Epilepsy In Cats: What You Should Know About

Epilepsy in cats can affect both kittens and the elderly. Also, their attacks manifest in a few seconds or minutes at most.

Although rare, epilepsy in cats is a brain disorder that must be treated properly as it is serious.

Here we will talk about its causes, symptoms and, above all, how to proceed if the animal convulses.

Causes of epilepsy in cats

Epileptic seizures are triggered when there is an excess of electrical activity in a group of neurons.

When this happens, the kitten undergoes changes that can affect both its movements and its behavior and level of consciousness.

Epilepsy in cats can have several possible causes. Among them: diseases, brain injuries, abnormal brain development, etc. However, in a large number of cases, the cause is unknown.

The disease has three types:

• Idiopathic. Epilepsy is the primary disease. There are no underlying causes that lead to crises.
• For a secondary illness. In this case, epileptic seizures are due to underlying pathologies.

• Cryptogenic. When it is suspected that there is an underlying disease that cannot be identified.

Epilepsy symptoms in cats

Epilepsy can affect cats of all ages. However, the idiopathic one usually affects younger specimens (with three and a half years, on average), while the one caused by underlying causes manifests itself in animals that are around eight years old.

Also, while the main manifestation of this disorder is spontaneous and recurrent seizures, there are other signs that a cat may suffer from this disease. For example:

• Strange behavior
• muscle spasms
• Difficulty eating or moving

• lack of balance
• hyperventilation
• hyperactivity
• nervousness

Keep in mind that attacks usually last for seconds or, at most, a few minutes. After that, the kitten’s brain returns to normal.

How to act in the face of an epileptic seizure

It is important to know how to proceed with a cat who has an epileptic fit. Otherwise, the situation can get complicated.

The main thing is to try not to lose your cool so that you can help the animal in the best way possible.

Actions you can take include removing furniture or other objects that could hurt it and placing cushions around it to protect it.

Also keep in mind that any stimulus can prolong the seizure. So it’s not convenient to touch it, but it helps to turn off lights, reduce noise, and remove people and pets from the room.

And if the veterinarian indicates emergency medication, it must be given rectally.

things you shouldn’t do

Also, pay attention to other actions you shouldn’t do while your cat has an epileptic seizure:

• Avoid pulling your pet’s tongue for fear of it swallowing it. This is a myth about epilepsy. This will not happen. And if you try this maneuver, you’re more likely to end up with a bite.
• Do not hold the kitten’s head. You can cause a fractured neck.
• Do not provide food, water or medication by mouth, as the animal is at risk of suffocation.
• Do not cover it with blankets. This advice is also  to avoid the risk of suffocation.

Once the attack has passed, the cat should have a calm, safe place to recover.

Also, even if your pet is hungry or thirsty, you should let it sit for a while, as swallowing problems may persist.

prevention measures

If your kitten has epilepsy, it is important that you take some preventative measures in your home to prevent the pet from hurting itself if an attack occurs. For example:

• keep him away from the stairs
• Put safety nets on windows and balconies
• Make sure the most frequent environment is free of objects that could hurt you

On the other hand, it is essential that your pet does not suffer stressful situations, as these can trigger an attack. And, of course, it’s ideal that he doesn’t leave the house.

Treatment of epilepsy in cats

If you suspect your cat may have epilepsy, it’s important to take her to the vet urgently. A correct diagnosis is essential to treat the animal in the most appropriate way.

After the studies indicated by the professional, it will be evaluated whether it is necessary to medicate the feline, according to the frequency and intensity of the seizures he suffers.

Of course, if there is an underlying disease as a cause, it is essential to treat it. In any case, the important thing is to provide the best quality of life for your pet.