The Scary Side Of Cat Epilepsy

While the Maine Coon cat breed is known for being healthy, epilepsy can still occur in these cats and is a serious condition needing immediate veterinary treatment.

This condition can vary greatly in symptoms and severity, but a diagnosis is not a death sentence for your cat, and many cats with this condition go on to live happy, fulfilling lives.

Maine Coon Epilepsy

Epilepsy in cats is a chronic neurological condition that causes recurrent seizures due to abnormal electrical activity in the brain. Though it is incurable, epilepsy can be managed with medication to reduce the frequency and severity of seizures.

It’s important to note that not all seizures in cats are a sign of epilepsy. Seizures can occur for various reasons, including:

• Exposure to toxins
• Head trauma
• Infections
• Metabolic issues like diabetes
• Brain tumors

Seizures may also be a symptom of other underlying illnesses, so diagnosing the root cause is crucial.

Epilepsy is relatively rare in cats, affecting approximately 1-2% of the feline population, but it is more commonly seen in certain breeds.

The severity of the seizures can vary. Some cats may exhibit uncontrollable movements or experience loss of consciousness, while others may show more subtle signs, such as unusual behavior or confusion.

The type and severity of seizures will influence treatment options.

When a cat experiences a seizure, it’s important to take them to the vet for evaluation. Your vet will begin by ruling out the following causes through blood work, urinalysis, and X-rays:

• Poisoning
• Infections
• Injuries

Once other causes are eliminated, your vet may diagnose epilepsy, which requires ongoing management.

Symptoms

Epilepsy in cats can have a wide range of symptoms, which also vary in severity.

Seizures that affect the entire brain are typically more severe than focal seizures, which only target one part of the brain.

Here is a list of symptoms based on the kind of seizure your cat may be experiencing (source 1,2):

1. Focal Seizures

Mild cat seizure symptoms are typically found in focal and psychomotor seizures.

Focal seizures are so named because they occur in one part of the brain. These seizures may be harder to detect because they typically have milder symptoms.

Psychomotor seizures are the rarest kind of seizures in cats. They usually result in bizarre changes in behavior.

Psychomotor seizures are a kind of focal seizure, but they tend to include more rapid, repetitive movements.

Here are some mild cat seizure symptoms to look out for.

Absent Stare

A cat experiencing a focal seizure may seem suddenly dazed and dreamlike, staring off into space without reacting to anything around them.

Twitching

Focal seizures usually result in twitching, bobbing, flicking, and other repetitive movements. Sometimes these movements affect only one side of the face or body.

Change In Behavior

People and animals experiencing focal seizures often experience strong changes in emotion.

Your cat may suddenly feel:

• Angry
• Sad
• Scared
• Happy

Your cat may become suddenly aggressive or attention-seeking.

Unusual Vocalization

During a focal seizure, cats may growl or make loud, unusual vocalizations.

Racing

Cats affected by psychomotor seizures may suddenly race around the house.

Many cats suddenly race around the house, but if this behavior is accompanied by other stereotyped (repetitive) movements, your cat may be suffering from a seizure.

Chewing

This kind of seizure can cause a cat to aggressively chew or bite its own body.

Biting At The Air

A particular behavior that has been observed in multiple cats with psychomotor seizures is known as “fly biting,” where the affected cat begins biting randomly in the air as if trying to catch a bug.

2. Generalized Seizures

Generalized seizures, also known as Grand Mal seizures, affect the entire brain.

These kinds of seizures usually result in much more severe and apparent symptoms.

Generalized seizures also have three distinct phases.

While dogs are more likely to experience generalized seizures, cats are more likely to experience focal seizures.

Pre-Ictal Phase

The pre-ictal phase is the period before your cat experiences a generalized seizure.

Also known as an “aura,” this phase usually includes changes in behavior and emotion.

• Lethargy: During the pre-ictal phase, your cat may feel foggy, sleepy, or confused. Some cats hide during the pre-ictal phase.

• Hyperactivity: Inversely, some cats get a burst of energy before a generalized seizure occurs.

• Behavior Changes: A cat experiencing the pre-ictal phase of a generalized seizure may become anxious or suddenly start seeking attention and reassurance.

