Do cats suffer when they have seizures?
Seizures can be very frightening for both the cat and the owner. It is important to remain calm and to not interfere with the cat during the seizure. Be sure to also make note of how long it lasts. Just like humans, cats can also suffer permanent damage to the brain if not treated on time.
What are the symptoms of seizures in cats?
Symptoms Focal seizures in cats produce symptoms that are different from generalized feline seizures. During a focal seizure, your cat may cry loudly as though it is in pain, behave in an aggressive fashion, even if it is not normally an aggressive cat, salivate or drool excessively, and exhibit other atypical behavior.
Can a cat be diagnosed with idiopathic epilepsy?
In cats with idiopathic epilepsy, no abnormality will be detected in these tests: this is known as a “diagnosis of exclusion” for this reason. An accurate diagnosis of the cause of seizures is essential when deciding on treatment. Most affected cats will show most of these six signs during a seizure.
Can a cat be put on long term medication for seizures?
In most cases, if a cat has one seizure he is likely to have another eventually. However, not every cat that has recurring seizures will be put on long-term medication. Because of the stress on the liver that long term anticonvulsant use can cause, the medicine is usually not given to cats whose seizures are more than two months apart.
Can a flea and tick spray give a cat a seizure?
If a cat is exposed to toxins such as antifreeze (ethylene glycol), the result is often seizures. Additionally, certain flea and tick medications that are intended for dogs can lead to seizures if they are administered to a cat. Such flea and tick medications, along with shampoos, sprays, and dips, contain an ingredient called pyrethrin.
What do you do if your cat is having a seizure?
To keep your cat as safe as possible during a seizure, make sure there are no objects or furniture nearby that could potentially hurt the animal. If your cat is near the stairs while he is having a seizure, carefully move him out of danger or block the path to the stairs.
What can cause a cat to have a seizure?
The most common cause of a seizure in a cat is toxin exposure. Flea and tick medication, sprays, dips, and shampoos can contain a chemical called pyrethrin that can cause a cat to have a seizure.
Why does my cat have seizures?
When exposed to pyrethroids , cats may initially have muscle tremors, stumble, and start seizing. Other chemical exposures may also affect a cat’s nervous system and cause a seizure. Another reason why a cat may have a seizure is due to head trauma.
How to help Cat during seizures?
- Move any objects that your cat could knock against while seizing.
- Avoid touching the cat while he is seizing. A seizuring cat is not conscious of what goes on around him.
- Eliminate any outside stimulation. Get everyone else to leave the room.
- Move the cat to a safe location if he is in danger of falling.
- Contact your vet following the seizure.
