Cat seizures: signs, causes, and what you should do

With quick and proper treatment, many cats can live long and comfortable lives with seizures. However, seizures can become worse over time and create long-lasting health issues and brain damage. In rare cases, seizures—particularly ongoing seizures or clusters of seizures—may be fatal for felines.

For cats, seizures can have causes originating both inside and outside of the brain. Exposure to toxins can lead to dangerous seizures, too. It’s important to know the signs of seizures to keep their cats safe and healthy, no matter the type or cause.

🚨 If you suspect your cat is having a seizure, seek medical attention as soon as possible.

Types of seizures in cats

Generalized seizures. These are also known as “grand mal” seizures and occur when the cat’s entire brain and body are affected. There are three phases of generalized seizures: the preictal (before), the ictal (during), and the postictal (after) phases.

Focal seizures. Also called “partial seizures,” this is when one area of your cat’s body is affected due to too much electrical activity in a part of their brain.a

[Phases] technically occur with all seizures, just that the phase differentiation is less obvious in petit seizures.

Dr. Erica Irish

What causes seizures in cats?

Different causes can trigger seizures, whether inside the cat’s brain, elsewhere in the body, or from external causes. Here are some of the most common causes of seizures in cats:

• Head trauma. Head trauma is an intracranial cause of seizures and can happen if your cat’s head absorbs an impact.
• Toxins or poisons. Household cleaners, poisonous plants, and even some flea or tick medications and shampoos can be dangerous to cats.
• Tumors. Tumors are intracranial causes of seizures in cats and may require surgical removal. Tumors can also occur outside of the head and spread to the brain.
• Inflammation. Virus and bacterial infections can lead to brain inflammation that causes seizures.
• Epilepsy. Cats with epilepsy (Trusted Source) experience recurring instances of seizures.
• Some infectious diseases. Some infectious diseases, such as feline leukemia, (FeLV) feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV), feline infectious peritonitis (FIP), cryptococcus, (Trusted Source) or toxoplasmosis (Trusted Source) may cause seizures.
• Idiopathic. Though uncommon, some seizures may be triggered by unknown causes. A veterinarian will be able to help and offer the best treatment options, even if the underlying cause ends up being unknown.

Potential toxins that may cause seizures in cats

Many cats can experience seizures from exposure to toxins, so pet parents should know some of the most common toxins or poisons that cats can encounter in the home.

• Flea and tick treatments for dogs. If you also have a dog at home, permethrin (Trusted Source) is one of the most common causes of tremors and seizures in cats and is usually found in topical flea and tick treatments for dogs.
• Tea tree oil. Avoid applying tea tree oil to cats and keep it out of reach of your pets. This oil is toxic to cats.
• Ibuprofen and other NSAIDs. High doses of ibuprofen or other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) may trigger seizures in felines.
• Chocolate. Theobromine is a stimulant in chocolate that can cause seizures in cats.
• Plants. If you have cats, avoid having lilies, azaleas, or sago palms in your home. Always check if your plants are safe for cats.

Symptoms of cat seizures

The signs your cat shows when it’s having a seizure vary depending on the type of seizure they’re having.

Generalized seizures may have behavioral changes and loss of muscle control, with symptoms including convulsions, defecation, or urination.

Generalized

Generalized, or grand mal, seizures are easier to notice and occur in three phases. Where your cat is in the seizure will determine what symptoms to watch for.

The preictal, or aura, phase occurs just before a seizure happens. Your cat might:

• Shake or seem nervous
• Whine or call out
• Look for your attention, or
• Hide from you

In the ictal phase, where the seizure actually occurs, you’ll usually see the stereotypical seizure symptoms. They usually last only a few seconds to a few minutes and can include:

• Rapid limb movements
• Falling over
• Loss of bladder and bowel control
• Contracted muscles
• Loud vocalizing
• Complete loss of consciousness

Once the seizure is over, your cat will move into the postictal, or post-seizure, phase. It can lead to your cat acting confused or disoriented, pacing, or even temporary blindness. It can last anywhere from a few minutes to a few hours.

Focal seizure

Focal seizures, or partial seizures, may look different than a generalized seizure due to the area of the brain being affected. Symptoms can include:

• Loud vocalizing
• Excessive drooling
• Twitching eyes or facial muscles
• Strange head movements
• Confusion or disorientation
• Random aggression or odd behavior

What to do if your cat has a seizure

During a seizure, your cat could become injured because they may lose control of their muscles. You need to make sure the cat is in a safe place—they could experience more brain trauma if they fall off a bed or hit their head on a nearby piece of furniture.

