Cat Seizures: Causes, When to Worry, and When to Seek Care

Seizures in cats can be frightening to witness and are often a sign of an underlying neurological or medical condition. A seizure may involve sudden shaking, twitching, loss of awareness, or abnormal movements.

While some seizures may be brief, they should never be ignored, especially if they are new, severe, or recurring.

Common Causes of Seizures in Cats

Seizures can be caused by a variety of conditions affecting the brain or body. Common causes include:

• Toxin exposure (plants, medications, chemicals)
• Head trauma or injury
• Brain inflammation or infection
• Liver disease
• Kidney disease
• Low blood sugar
• Epilepsy
• Brain tumors

In some cases, the exact cause may not be immediately clear.

When Should You Be Concerned?

Any seizure should be taken seriously, but certain situations require immediate veterinary care.

You should seek care if your cat:

• Is having a seizure for the first time
• Has seizures lasting more than a few minutes
• Has multiple seizures in a short period
• Does not recover fully after a seizure
• Appears disoriented, lethargic, or unresponsive
• May have ingested something toxic

If a seizure lasts longer than a few minutes or your cat has repeated seizures, this is an emergency.

This Requires Immediate Emergency Care

A seizure can indicate a serious underlying condition and can quickly become life-threatening. This is not something AnimALL Mobile Veterinary Service is able to treat.

If your pet is showing signs of a life-threatening emergency, please go directly to the nearest emergency veterinary hospital rather than waiting for a mobile appointment.