Seizures and strokes are somewhat similar but there is a clear difference in how they affect the brain. Seizures, also called convulsions or fits, occur when there is a surge of electricity in the cat's brain, causing shaking, tremors, twitching, convulsions, or spasms. Epilepsy is a tendency to have repeated seizures, and it can be difficult to manage seizures in cats.
Strokes occur when blood flow to the brain is interrupted, causing sudden loss of balance, head tilting, vision trouble, falling, and circling.
The effects of a seizure in cats are usually temporary while strokes can cause permanent damage to thinking and muscle control, however, both are serious and require prompt medical attention.
Why Do Cats Have Strokes?
Strokes in cats result from disrupted blood flow to the brain which can be caused in two different ways.
- Sudden loss of blood supply to the brain - Ischemic stroke.
- Bleeding within the brain - Hemorrhagic stroke.
Ischemic stroke occurs when a blood clot blocks the arteries supplying blood to the brain. This type of stroke is linked to kidney disease, heart disease, diabetes, or high blood pressure (hypertension).
Hemorrhagic stroke in cats occurs when burst blood vessels leak blood into the brain. This type of stroke is usually associated with chronic and untreated high blood pressure.
Why Do Cats Have Seizures?
The brain has a network of cells called neurons. Neurons connect to create electrical networks that link the different parts of the brain. Cat seizures happen when neurons fire electrical signals uncontrollably due to a malfunction.
There are two main types of seizures;
- Generalized onset seizures occur when electrical activity simultaneously starts on both parts of the brain.
- Focal onset seizures occur when electrical activity begins from one side of the brain.
Seizures are a symptom of an underlying cause, for example, brain trauma, brain tumor, parasites in the brain, liver, or kidney disease.
Tips for Identifying Strokes vs. Seizures in Cats
The signs of a stroke in cats develop gradually over some hours, but these are the main things to look out for:
- Sudden loss of coordination or balance
- WeaknessHead tilting, turning, or pressing
- Abnormal eye movements
- Paralysis on one side
- Loss of vision
- Disorientation/confusion
- Seizures
Cat seizures are harder to diagnose than human seizures because they can be so quick that you might miss them. Seizures happen in different stages: the beginning (prodrome and aura), middle (ictal), and end (post-ictal) stages.
There are some common signs to help you identify seizures in cats and if you notice the seizure lasts too long, call the vet for emergency care:
- Uncontrollable jerking, spasms or convulsions
- Loss of consciousness
- Drooling
- Unusual vocalization
- Loss of urinary or bowel control
- Limb rigidity
- Limbs padding
Conclusion
It can be confusing to differentiate seizures and strokes in cats because they appear similar but we have seen that they affect your pet’s health differently. If you notice your feline friend not acting like their usual self and you suspect they are experiencing a stroke or seizure, contact the vet immediately.
Strokes can cause permanent damage to brain and body function and should be treated as a medical emergency. There is always an underlying cause for seizures and strokes like kidney disease, heart disease, and high blood pressure, and they should be treated.