1. Avoid touching your cat. Unless your cat is in harm’s way, don’t try to hold or move them. Gently pick them up with a towel or blanket to move them to a safe space if needed, then move away.
2. Keep everyone safe. Your cat can’t control their movements, including snapping jaws or extended claws. Keep family members and other pets away for everyone’s safety.
3. Monitor the seizure. Keep track of how long the seizure lasts, what symptoms show, and any other pertinent information for your vet.
4. Call the vet. Once the seizure is over, you’ll need to seek medical treatment as soon as possible. Even for small seizures, it’s important to determine the possible cause and start treatments. Untreated seizures can lead to serious or even fatal brain damage.

🚨 For seizures lasting longer than 5 minutes, take your cat to an emergency vet clinic right away, even if they’re still having their seizure.

How vets diagnose seizures in cats

To diagnose, your cat’s vet will need to know more about the cat’s health history and any changes in diet or routines that contributed to the seizure. Make sure you note the details of each seizure, from the length of the seizure to any symptoms your cat exhibits.

The vet may also need to do different tests, such as blood and urine tests to determine extracranial causes. More advanced procedures include X-rays or spinal fluid testing.

For intracranial causes, your cat may need to see a vet specialist who will perform an MRI or CT scan, which can help identify brain tumors or other potential issues that led to the seizure. Tests may determine that the cause is unknown, but there are still treatment options for a cat who has seizures without known causes.

How are cat seizures treated?

After a seizure, a vet may prescribe different medications for your cat. When and how much medication your cat takes will depend on the cat, the type of seizure, the cause, and the frequency. If the cause of the seizure is a tumor, your cat may need surgery or additional treatments to remove or shrink it. For seizures caused by toxins, you may need to remove toxins or supplements from your home and change your pet’s diet.

Your vet may prescribe cat anticonvulsant medication for unknown causes or untreatable cases. Lastly, many medications prescribed by veterinarians are covered by pet insurance.

If your cat’s seizures are idiopathic, …

Preventing seizures in cats

Unfortunately, it’s not always possible to prevent seizures in cats. Many causes, both inside a cat and external forces, can trigger a seizure. But keeping your cat healthy with proper foods and vet visits can help monitor their health and alert you and your vet to any changes.

• Feed a healthy diet. Keep your cat in good health with a proper diet rich in omega-3s and antioxidants. Talk to your vet about the best diet for your pet.
• Avoid OTC meds. While you may be tempted to give your pet over-the-counter medications to save money on a vet visit when they aren’t feeling well, it’s best to get professional advice. Some medications or doses are risky for a cat’s health, and it’s best to have a vet prescribe any new medications or even dietary supplements.
• Have regular check-ups. Some things, like tumors or diseases, can cause seizures. Regular vet visits will catch any health issues early, which could help prevent seizures related to these health issues.
• Keep toxins out of reach. Safely store cleaners and other products that are toxic to cats, and make sure Fluffy is put away in another room if you do need to use these products. Also, allow cleaners to completely dry before letting your kitty back out. Check that any houseplants you bring home are cat-safe.

Frequently asked questions

What can trigger a seizure in a cat?

Cat seizures may be caused by intracranial or extracranial causes. Head trauma, infectious diseases, brain inflammation, epilepsy, or exposure to toxins or poisons may all lead to seizures. Sometimes, a cat may have seizures with unknown causes.

What should I do if my cat has a seizure?

Remain calm. Only move the cat if they are in a place where they could be injured or injure other pets and people during the seizure. If you have to move the cat, pick them up carefully with a thick towel to avoid being scratched or bitten. Make a note of the start and end time of the seizure and any behaviors exhibited, then see your vet as soon as possible.

What are the symptoms of a cat having a seizure?

What one cat shows during an episode may not be the same as another, especially depending on the type of seizure they are having. Cats may fall to one side and convulse during a seizure, but seizure symptoms are not always as noticeable. The cat may have slight changes in behavior like becoming aggressive or confused. Cats may drool, stare into space, or paw at the air, and lose bladder and bowel control during a seizure.

How long can a cat live with seizures?

The majority of cats who have had a seizure or seizures can still live a long life with proper care and medication. However, longer seizures and cluster seizures can be more dangerous for cats, and some seizures can be fatal.

Does crinkling aluminum foil cause cats to have seizures?

Feline audiogenic reflex seizures (FARS) are a rare condition in cats. Cats with this condition may have seizures caused by high-pitched noises, such as crinkling aluminum foil, hitting a metal spoon against a hard surface, or jangling your house keys.