Feline Seizures: What They Look Like and What Causes Them

In this guide

Watching a cat have a seizure is frightening, and knowing what to do, and what not to do, in that moment makes a real difference to how the situation is handled.

What a seizure looks like

• Sudden collapse with stiffening or paddling limbs
• Loss of consciousness or awareness
• Drooling, chomping, or vocalising
• Loss of bladder or bowel control
• A dazed, wobbly, or temporarily blind state afterward, lasting minutes to hours

Common causes

• Epilepsy, where no other underlying cause is found
• Toxin exposure, including certain plants, pesticides, or human medications
• Liver or kidney disease affecting toxin removal from the body
• Head trauma, including falls from balconies or windows, a real risk in Indian apartment living
• Infections or, less commonly, brain tumours in older cats
• Low blood sugar or electrolyte imbalances

What to do during a seizure

• Keep your hands away from your cat's mouth, it cannot swallow its tongue and may bite unintentionally
• Clear nearby furniture or objects that could cause injury
• Dim harsh lights and reduce noise
• Time the seizure on your phone
• Once it ends, keep your cat warm, calm, and in a quiet, dark room

When to rush to a vet

• A seizure lasting more than two to three minutes
• More than one seizure within 24 hours
• A first-ever seizure in any cat, which always warrants investigation
• Any seizure in a kitten or senior cat

After the seizure

Even a single, brief seizure that resolves on its own should be reported to a vet, since it helps build a picture if it happens again. Bringing a video of the episode on your phone is one of the most useful things you can do for diagnosis.

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