Important
Active seizures, clusters of seizures, or seizures lasting more than a few minutes may require emergency veterinary care. Contact a veterinarian or emergency hospital immediately.
Overview
Seizures in cats can be frightening to witness. They may occur due to epilepsy, toxins, metabolic issues, or other causes. If a seizure is currently happening, focus on keeping your cat safe from injury in a quiet area. Afterward, note the duration and any pattern. First-time seizures and prolonged seizures generally warrant veterinary evaluation.
When emergency veterinary care may be appropriate
- A seizure is currently happening and lasting more than a few minutes
- Multiple seizures in a short period
- Your cat does not seem to recover normally afterward
- Difficulty breathing during or after a seizure
- This is your cat's first seizure
- Suspected toxin or medication exposure
- Your cat is injured during the seizure
What to tell your veterinarian
- How long the seizure lasted
- Whether there were multiple seizures and how close together
- What your cat did before, during, and after (staggering, drooling, urination)
- Any possible toxin, medication, or trauma exposure
- Your cat's seizure history if any
- Age, breed, and current medications
What not to do
- Do not put your hands near your cat's mouth during a seizure
- Do not try to restrain your cat forcefully
- Do not assume a single brief seizure never needs follow-up
- Do not wait until the next seizure to seek guidance after a first-time event
Learn more from trusted sources
These are educational resources from licensed veterinary organizations and animal poison control experts. Paw Navigator is not affiliated with or endorsed by these third-party sites.