Ictal Phase

The ictal phase is the actual seizure.

Most cat seizures last between 30 and 60 seconds, but they can be longer or shorter.

If your cat’s seizure lasts 5 minutes or longer, though, it is a medical emergency.

Here are some symptoms that may appear during the ictal phase:

• Uncontrollable Movements: Grand Mal seizures usually result in uncontrollable movements from twitching and jerking to full-body convulsions. Some cats paddle their legs or move as though they are running.

• Incontinence: Some cats experience a loss of control over their bladder and bowels, which can lead to accidents.

• Drooling Or Foaming: Your cat may begin salivating, drooling, or foaming at the mouth.

• Chewing: Some cats begin uncontrollably chewing and biting during a seizure. Contrary to popular belief, you should not put anything in your cat’s mouth for them to bite down on; it can cause jaw and tooth pain and can even cause damage.

• Bent Neck: Many cats that experience generalized seizures bend their neck backward along the spine.

• Unconsciousness: Generalized seizures result in loss of consciousness. Your cat will not be aware of what is happening during the seizure.

Post-Ictal Phase

The post-ictal phase occurs after the seizure has ended.

Your cat will regain consciousness and stop moving uncontrollably, but will still experience changes in behavior and emotions.

This phase usually lasts one or two days.

• Confusion: Since your cat will have lost consciousness during the seizure, it will experience distress and confusion upon waking up. It may not know where it is or what has happened.

• Sleepiness: Cats often experience lethargy after a seizure, and they can also show symptoms of depression.

• Hyperactivity: Some cats become restless or excited during the post-ictal phase and may pace or run around.

• Excessive Thirst And Hunger: Your cat may drink and eat a lot more following a seizure.

• Vomiting: Some cats experience nausea and vomiting after a generalized seizure. It is important to provide lots of food and fluids during this stage.

• Attention Seeking: Experiencing a seizure can be incredibly scary and disorienting. Your cat will likely want attention and reassurance after the seizure has occurred.

What Causes Cat Epilepsy?

1. Genetics

Cat epilepsy can be due to genetics, however, this is very rare in cats.

2. Brain Development

While epilepsy may not be present when a cat is born, if the brain develops abnormally during a cat’s younger years, it can lead to epilepsy.

3. Illness

Certain infections, diseases, and cancers can damage the brain enough to trigger epilepsy.

4. Injury

A head injury can be severe enough to cause epilepsy in cats, as well.

Cat Epilepsy Treatment

While there is no cure for epilepsy, medication can help control seizures. Anticonvulsant drugs are typically prescribed to reduce the occurrence and intensity of seizures.

Though seizures may not disappear completely, these medications often allow cats to live relatively normal lives.

Regular vet check-ups and adjustments to medication dosage may be necessary over time to ensure your cat remains comfortable and well-managed.

With proper treatment and monitoring, many cats with epilepsy can live happy, fulfilling lives despite their condition. I

If your cat has been diagnosed with epilepsy, following your vet’s treatment plan and observing your cat’s behavior closely is key to managing their health effectively.

Here are some things you can do before, during, and after seizures to make sure your cat is as comfortable as possible (source 1):

Monitor And Record Your Cat’s Symptoms

Keep track of the frequency and duration of your cat’s seizures.

Write down everything you can, so your vet has a comprehensive journal to look at when providing treatment.

Do Not Touch During A Seizure

While you may be tempted to hold your cat close during a seizure, it is important to avoid touching your cat unless necessary.

If your cat begins convulsing against furniture or hard objects, try to clear the space around your cat rather than moving your cat to a new location.

Time Every Seizure

Try to time every seizure you can, and record it, as well. This will help your vet learn more about your cat’s condition.

Most cats experience seizures for 30 to 60 seconds.

If the seizure lasts longer than five minutes, however, then it’s time to seek emergency treatment.

Clear Away Furniture

While you may not always be around when your cat is having a seizure, you can take precautions to make your environment safer for your cat.

You may want to put soft padding on the hard edges of chairs or other pieces of furniture.

During a seizure, make sure you clear away everything around your cat so it cannot injure itself.

