By Courtney Prue | August 4, 2025

Seizures In Cats: Causes, Triggers, And Treatment

What is a seizure?

A seizure is a sudden, uncontrolled burst of electrical activity in the brain. This can cause a variety of symptoms, including convulsions, loss of consciousness, and muscle spasms. They generally last for 30 seconds to a few minutes but can have lasting effects for up to 24 hours afterwards.

What causes a seizure?

There are many possible causes of seizures in cats. These include:

• Brain tumours: These can cause seizures by putting pressure on the brain. Seizures due to this usually occur in older cats.
• Metabolic disorders: Imbalances in blood sugar, electrolytes, and other chemicals can cause seizures.
• Kidney or liver failure: Increases in toxins in the blood due to the failure of these organs can impact the brain and cause seizures.
• Toxins: Exposure to certain chemicals or drugs can cause seizures.
• Trauma: Head injuries can cause seizures.
• Infections: Certain bacterial, fungal or viral infections can cause seizures.
• Epilepsy (very rare): This is a genetic condition that affects the brain’s electrical activity. It is a diagnosis of exclusion, with other causes ruled out first. 

How do I know if my cat has a seizure?

The symptoms of a seizure can vary widely, but they often include some combination of the following:

• Convulsions: This is the most apparent symptom of a seizure. Cats may thrash around, stiffen up, or paddle their legs. 
• Loss of consciousness: Cats may appear to be “out of it” during a seizure, and may not respond to their owners.
• Muscle spasms: Cats may experience muscle contractions or twitching during a seizure. They don’t always present as full body spasms, and may only be a single area, or they may seem frozen and staring. They may also look like they are biting flies in the air.
• Salivation: Cats may drool excessively during a seizure.
• Urination or defecation: Cats may lose control of their bladder or bowels during a seizure.
• Vocalisation: Cats may cry out or make other noises during a seizure.

Post-ictal signs are the lasting behaviours or symptoms you might notice in the 24 hours following a seizure event. They include confusion, disorientation, lethargy, weakness, unsteady gait, and abnormal behaviour such as pacing, vocalising or hiding. They may also seem to temporarily lose senses such as eyesight and hearing.

If you notice any of these signs for the first time, get in touch with your regular veterinarian or our team. 

Is a seizure an emergency? 

Seizures are almost always a sign of severe disease in cats, so if you see one for the first time you should get your cat to a vet or 24–hour hospital ASAP. If they are due to a known illness that is being managed, here are some of the symptoms to look out for that indicate an emergency:

• Seizures that last longer than five minutes
• Multiple seizures in a row without full recovery in between
• Seizures that occur in rapid succession (more than 2-3 seizures in a 24 hour period)
• Abnormal breathing or loss of consciousness during or after the seizure
• Inability to stand or walk after the seizure
• Excessive abnormal behaviour or confusion that persists after the seizure

If you observe any of these symptoms, seeking immediate veterinary attention is important. Time is critical in emergency situations, and a delay in treatment can have serious consequences for your cat’s health. Don’t hesitate to call your veterinarian, our team or an emergency veterinary clinic for guidance on how to proceed.

What do I do if my cat is having a seizure?

If you witness your cat having a seizure, it can be a terrifying experience. However, there are steps you can take to ensure your cat‘s safety and comfort during and after the seizure. Here’s what you can do:

• Stay calm: Although it’s natural to feel scared or helpless during a seizure, it’s important to remain as calm as possible. 
• Protect your cat: During a seizure, your cat may lose control of its body and become disoriented. To prevent injury, move any objects or furniture away from your cat and create a clear space. If your cat is on a higher surface, such as a bed or couch, gently guide it onto the floor.
• Do not restrain your cat: It’s essential not to restrain your cat during a seizure. Cats can become agitated or aggressive, and holding them down may cause them to panic, hurting themselves or others. 
• Time the seizure: During a seizure, it can be challenging to know how long it will last. However, it’s essential to try to time it accurately, as this information can be helpful to your vet. Use a watch or clock to note the start time and end time of the seizure.
• Monitor your cat: Once the seizure has ended, keep an eye on your cat and note any post-seizure signs. These signs may include disorientation, confusion, or temporary blindness.
• Call your vet: If your cat has a seizure for the first time or is having them more frequently than before, it’s crucial to contact your veterinarian or our team as soon as possible. They may advise you to bring your cat in for an examination or suggest that you monitor your cat for any changes in behaviour or further seizures.

How is the cause of a seizure diagnosed?

If you suspect that your cat is having seizures, it is important to take them to the vet as soon as possible. Your vet will likely perform a variety of tests to determine the underlying cause of the seizures. These may include:

• Blood work: This can help identify any underlying metabolic disorders or infections, and rule in or out the possibility of a toxin.
• Urinalysis: This can help explore any underlying kidney problems that could contribute to the seizure disorder, or impact treatment options. 
• MRI or CT scan: These imaging tests can help identify any brain tumours or other abnormalities. These are only accessible at select hospitals. 
• Spinal tap: This can help identify any underlying infections. This is a specialist procedure only. 

Is there treatment for seizures in cats?

