What is Feline Epilepsy? A Veterinarian Explains Causes, Symptoms, and Treatments in Detail

Epilepsy is a condition in which abnormal electrical signals in the brain cause convulsions or stiffness in a part of the body or the entire body.

When a sudden seizure occurs, many pet owners are likely to be surprised and upset. It is necessary to deal with an epileptic seizure calmly.

This article explains epilepsy in cats.

What is Feline Epilepsy?

Feline epilepsy is a brain dysfunction that causes "focal seizures," where a part of the body stiffens, and "generalized seizures," where the entire body convulses, due to abnormal electrical signals in the brain. A normal brain regulates electrical signals through excitation and inhibition to prevent over-excitation. However, in a brain experiencing an epileptic seizure, the electrical signals cannot be regulated and remain in a state of continuous excitation. Typically, epileptic seizures subside within about 30 seconds to 1 minute.

Epilepsy is not diagnosed based on a single seizure; the diagnostic criterion is the occurrence of two or more seizures. If you take your cat to the vet after its first seizure, you might be told, "Please let us know if another seizure occurs," and no medication may be prescribed. This is because a single seizure cannot be diagnosed as "epilepsy."

Causes of Feline Epilepsy

Feline epilepsy is classified into "idiopathic epilepsy" and "symptomatic epilepsy" based on its cause.

Idiopathic Epilepsy

Idiopathic epilepsy occurs without any apparent cause in the brain or elsewhere in the body. Although it is believed to be hereditary, it is not yet well understood. The first seizure of idiopathic epilepsy typically occurs around 1 to 5 years of age.

Symptomatic Epilepsy

Symptomatic epilepsy develops due to abnormalities in the brain caused by trauma, encephalitis, brain tumors, cerebrovascular disease, hydrocephalus, infection, and other conditions. It is said that symptomatic epilepsy is more common in cats.

What are the early symptoms of feline epilepsy?

Symptoms of epilepsy include focal seizures where a part of the body stiffens, generalized seizures where the entire body convulses, and status epilepticus where seizures continue. Precursory symptoms (auras) such as restlessness may also be observed immediately before a seizure.

Focal Seizures

Focal seizures are seizures where a part of the body convulses. The cat may or may not be conscious. Besides convulsions, other symptoms include continuous vocalization, chewing motions, drooling, and twitching of part of the face. If the cat does not respond when called during a seizure, it may be unconscious.

Generalized Seizures

Generalized seizures involve convulsions throughout the entire body. They usually subside within 1 to 3 minutes. During generalized seizures, the brain's electrical stimulation continues to excite, leading to a loss of consciousness. In addition to widespread convulsions, symptoms of generalized seizures include thrashing limbs, excessive drooling, and incontinence.

Status Epilepticus

Status epilepticus refers to epileptic seizures lasting for more than 30 minutes or occurring in rapid succession. If left untreated, status epilepticus can cause brain damage and has a high risk of death.

Treatment for Feline Epilepsy

Antiepileptic drugs are used to treat epilepsy.

However, treatment is not initiated after a single seizure; rather, the cat is monitored. If seizures occur two or more times in three months, epilepsy is diagnosed, and antiepileptic drugs are started. In cases of symptomatic epilepsy, the underlying disease is treated, and antiepileptic drugs are used to control seizures. For focal seizures, if the frequency of seizures is not high, the cat may be monitored without medication.

Antiepileptic drugs are highly likely to cause side effects. Therefore, it is necessary to regularly measure the drug concentration in the blood to monitor for any side effects. Antiepileptic drugs generally need to be taken for life. Also, abruptly stopping the medication can worsen seizures, so do not stop it on your own judgment just because the seizures have stopped.

Status epilepticus requires immediate cessation of seizures. Since medication by injection is necessary, treatment at a veterinary hospital is required.

If Your Beloved Cat Has a Seizure

If your cat is having a generalized seizure or an unconscious focal seizure, it may be clenching its teeth and biting its tongue. Pet owners may panic and put their hands in the cat's mouth, but absolutely do not do this as you could be severely bitten. To prevent choking on drool, gently turn the cat's head to the side and lay it down.

If a seizure occurs while your cat is in a high place, wrap it in a towel and lay it on the floor to prevent accidents like falling.

Since incontinence can occur, it's also necessary to place a pet sheet under its hindquarters.

When an epileptic seizure occurs, it is necessary to respond calmly. When you go to the vet, you may be asked, "What kind of seizure occurred and how long did it last?"

Since you might not be able to explain well if you're flustered, it's a good idea to record the seizure from beginning to end with a video. By observing whether your cat responds to being called in the video, you can also determine if it was conscious or not. Unless it's status epilepticus, visit the vet after the seizure has subsided.

Summary

Many owners who witness an epileptic seizure for the first time may find it difficult to remain calm due to the state of the seizure. Since feline epilepsy is mostly caused by brain disorders, if a seizure occurs, bring a video and visit the vet.

For epilepsy, the key to treatment is the owner's calm response and accurate medication. It might be a good idea to keep thorough records and post information about how to respond during an epileptic seizure in an easily visible place.