Offer Support

After a seizure, your cat will likely be confused, afraid, and uncomfortable.

Talk gently and quietly to your cat, and pet or snuggle them if that is what they want.

Provide lots of food and water, as well.

Can Epilepsy Be Cured?

Currently, epilepsy cannot be cured in cats. It is a chronic neurological condition that causes recurrent seizures due to abnormal electrical activity in the brain.

While there is no cure for epilepsy, seizures can often be managed effectively with medication and careful monitoring.

For cats diagnosed with epilepsy, anticonvulsant medications are commonly prescribed to help reduce the frequency and severity of seizures.

These medications may not eliminate seizures, but they can significantly improve the quality of life for many cats, allowing them to live more comfortably.

In some cases, seizures may become less frequent as the cat ages, but ongoing treatment and adjustments to medication may be needed to keep the condition under control. 

Lifelong management is typically required for cats with epilepsy, and regular veterinary check-ups are important to ensure the right treatment and to monitor any changes in the cat’s condition.

With proper treatment, many cats with epilepsy can lead happy and fulfilling lives, despite their condition.

How Long Do Cats With Epilepsy Live?

There is no way for sure to estimate the lifespan of a cat with epilepsy.

It is estimated that about 70% of epileptic cats can live long, relatively normal lives, but about 30% of cats do not receive relief from medication.

Epilepsy is associated with reduced lifespan in both cats and humans. Humans with epilepsy live, on average, 11 to 12 years fewer than the average person.

However, this does not mean that they always die from epilepsy.

While it is not yet known why, it could be because epilepsy results in increased stress, decreasing the body’s ability to defend itself from illness.

Death during a seizure is very rare in cats, but it can still occur.

It is important to keep your cat in a safe space during seizures, so it cannot injure itself on any furniture or other objects (source 1).

If the worst happens, and you lose your beloved Maine Coon cat, one of these cat memorials might bring you a small token of comfort, helping you to remember your treasured feline friend.

Can Cats Develop Epilepsy Later In Life?

Cats usually develop epilepsy during young adulthood, between the ages of 1 and 3.

If your cat’s epilepsy is caused by abnormal brain development or genetics, then it will likely present earlier in life.

However, cats can also develop epilepsy from cancer, brain trauma, and certain diseases.

Epilepsy that is caused by disease or trauma can develop at any stage in a cat’s life (source 1).

Do Cats Feel Pain During Seizures?

Seizures are not usually painful but can result in injury and soreness.

If your cat experiences symptoms like rigid limbs, uncontrollable biting, or full-body convulsions, then it may injure itself or feel sore after the seizure is over.

While your cat’s seizures likely are not painful, they can be very uncomfortable and scary.

These uncontrollable episodes often cause a loss of consciousness, which can make your cat very confused and distressed afterward.

Having a seizure is an intense experience that will leave your cat drained, tired, and in need of lots of attention and cuddling.

While there is no way to know for sure what your cat’s seizures feel like, pay attention to your cat’s body language.

This can help you decide what your cat wants and needs after a seizure has ended (source 1).

When To Euthanize A Cat With Seizures

Euthanizing a cat is one of the most painful, difficult decisions a person can make, but in some cases, it is the most humane option.

While many cats who experience seizures go on to live long, happy lives, more severe cases are not always so promising.

Our cats cannot communicate how they feel, or just how uncomfortable their seizures make them.

There is also no way for us to explain to them why they are experiencing such confusing and distressing symptoms.

As a result, life for a cat with seizures can be even scarier than it is for humans.

If your cat is experiencing seizures due to a brain tumor or another serious underlying condition, then it may be time to say goodbye.

Cancer treatment is an exhausting, painful process, and this invasive process will be miserable, terrifying, and confusing for your cat.

While the decision to euthanize a cat is very personal, consider seeking the opinion of multiple vets, as well as close friends and family members.

Thankfully, most cats with epilepsy do not need to be euthanized.

While this condition can be scary and uncomfortable, seizures are not usually severe or frequent enough to warrant euthanasia.

Unless your cat is experiencing violent seizures so constantly that it is unable to play, snuggle, or otherwise enjoy its life, then euthanasia is not recommended.