Treatment for seizures will depend on the underlying cause. If there is a trigger such as trauma, organ failure, metabolic disturbances, toxic insult or infection then addressing that will often prevent further seizures.

When a pet has a brain tumour or epilepsy, anti-epileptic drugs may be prescribed to help control the seizures long–term. It is important to note that some medications used to treat seizures in cats can have potential side effects, such as lethargy, loss of appetite, liver damage and increased thirst or urination. The specific medications recommended by your veterinarian will depend on the underlying cause of the seizures, the frequency and severity of the seizures, and your cat’s overall health. Your vet will also recommend regular blood work to check the drug dosage is correct, and monitor the liver for any long-term impacts of the medications.

Medications often prescribed include:

• Phenobarbital: This is a barbiturate medication that is commonly used to treat seizures in dogs and cats and it works by decreasing the excitability of the brain cells that can cause seizures. It is often prescribed as a long-term treatment option for pets with epilepsy, and it can take several weeks to reach effective levels in the bloodstream. 
• Levetiracetam: This is a newer anticonvulsant medication that is becoming increasingly popular, however, it needs to be given 3 or more times a day. It is often used in combination with other medications.
• Zonisamide: This medication is an anticonvulsant that can be used as a standalone treatment option or in combination with other medications. 
• Gabapentin: This medication is often used for neuropathic pain, and arthritis and for a calming sedative effect in cats. This medication may reduce the seizure threshold for some cats and reduce the chance of seizures. 

How can I help my cats with seizures at home?

In addition to medication, there are some lifestyle changes that can help manage seizures in cats. These include:

• Maintaining a consistent routine: Regular play, meal times, and sleep schedules can help minimise stress and reduce the likelihood of seizures.
• Avoiding triggers: Some cats may have seizures triggered by certain stimuli, such as flashing lights, stress or loud noises. Try to identify any potential triggers and avoid them if possible.
• Providing a safe environment: Cats with seizures may be at risk of injury during a seizure. Make sure your home is free of sharp objects or hazards that could cause harm during a seizure.
• Feeding your cat a healthy and balanced diet
• Ensuring your cat gets enough exercise and rest
• Work closely with your veterinarian 

An in-home veterinary assessment can also be helpful to identify any other areas of improvement, that can help your beloved pet stay comfortable for as long as possible. 

Can a cat live a good life with seizures? 

The prognosis for cats with seizures depends on the underlying cause and how well they respond to medication. If they seem increasingly uncomfortable or their quality of life is impacted, palliative care may be the kindest option. 

What are some complications of seizures? 

Seizures can have a significant impact on a cat‘s health and well-being, and there are several complications associated with the condition. Some of the most common complications of seizures in cats include:

• Injury: During a seizure, cats may thrash around and fall, potentially injuring themselves on nearby objects or furniture.
• Exhaustion: Seizures can be very exhausting for cats, and they may sleep for hours afterwards. This can disrupt their normal sleep patterns and leave them feeling tired and lethargic for days afterwards.
• Brain damage: Seizures can cause damage to the brain over time, particularly if they are left untreated, are very severe or occur frequently.
• Anxiety and stress: Seizures can be very stressful and anxiety-inducing for both cats and their owners. Frequent seizures can also disrupt the cat’s routine and lead to further stress and anxiety.
• Medication side effects: The medications used to treat seizures can have side effects, including drowsiness, lethargy, liver damage and loss of appetite. It’s important to work closely with your veterinarian to monitor your cat’s response to medication and adjust the dosage as needed to minimise side effects.

End-of-life care tips

If your cat‘s seizures or underlying condition has progressed to a point where treatment is no longer effective or its symptoms are too severe, it’s important to consider end-of-life care options, including possibly putting your cat to sleep (euthanasia). This can be an overwhelming and distressing thing to even think about. Rest Your Paws is here to support you and provide compassionate care for your beloved pet throughout their journey.

Here are some end-of-life care tips for pets experiencing seizures:

• Keep them hydrated and well-nourished with some delicious food
• Spend quality time with them, making the most of every moment, such as with a bucket list.
• Offer a calm and peaceful environment, free from stressors that can exacerbate symptoms
• Administer medications as prescribed for pain management and symptom relief. Your veterinarian may send you home with medications to give in an emergency to stop very severe seizures. 
• Evaluate their quality of life regularly, or reach out to a palliative care vet to help you with this. 
• Consult our End of Life Care Pack to get prepared to put your cat to sleep.
• Track good days and bad days on our Quality of Life Assessment Calendar.

Please know that we are here to support you every step of the way. We understand that this is a challenging time for you and your family, and we are committed to providing you with the guidance and care that you and your furry friend deserve. If you want to learn more about putting your pet to sleep, cat euthanasia at home, options to put your pet down at home, costs of euthanasia at home or what it looks like to put your pet to sleep at home, call us on 0422 157 675 or visit our website.

Remember, the most important thing is to focus on giving your cat the love and attention they deserve. By working together, we can help your cat enjoy a happy, comfortable life for as long as possible. Please do not hesitate to reach out to us if you have any questions or concerns – we are here to help.

Rest Your Paws

We offer in-home pet euthanasia for dogs and cats. Say goodbye with peace and dignity to your beloved pet. Professional and experienced end-of-life support.