Epilepsy is relatively rare in cats, but it does happen. We have a regular guest at the cats-only boarding facility with epilepsy; a friend has a cat who has seizures.
In general, there are two types of seizure disorders in cats:
- Secondary/acquired epilepsy — the seizures are a symptom of another condition, like high blood pressure, a tumor, or trauma. This type of epilepsy can appear at any age.
- Idiopathic epilepsy — there is no underlying cause for the seizures. This often develops between the ages of one and three years.
Epilepsy in felines doesn’t always look like epilepsy in humans. Symptoms can include behavioral changes, like staring or unusual vocalizations. A cat experiencing a seizure may lose consciousness, twitch, drool, tremble, or convulse.
After a seizure, many cats experience a change in personality. A normally standoffish cat may become cuddly for up to two days. This is known as the postictal phase. During this phase, some cats seem fatigued or disoriented.
If you suspect that your cat has a seizure disorder, talk to your veterinarian. Blood tests can check for underlying conditions that cause secondary epilepsy. Other tests (like an MRI or a CT scan) can help rule out other causes.
Try keeping a seizure diary. Track dates, times, and length of seizures. Watch how long the postictal phase lasts, and how your cat acts. Make note of what your cat is doing when the seizures occur, and what parts of the body are involved. Do the eyes twitch? Does she vocalize? Does the whole body tremble, or only certain areas? This information can help the veterinarian diagnose and treat your cat’s condition.
Most cats can live a long and healthy life even with a seizure disorder. One word of warning: if your cat has more than two seizures in a single day, seek medical attention immediately.