Cat Seizures?

Question

I am so upset. My cat just had a seizure and died, I don't understand, he was only eleven years old, and completely healthy. I let him outside for one minute, he came running back to me, and as soon as he was across the threshold his body cramped and he let out a loud meow. Then he passed away. Was my cat poisoned? He has never had a seizure before, and he died so suddenly. If anyone has seen something like this before i'd really appreciate any information. thanks

Answer 1

oh I am so sorry for your loss :( very very sad story.
Sometimes life isn't fair and is away before it's time. Sometimes there simply is no answer to why life works this way. Maybe it was just his time.

Try to take comfort in the fact that he died quickly and peacefully, without pain. It's just so awful that you had to see him go in such a way. Like humans, animals can suffer from strokes and heart attacks - perhaps this is what happened? I don't know a great deal about how poisons can effect animals but in experiences I've had, the symptoms usually occur over a longer period of time - not instantly. You will usually notice drooling or wobbliness in they walk, or they will vomit or gag. Even with snake bite or spider bite.

What is important is that you do everything you can to help yourself through this grief. Even if that means taking your cat to the vet to have it examined or by having a burial in your garden in a special place known by you and the cat - its ok.

I buried my darling boy under his favorite tree, next to the fish pond. I knew he would be happy there. I also know that if I ever feel like I need to be with him, I can just go and sit in 'our place'. Every now and then he will pop into my dreams to say hello and to make sure I haven't forgotten him - you will see your darling boy too if you let him come.

I am sorry for your loss. Words cannot describe the pain that you are feeling. I hope you find the answer you are looking for.

Answer 2

I can't possibly express how sad I am for you. I've lost two cats, one to cancer, & the other congestive heart disease. In the second case, it took so very, very long before the vet diagnosed him. I first noticed he was walking with his front paws sort of crossed, & then he had a seizure--but the worst of it was not knowing, & all the tests he went through. As soon as the vet told me what was wrong, & that he "might" have a month left, I did the only loving thing I could. I didn't want to continue his suffering just to "have" him for another month! It would seem your kitty was poisoned, but perhaps he had problems you weren't aware of. I'm an incredibly strong advocate of KEEPING KITTY INDOORS. If you start out that way, (& especially if a male is neutered), they really couldn't seem to care less. Think of it this way: If your little kid whined because he/she wanted to play in the street, would you allow it? I had a friend who said her cat "needed to be free!" A neighbor came & told her she'd found him after he'd been run over by a car. Much weeping & wailing, but she didn't even have the courage to go & get him herself! Some people have "mouser" cats. What if the mouse is diseased? Raccoons can be very threatening, & have rabies; cars! The worst is the Cat Hater. & THAT is why, if I were you, I'd want to be sure of the cause of his death. Sociopaths have gone on rampages in neighborhoods & killed many cats. If that can be proven, you need to alert everyone, call the police, whatever it takes. (You don't say if you've buried kitty or had him cremated, in which case, nothing further can be done.) My heart truly goes out to you. I know it's not easy, but try to focus on how much love you gave each other in the years shared.

Answer 3

I am sooo sorry, that is so sad. It sounds as though it could have been poison. The cat obviously knew something was wrong, hence running inside.
Please know there was nothing you could have done to prevent this. Accidents happen and health problems happen, especially for outdoor cats. It is the natural way of things. If you really want to know, take him/her to the vet, they can maybe do a blood test or just exam and tell you what probably happened.
Don't let this make you think having cats outside is bad, cats are outdoor creatures. I had a cat who was killed by an eagle, and it killed me, but my other 2 cats are not happy inside, and although I kept them in for awhile after, and I never wanted my baby to go out, it is just how they are and it is crueller to keep them in if they want to be out and you are in an area where they can be safe.

Answer 4

I am so sorry! I know how terrible that is, because I had a little cat who had a seizure and died. We never really knew what happened--there are so many things it could be, and probably nothing you could have done to prevent it. I don't have an answer, but I do send my sympathy for the loss of your dear little friend.

Answer 5

Poisoning is possible. I would take him to your vet and see if they can find out. If he was poisoned, that is a criminal case and I would immediately notify the police so they can try to find out who might have done such a horrible thing.

Another possibility is an illness that you were not aware of. One of my cats died suddenly after a seizure. After her first seizure we took her to the vet, they ran bloodwork and found out that she was in kidney failure. She was on medication for several days before having her second and final seizure. It was terribly hard for me to deal with the guilt of not knowing somehow that she was ill.

I feel for you and hope your vet is able to give you some answers.

Karenpa

Answer 6

I had a stray in my yard that I took in to my house and I made a little crate sleeping area for her. She had one convulsion, then another, and died later that day. I think animals know when they are dying. In a way, you are lucky your cat came back to you to be with the person he loved when he died. So often cats want to die alone, I think they want to spare their owners the pain of losing them, but it's worse to just have a cat disappear on you and never know what happened to him.

Cats also can get sick and die quite suddenly. My neighbor's cat was healthy but died the next day and it turned out to be kidney failure. She was devastated, but animals are very good at hiding their pain.

Heartworm can also kill cats. When the worm in their heart (its a parasite) dies, it will stop the cats heart because it's dead body clogs the blood flow.

Answer 7

I am so sorry for this devastating loss! how hurt you must be right now.
are you sure he had a real seizure? a seizure is typically when they fall to one side and convulse or shake for a few minutes.
As an 11 year old cat-- had you had blood test to determine his senior health of his organs in teh last year or two?
it is possible toxins were at play-- hard to tell unless you investigated it.
My uncle's cat died this way also-- he was around 15 or 17 and he died when walking across the grass trying to get to the house. so yes-- it is possible to die this way. My uncles cat was thin and had hyperthyroid diease.
so sorry for you right now. find comfort in the fact he never had to suffer through a long disease, and take care.

Answer 8

I am so sorry this happened. would be hard for anyone to guess at the cause. If really want to know you can call his vet and arrange for testing to determine. Cats can have hidden issues and appear healthy. Maybe it was his time.

Your vet is best qualified to help with this. If you think you'll want to take to vet wrap him up nicely. Again, so sorry

Answer 9

I am so sorry for your loss. I know your heart is breaking. Please check out rainbowbridge.com there is a wonderful poem and some other people who have sent in pictures of their sweet little darlings! When I lost my Gracie Lue a year and a half ago it was so much help to me. I wrote a poem many years ago for my Gracie and it was published. I have that and many pictures of her. The memories you have of your cat will stay with you. He surly touched your heart.Again you have my sympathies!

Answer 10

Unfortunately, it sounds like poison. Probably unintentional (could have eaten a mouse that had eaten mouse bait.)

Very sorry for your loss. I'm afraid that this is one of the reasons that they say keeping kitty indoors is likely to keep them alive longer (but 11 years is plenty respectable - they are "seniors" at 7)

Best of luck.