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What causes an older cat to have a seizure?

What causes an older cat to have a seizure?

Extracranial causes can include ingestion of toxins, kidney disease, liver disease, heart arrhythmias, disrupted blood sugar regulation and more. Older cats are more likely than younger cats to have a concurrent health problem such as those listed here. A seizure may otherwise be ‘idiopathic’.

How old do cats have to be to have epilepsy?

While Idiopathic Epilepsy is generally a lifelong condition that appears young in dogs and cats – up to about 4 years of age for cats – it is far less common in cats than it is in dogs. Only about 25% of cat seizures are attributed to Idiopathic Epilepsy. Most seizures in cats are caused by brain disease and brain damage.

Is it possible for a dog to have a seizure?

Of household pets, dogs are the most likely to have seizures, as many suffer from Idiopathic Epilepsy. But cats can suffer from seizures too – especially older cats.

Do you notice if your cat has a seizure?

Since seizures tend to be very brief, you may not notice your cat having one. Alternatively, you may notice abnormal behavior after a seizure, during what’s known as the postictal phase.

What do you do if your cat is having a seizure?

To keep your cat as safe as possible during a seizure, make sure there are no objects or furniture nearby that could potentially hurt the animal. If your cat is near the stairs while he is having a seizure, carefully move him out of danger or block the path to the stairs.

Can cats die from having a seizure?

Seizures can cause death, but most end quickly after they start and can be controlled with proper veterinary care. If your cat has a seizure, take him to the vet as soon as possible. Seizures should never go untreated. Always consult an experienced veterinarian regarding the health and treatment of your pet.

Why does my cat have seizures?

When exposed to pyrethroids , cats may initially have muscle tremors, stumble, and start seizing. Other chemical exposures may also affect a cat’s nervous system and cause a seizure. Another reason why a cat may have a seizure is due to head trauma.

Was my cat dreaming or having a seizure?

Cats do dream , and they can be twitching in their sleep, as they dream of catching something. A seizure looks different, however. A mild seizure is sometimes barely noticeable; it may be only rapid blinking of the eyes a few times and/or the twitching or shaking of a single paw.

Can a 4 year old cat have a seizure?

But cats can suffer from seizures too – especially older cats. While Idiopathic Epilepsy is generally a lifelong condition that appears young in dogs and cats – up to about 4 years of age for cats – it is far less common in cats than it is in dogs.

While Idiopathic Epilepsy is generally a lifelong condition that appears young in dogs and cats – up to about 4 years of age for cats – it is far less common in cats than it is in dogs. Only about 25% of cat seizures are attributed to Idiopathic Epilepsy. Most seizures in cats are caused by brain disease and brain damage.

What causes seizures in older dogs and cats?

Of household pets, dogs are the most likely to have seizures, as many suffer from Idiopathic Epilepsy. But cats can suffer from seizures too – especially older cats. While Idiopathic Epilepsy is generally a lifelong condition that appears young in dogs and cats – up to about 4 years of age for cats – it is far…

What happens when a cat has a focal seizure?

During a focal seizure, your cat may cry loudly as though it is in pain, behave in an aggressive fashion, even if it is not normally an aggressive cat, salivate or drool excessively, and exhibit other atypical behavior. 1  Sometimes a cat will lose function of a leg, will appear to be chewing and staring off, or be unable to get up.

What should I do if my cat has a seizure?

If the primary cause of the seizures can be removed (e.g. poison or brain tumor) then the seizures may be permanently cured. If a cat suffers from idiopathic epilepsy, then the seizures can usually be controlled by lifelong anticonvulsant therapy.

What can cause a cat to have a seizure?

Flea and tick medication, sprays, dips, and shampoos can contain a chemical called pyrethrin that can cause a cat to have a seizure. This chemical is often used in over the counter flea treatments, especially ones that are designed for dogs, and can be toxic to cats.

Of household pets, dogs are the most likely to have seizures, as many suffer from Idiopathic Epilepsy. But cats can suffer from seizures too – especially older cats.

Can a stroke or seizure in an elderly cat?

While your cat is considered elderly or geriatric, it probably still has a few good years left if it can overcome the stroke. Give your cat comfort as much as you can…you will feel better about doing it regardless of the outcome. I hope for the best for your kitty and hope to hear something positive about it’s diagnosis. I wish you the best!