Tip on Seizures in Cats

Seizures in cats are relatively uncommon and always significant when they occur.

A seizure or convulsion is a sudden excessive firing of nerves in the brain. It results in a series of involuntary contractions of the voluntary muscles, abnormal sensations, abnormal behaviors, or some combination of these events. A seizure can last from seconds to minutes.

Seizures can occur for a variety of reasons including

• Low blood glucose (sugar)
• Liver disease (called "hepatic encephalopathy")
• Inflammatory or infectious diseases that affect the nervous system
• Poisons or toxins
• Brain tumor
• Head trauma
• Blood vessel disorders that affect circulation to the brain
• Congenital problems

Always call or see your veterinarian if you witness your cat having a seizure.

For more information, please read Seizure Disorders in Cats.