red laser? cats? seizures??

Question

I got a red laser toy for my cats to chase around. But recently something happen; my female cat started acting funny (twitching) and started foaming from the mouth. I believe she had a seizure. I'm thinking maybe it was the red laser. Has this happen to anyone else??

Answer 1

My cats play with lasers and don't have problems. Have you applied any flea products to your cat? Cats can have the symptoms you describe for a variety of reasons, but OTC flea treatments are one of the more common causes. I would get the cat checked out by a vet, regardless.

Answer 2

Seizures are symptoms of some neurological disorder – they are not in themselves a disease. Some underlying causes include:


1. Low blood glucose (sugar)
2. Liver disease (called “hepatic encephalopathy”)
3. Inflammatory or infectious diseases that affect the nervous system
4. Poisons or toxins
5.Brain tumor
6. Head trauma
7. Blood vessel disorders that affect circulation to the brain
8. Congenital problems – those present at birth – such as hydrocephalus (“water on the brain”).

Seizures frequently are idiopathic, which means the cause cannot be determined. A diagnosis of seizure disorder does not mean nothing can be done for your pet.

Warning signs that require emergency veterinary attention:
1. Seizures that last longer than 10 minutes
2. Seizures that occur more than twice in a 24 hour time period
3. Seizures that begin before your pet has completely recovered from the previous seizure

I have a laser pointer that I use for my kitten to chase. Never had problems. You didn't point the laser directly at your cat's eyes, did you? There's a warning about that on every laser label. Take your cat to the vet for a diagnosis and proper treatment.

Answer 3

lasers can cause seizures and if your cat is prone to seizures it can make the situation worse. lay off the laser and if she has another seizure I'd take her to the vet and have some blood work done. I am an epileptic and so is my dog so lasers are out in my house! hope this helps.

Answer 4

Yes lazer lights can cause seizures if the cat or person has epilepsy. My fiancé has epilepsy, so I have researched the issue often. I believe it is called Photosensitive Epilepsy. Anyway if you research Epilepsy online you should find this information. If one does not have epilepsy then they will not be sensitive to the lazer light if what I understand. Research it you ll see.

Answer 5

Some of mine do, some ignore it, and a couple have figured where the light originates, and simply watch my hand. But it is something that moves, and cats love movement. It is somewhat fascinating to move the dot along the ceiling, and see the cats looking up following the dot across the ceiling. But I then move the dot to the floor, as I don't want to taunt them.

Answer 6

Wow- Yes! That is exactly what happened. We didn't know that it was a seizure. I'll tell my son to get rid of the laser.
Thanks! (from Sebastian too)

Answer 7

well let me ask you some other questions....have you recently treated her for fleas with any over the counter treatment, i.e. hartz?? if so, that may have caused it. but i have never heard of that happening, but it could be an epileptic reaction. id take her to a vet to make sure there is no permanent damage.

Answer 8

I'm pretty sure it's coincidental.

Answer 9

im sure it wasnt the lazer, its never happened nor have i head it happen to anyone but you