Do cats suffer from epileptic fits?

Question

I have a kitten who acts weird now and then...it's happened 3 times now.He starts drooling and goes all floppy and can't stand up..it lasts about an hour and he comes good like nothing happened but he is exhausted..First time it happened I thought it may have been a snake bite but now I think he takes fits..any info appreciated

Answer 1

Hi there... pets can also suffer from seizures like humans. Your kitten may have some of the symptoms, however proper diagnoses in needed to confirm the illness in order be treated respectively.

Here's an article on feline epilepsy:
http://www.peteducation.com/article.cfm?cls=1&cat=1321&articleid=224

Seizures can be caused by any insult to the brain such as trauma, infection, or a drug overdose. Detectable causes of seizures are those commonly associated with toxins, infections, drug overdose, trauma to the head area, and other metabolic disorders such as diabetes mellitus and kidney or liver failure. In some instances, they are inherited. Most seizures in the cat are not due to detectable causes such as trauma, but are caused by idiopathic (unknown cause) epilepsy, a condition veterinarians generally refer to only as epilepsy.

The exact cause of epilepsy is not known, but whether the cause is unknown or trauma induced, the condition results in an uncoordinated firing of the neurons (nerves) within the brain. Normally, the neurons transmit impulses in a uniform and coordinated fashion, allowing for precisely timed movement and thoughts.

During an epileptic seizure, however, the neurons function independently of each other. When the neurons misfire, cats may lose consciousness or become unaware of their surroundings, and have rapid, uncoordinated body movements.

What are the symptoms?

Normally, the epileptic cat will have the first seizure between two and three years of age. This time frame may vary, but rarely is epilepsy seen in the very young. Seizures will vary in intensity and are usually described using three terms: petit mal, grand mal, and status epilepticus.

Petit mal seizures are the mildest form. The cat may simply develop a blank stare, shake one leg, or cry out in pain. Petite mal seizures usually last less than one minute. Grand mal seizures are the most common. This seizure is characterized by a cat falling to one side, urinating or defecating uncontrollably, paddling the feet as if swimming, frothing at the mouth, and it may also cry out. This cat will be unaware of surrounding activities. Grand mal seizures usually last five minutes or less. Status epilepticus is the most severe form of seizure. It appears exactly like a grand mal seizure, but it may last for several hours - or as soon as the cat seems to recover, it immediately degenerates back into the seizure.

What are the risks?

Epilepsy is a chronic disorder and although usually not curable, it can be controlled. The petit and grand mal seizures, in most cases, are not life threatening unless they occur at a time when the feline is in an unsafe, or uncontrolled environment.

Status epilepticus is a very serious seizure state. With the body convulsing violently for hours, the internal body temperature will become critically high. Organ damage and death can result. All seizure instances should be reported immediately to your veterinarian.

What is the treatment?

In most instances, epilepsy is not life threatening unless status epilepticus develops. Anticonvulsant medications are used in chronic cases. It must be understood that drug therapy does not cure the condition, but rather controls the severity and frequency of the seizures. Anticonvulsant drugs such as Phenobarbital may be used in the cat. Phenobarbital provides a sedative action on the nerves within the brain.

The goal of therapy is to stabilize the nerves and membranes within the brain, but not to a point where the cat appears or acts sedated. Generally, anticonvulsant drugs are not given unless the cat has more than one seizure per month or the seizures last more than half an hour. This is a general guideline only.

For more articles on Feline Seizures: http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&q=feline+epilepsy&btnG=Google+Search

Answer 2

Petit Mal Seizures In Cats

Answer 3

Yes, cats can and do have epilepsy. First you will need to go to the vet to make sure what your kitten has is epilepsy. If this is confermed your vet should give you medicine for your cat to be on, it may take a few tries to get the exact dose of the drug right, and your cat will most likely be on it for the rest of their life. Rememer the first thing to do is see a vet though. Good Luck!!

Answer 4

Yes, cats do get epilepsy. You need to take your kitten to the vet to have him checked out. If he does have epilepsy, your vet will be able to start him on medication to control the seizures. (This may take a little time to get it right).

Don't panic, many cats live perfectly full and happy lives that have epilepsy. Best of luck with your kitty.

Answer 5

I believe drooling or foaming is a problem.

My cat has epilipsy but nothing serious happens, she get's back on the road like normal. If any bleeding or vicious foaming, you should get it checked by a vet.

Answer 6

I cant see why not dogs have epileptic fits.

Answer 7

My dog had epilepsy, so I'm assuming cats can too.

Answer 8

Apparently they can. Go to www.cs.cmu.edu. They have a good article on feline epilepsy.

Answer 9

my mom is a vet nurse and she says yes they can its the nervous system and the brain not functioning properly mom would always say take any animal to the vet your worried about