If you're reading this, it's likely that your cat is convulsing with symptoms of a seizure. There are varying degrees to feline seizures, and the more intense seizures can be extremely distressing to witness.
The symptoms your cat is showing probably aren't as harmful as they appear. Take a deep breath and collect yourself before protecting your cat.
IT'S VERY UNLIKELY FOR A CAT TO DIE DURING A SEIZURE.
The vast majority of cats who experience a single seizure are perfectly fine afterward. If your cat has multiple seizures, this could be a sign of status epilepticus - status epilepticus could be a sign of a serious medical emergency.
Your cat's seizures could put them in physical danger, however, and there are a few things to take note of during an active seizure so that you can report them to your veterinarian.
The Short Term: How to Protect a Seizing Cat
Start by realizing that your cat's body is responding automatically, and they aren't aware of what's happening. That means you're in control of this situation and you have to behave as though your cat cannot help themselves at all, which is true.
The largest threat to your cat as they're seizing is their physical proximity to outer threats.
Carefully Move Your Cat to a Safe Place
If your cat is on the carpet away from sharp objects or potential risks, you don't need to move them.
However, if they're near stairs or they're somewhere that could cause any potential harm from falling or knocking over items, you need to move them.
- Avoid picking them up with your hands if possible, as their seizing could make them difficult to carry.
- Lay down a towel next to them and use the towel as a stretcher, either sliding it or picking it up with them inside.
- Bring them somewhere with open space to have their seizure without harming themselves on any furniture or objects in their proximity.
Look at The Clock - Time The Seizure
It's important to tell your vet how long the seizure lasted. The more accurate you are, the better.
You're likely in a stressed state and it might be hard to recall the exact times accurately after this experience is over. Make some note, or start a timer on your phone to have an accurate measure of the seizure's length.
Different lengths characterize different types of cat seizures, so you're accuracy can directly help your feline's speed of diagnosis and treatment. Again, this is important.
Record a Video of Your Cat's Seizure
Once your cat is safe and the situation is under control, take your phone out and take a video of your cat having a seizure. This allows your veterinarian to have some visual information to use as they diagnose the seizure, and you'll be much more likely to have an accurate diagnosis when you have a video.
If your cat continues to seize, you can stop recording and tend to your cat's needs. A 10-15 second video will suffice, and your cat's physical safety is far more important than a video to show your veterinary professional.
Go to The Veterinarian's Office Immediately After
Take your cat to the veterinarian's office immediately after the seizure occurs. The closer to your cat's seizure that you go to the vet, the less likely the seizures are to return.
Additionally, it's better to speak to your cat's vet sooner while the information and experience is still fresh in your brain.
They Will Diagnose The Seizure and Prescribe Medication if Needed
It's likely that your veterinarian will take tests to diagnose the underlying cause of the seizure, and help you make a treatment plan.
When a Cat's Seizure is an Emergency
As we mentioned, cats can be prone to seizures and most of them are okay afterward. The biggest threat in an isolated seizure is physical safety.
Still, there are some signs that the situation has become an emergency and you need to rush your cat to the emergency veterinarian.
The Seizure Has Lasted Over 3 Minutes
If your cat is seizing for longer than 3 minutes, it could be a sign of status epilepticus which is a medical emergency.
- Call your veterinarian immediately.
- The vet might need to bring your cat out of the seizure with an injection.
- Long-lasting seizures restrict oxygen intake and could cause brain damage.
Place your cat in their kennel with a blanket for padding, don't let them actively seize on your way to the car or within the car. Ensure that your cat is contained and safe while you're driving to the vet.
Conclusion
In summary, here's what you need to know in this highly distressing situation:
- It's extremely rare for cats to die during a seizure
- The most important job you have is to protect them from external physical damage.
- Protect your cat for the duration of the seizure, which shouldn't last more than 3 minutes.
- Note the length of the seizure, and take a video if you can.
- If the seizure lasts more than 3 minutes, rush your cat to the nearest emergency veterinary hospital.
Following these steps will help keep your cat safe and allow you to get the most effective treatment from your veterinarian. Even though it looks like your cat may die from an intense seizure, take a breath and realize that this is extremely unlikely to happen.
If you'd like to learn more about seizures, start with this overview of cat seizures in general.
