Epilepsy in cats

Epilepsy, a 'short circuit' in the brain, occurs less frequently in cats than in dogs. Because in cats the epileptic seizures are often quite atypical and cats spend more time out of their owner's sight, epilepsy in cats is not always recognized. Experiencing an epileptic seizure in your cat is very distressing. You feel powerless because there is nothing you can do for your cat. Pharmacy4pets is happy to explain everything about this unpleasant condition.

Causes of epilepsy in cats

In cats, there is often an underlying cause for the epileptic seizures, such as a brain tumor, low blood sugar, liver or kidney disease, or poisoning. A common poisoning that can cause epileptic seizures is permethrin poisoning, for example, by using a flea treatment intended for dogs. If there is an underlying cause for the epilepsy, this is called secondary or structural epilepsy. Epilepsy without a clear cause, primary epilepsy, is often hereditary. In primary epilepsy, a cat almost always has its first seizure between the age of six months and five to six years.

Symptoms of epilepsy in cats

An epileptic seizure almost always occurs during rest. The duration and severity of the seizures can vary greatly. There are two types of epileptic seizures. The well-known epileptic seizures with convulsions, loss of urine and feces, and frothing at the mouth are called generalized seizures. In this case, the cat is unconscious. A generalized seizure consists of three phases:

• The pre-seizure phase (prodrome, aura, signs): this phase can last a few seconds, but also hours or even days. In this phase, the cat senses the seizure coming and you may notice a change in behavior in your cat.
• The seizure itself (ictus): the seizure itself usually lasts only a short time, from seconds to minutes. If the seizure lasts longer than 10 minutes, it is called ‘status epilepticus’ and you should call your veterinarian.
• The post-seizure phase (postictal phase): this phase can last a few seconds to several days. Your cat no longer has convulsions, but behaves differently than normal. She may be restless or extremely sleepy, lie in strange places, be very hungry and thirsty, and may not recognize you. Consciousness in this phase is still reduced, it's kind of like 'sleepwalking'.

In partial or focal epilepsy, a cat is still aware of its surroundings and has convulsions in just a part of its body. For example, the ear or a paw may twitch uncontrollably. Also, 'catching flies,' where a cat tries to catch an imaginary fly, can be a form of partial epilepsy. Partial epilepsy occurs relatively often in cats and is not always recognized as such.

What to do during an epileptic seizure of your cat

An epileptic seizure cannot be stopped. Your cat is unconscious during a generalized seizure and cannot remember the seizure or the phase afterward. The most important thing during an epileptic seizure is to prevent injuries to your cat and yourself.

• Try to stay calm.
• Stay away from your cat's mouth and claws. The jaws may clap uncontrollably, and you could be bitten. Even in the phase after the seizure, your cat may react unexpectedly and bite you.
• Do not put anything, including medication, into your cat's mouth. It could choke.
• Do not hold your pet. This does not help and could injure you.
• If necessary, move furniture aside so your cat does not injure itself.
• Note how long the seizure lasts and what happens and/or film the seizure, so you can discuss this with your veterinarian later.
• Call your veterinarian if the seizure lasts longer than ten minutes.
• Approach your cat very calmly after the seizure and avoid strong stimuli (light, sound, touch). Your cat still has reduced consciousness and may react fearfully or aggressively. It cannot help this.

The diagnosis of epilepsy in cats

Unfortunately, there is no general test that indicates your cat has epilepsy. The probable diagnosis is based on your story and any videos. Physical examination and blood tests are primarily intended to rule out or identify underlying causes such as low blood sugar, heart conditions, or a liver shunt. In cats with primary epilepsy or epilepsy due to a brain abnormality, there will usually be no abnormalities found in these tests. An MRI scan of the brain can show or rule out structural conditions in the brain (such as a brain tumor) as the cause of the epileptic seizures.

The treatment of epilepsy in cats

Epilepsy does not always need to be treated. Whether treatment is necessary depends on the cause of the epilepsy and the frequency, nature, and severity of the seizures. If an underlying cause is found, it will be addressed if possible, which in most cases causes the seizures to disappear. When the seizures are very mild and/or partial or occur very sporadically, it is often decided not to initiate treatment. Medication for epilepsy also has side effects, and its benefits must always be weighed against the disadvantages. If the seizures occur in close succession or last longer, medication is often started.

Sometimes, a positive effect is seen from CBD oil. Dietary supplements with CBD, such as Anibidiol Plus, usually cannot replace medications, and their use in epilepsy should always be discussed with your veterinarian. The goal of treatment for epilepsy is ideally to completely stop the seizures. Very often, this goal is not achieved, but the frequency and intensity of the seizures decrease to such an extent that a very livable situation is created for both the cat and the owner. In some cases, epilepsy cannot be controlled with medication, and euthanasia is eventually considered.

Epilepsy is a complicated condition. The diagnosis is not always easy to make. Fortunately, the prognosis for primary epilepsy is reasonably favorable. In 50-80% of cats with primary epilepsy, good seizure control can be achieved with medication, allowing these cats to lead a relatively normal life. If you have any questions about our products or about epilepsy in cats, please contact us.