TL;DR: Cat seizures are serious medical events requiring a veterinary evaluation, especially if they last more than five minutes or occur in clusters. Recording a video of the event is the most effective way to help your veterinarian reach an accurate diagnosis.
What does it look like when a cat is having a seizure or convulsion?
A seizure is a sudden, uncontrolled burst of electrical activity in the brain. In cats, this often presents as involuntary muscle contractions, paddling of the limbs, jaw snapping, or loss of consciousness. Convulsions are the physical manifestation of these electrical storms. Watching your cat go through this can be frightening, but understanding that they are not in pain during the event can help you stay calm and provide the necessary support.
Is my cat having a medical emergency if they have a seizure?
- The urgency level for feline seizures is high; they indicate underlying medical conditions like toxicity, metabolic disease, or neurological issues.
- While a single short seizure is rarely fatal, it requires a prompt veterinary diagnosis.
- Seek emergency care immediately for cluster seizures (multiple events within 24 hours).
- Emergency intervention is required if a seizure lasts longer than five minutes to prevent permanent brain damage or overheating.
Why should I record a video of my cat's seizure for the veterinarian?
- Many conditions, such as fainting or heart problems, can mimic seizures; a video helps your vet distinguish between them.
- Your cat will likely have stopped seizing by the time you reach the clinic, making visual evidence vital.
- Medical teams use the video to observe specific movement patterns, the duration of the episode, and post-seizure behavior.
- Providing a video enables a much faster and more accurate diagnosis during the triage process.
Clinical Context (Merck Veterinary Manual)
For emergency control of seizures in cats, diazepam can be administered intravenously as a bolus (0.5-2 mg/kg), repeated up to three times at 5-10 minute intervals, or as a constant-rate infusion (0.5-2 mg/kg/hr). If seizures persist, propofol can be given as a constant rate infusion (0.1-0.6 mg/kg/min), followed by a loading dose of phenobarbital (2-4 mg/kg, IV, every 6 hours for four doses) if the cat is not already on it. Levetiracitam (40-60 mg/kg, IV, SC, or rectally) can be used if phenobarbital is contraindicated due to pre-existing hepatic conditions. Diazepam may also be administered rectally at 1 mg/kg to prevent trips to emergency clinics.
Chapter: Neurology, Emergency
Source: The Merck Veterinary Manual, 11th Edition (Page 1221)