TL;DR: A cat seizure is a high-urgency medical emergency, particularly if it lasts over 60 seconds or occurs in clusters. Immediate veterinary care is required, and providing a video of the event can significantly assist the vet in making a rapid, accurate diagnosis.
What exactly is a cat seizure and what will I observe?
A seizure is a sudden, involuntary disturbance in your cat's brain activity. It often manifests as uncontrollable muscle contractions, paddling of the limbs, loss of bladder control, or a total loss of consciousness. It is a frightening experience for any pet owner, but understanding that your cat is not conscious or feeling pain during the event can help you stay calm and provide the necessary care.
Is my cat's seizure considered a medical emergency?
- Any first-time seizure requires a professional veterinary consultation to determine the underlying cause.
- A seizure lasting more than one minute is a critical emergency known as status epilepticus.
- Prolonged seizures can cause hyperthermia (dangerous spikes in body temperature), permanent brain damage, or organ failure.
- You must transport your cat to an emergency clinic immediately if the seizure persists for more than 60 seconds or if they have multiple seizures in a row.
How does recording a video or photo of the event help the veterinary team?
- Recording a short video safely provides an invaluable diagnostic tool that allows the vet to see the event firsthand.
- Because various neurological or cardiac events can mimic seizures, visual evidence helps the veterinary team differentiate between them.
- Seeing specific movements, the cat's level of awareness, and the exact duration helps the team begin the correct life-saving treatment the moment you arrive.
Clinical Context (Merck Veterinary Manual)
For cats experiencing seizures lasting over one minute, immediate intervention is warranted. Diazepam can be administered intravenously as a bolus (0.5-2 mg/kg), repeated up to three times at 5-10 minute intervals. If seizures persist after the second or third bolus, a constant-rate infusion (CRI) of diazepam at 0.5-2 mg/kg/hr may be initiated. Alternatively, propofol can be administered as a constant rate infusion at 0.1-0.6 mg/kg/min, followed by a loading dose of phenobarbital (if the animal is not already on phenobarbital) of 2-4 mg/kg, IV, every 6 hours for a total of four doses. In cases where hepatic conditions preclude phenobarbital use, levetiracetam 40-60 mg/kg may be administered IV, SC, or rectally.
Chapter: Neurology, Emergency, Pharmacology
Source: The Merck Veterinary Manual, 11th Edition (Page 1220)