Dealing with Cat Epilepsy: What Every Pet Owner Should Know

Idiopathic epilepsy is a specific term that describes seizures in cats without a clear cause. It's also known as genetic or congenital epilepsy. Whether you call it epilepsy, a seizure, or convulsions, it all refers to the same thing: a sudden burst of overactivity in the brain's neurons that leads to involuntary muscle contractions, unusual sensations, abnormal behavior, or a combination of these events.

Here's a breakdown of idiopathic epilepsy in cats, along with information on diagnosing and treating this condition.

Seizures in cats can manifest in a variety of ways. They can range from mild twitches or facial tremors to your cat collapsing on its side, howling, clenching its teeth, losing bladder control, and flailing its limbs.

Cat seizures usually come on suddenly and end on their own, lasting from a few seconds to a few minutes. Idiopathic epilepsy can occur in all breeds and mixed-breed cats.

Since idiopathic epilepsy may have a genetic component, cats with epilepsy or their close relatives shouldn't be used for breeding or reproduction.

Components of Cat Seizures

Seizures in cats generally consist of three components:

1. Aura: This is the warning phase before the seizure hits. It might be obvious, like restlessness, whining, shivering, drooling, wandering, or hiding. These signs can last from a few seconds to a few days, and they might be subtle or noticeable.

2. Ictus: This is the seizure itself, where the uncontrolled muscle activity happens. It might last a few seconds to a few minutes. Your cat might fall to its side, kicking its legs, drooling, losing bladder control, and being unaware of its surroundings.

3. Postictal Phase: This is the recovery phase. After the seizure, your cat might seem confused or disoriented, pacing or wandering. It might still be drooling and not respond to you as usual, or it might come to you for comfort. This phase can be brief or last for days.

    

What to Do If Your Cat Has a Seizure

First, don't panic. During a seizure, your cat is unconscious and not feeling pain. It might seem like it's not breathing, but it is.

If it's your cat's first seizure, check a clock or watch to time it. It might last only 30 seconds.

Move furniture and dangerous objects away to prevent injury. Keep your cat away from water, stairs, and sharp objects. If you can, place a pillow under its head to prevent head injury.

Stay with your cat, speaking calmly and reassuringly. If the seizure lasts more than 5 minutes, call your vet or an emergency vet clinic right away.

Keep kids and other pets away during the seizure.

Do not put your hand in your cat's mouth; you could get bitten. Also, do not put anything in its mouth, like a spoon.

 

After the Seizure

After the seizure, watch your cat's behavior. Keep it away from stairs until it fully recovers. If it wants water, let it drink.

Be prepared for some wobbling during the recovery. Be strong for your cat; it will be confused and might think it did something wrong, so don't scold it. Speak softly and soothingly.

If your cat doesn't fully recover within 30 minutes, contact your vet or an emergency clinic.

 

When to Seek Emergency Vet Care

If a seizure lasts more than 10 minutes, it's an emergency, and you should contact your vet.

If seizures happen more than twice in 24 hours, seek emergency care.

Finally, if your cat has a seizure before it's fully recovered from a previous one, that's also an emergency.

 

Diagnosing Idiopathic Epilepsy in Cats

By definition, idiopathic epilepsy has no known cause, but a proper diagnosis is essential. Your vet will check your cat's general health and make sure there are no underlying conditions that could cause seizures. Your vet will ask for a detailed history of your cat and conduct a thorough physical and neurological examination. Recommended blood tests might include a complete blood count, serum biochemistry, toxin screening, feline infectious disease tests, urinalysis, and fecal tests.

 

Treating Idiopathic Epilepsy in Cats

The goal of treatment is to reduce the severity and frequency of seizures while avoiding medication side effects. Completely eliminating seizures in idiopathic epilepsy cases can be challenging, but your vet might use anticonvulsant medications to manage the condition.

 

Medication for Cat Epilepsy

1. Phenobarbital is often the first-choice medication for idiopathic epilepsy. It’s taken orally two to three times a day. Initial treatment might cause increased drinking, urination, and eating, as well as drowsiness, but these effects usually subside after two weeks.

2. Diazepam (Valium) is another common anticonvulsant for cats. It’s given orally three times a day, but oral diazepam can be associated with rare but fatal liver failure. Valium is often used for emergency seizures and is typically injected by a vet.

3. Potassium bromide is an alternative anticonvulsant medication. It’s often used if phenobarbital doesn’t work or as an initial drug. It’s the preferred drug for cats with liver issues. Side effects can include increased eating, drinking, urination, and lack of coordination, but they usually decrease over time.

 

Home Care

Follow your vet's instructions for medication and monitoring your cat's health. Keep a record of any seizures, medication changes, vet visits, and any changes in your cat's condition.

Irregular medication or sudden changes can lead to status epilepticus, where seizures last longer than 30 minutes or repeat without recovery. This can be life-threatening.

Regular blood tests are necessary to monitor your cat's response to treatment and prevent anticonvulsant toxicity.

Epilepsy is a chronic condition, but with proper care, it can often be effectively managed. Work closely with your vet to ensure the best outcome for your cat.