seizure or illness, a high-energy recovery diet may also be appropriate. KATTOVIT Recovery provides additional energy and important nutrients and is suitable for weakened cats or those recovering from illness.
Life expectancy and prognosis
How epilepsy affects your cat's life expectancy depends primarily on the cause of the condition. While some cats with well-controlled epilepsy can live a largely normal life for many years, the prognosis is less favourable for other underlying conditions.
The outlook is often good if:
- the cause of the seizures can be successfully treated
- the seizures can be well controlled with suitable therapy
- medication is given regularly
- regular check-ups are attended
Under these conditions, many cats with epilepsy can maintain a good quality of life and lead a largely normal daily life.
A less favourable prognosis is possible if:
- severe underlying conditions such as brain tumours or brain infections cause the seizures
- the cause of the epilepsy cannot be treated
- seizures occur very frequently
- individual seizures last unusually long or several seizures occur in quick succession
In these cases, seizures are often harder to control. The risk of injury during a seizure or of brain damage also increases, especially with prolonged or recurrent seizures. This can affect both the cat's quality of life and life expectancy . Close veterinary monitoring is therefore particularly important.
Important: Epilepsy does not automatically mean that your cat has a shortened life expectancy. The cause of the condition, the course of the seizures and how well they can be treated are the deciding factors.
Conclusion: epilepsy in cats
Epilepsy in cats is a neurological condition that usually manifests as recurrent seizures and can have various causes. An early diagnosis is important to identify triggers and start suitable treatment. Although epilepsy is often incurable, seizures can frequently be well controlled with individually tailored therapy. Regular veterinary check-ups, a calm daily routine and consistent treatment help maintain your cat's quality of life in the long term.
