Cat Seizure: Causes, Types, What to Do & Treatment Guide 2026

A cat seizure is a sudden, uncontrolled burst of electrical activity in the brain that causes temporary changes in behavior, movement, or consciousness. Witnessing your cat have a seizure can be terrifying, but knowing what to do — and what not to do — can protect your cat and help your vet diagnose the underlying cause quickly.

This guide is for informational purposes. If your cat is having a seizure right now, keep them safe from hazards and call your emergency vet immediately.

What Is a Cat Seizure?

A cat seizure occurs when abnormal electrical activity in the brain disrupts normal neurological function, causing involuntary muscle activity, altered consciousness, or unusual behavior. Seizures can range from a brief “absence” episode where the cat stares blankly for a few seconds, to a full tonic-clonic convulsion involving the entire body.

Seizures in cats are less common than in dogs, but they still occur and can signal serious underlying health conditions. Unlike what many pet owners believe, a seizure is not a disease itself — it’s a symptom of a dysfunction somewhere in the brain or body.

A seizure episode typically has three distinct phases:

• Pre-ictal (aura) phase: Minutes to hours before the seizure — your cat may seem restless, clingy, confused, or hide. Some cats vocalize or drool.
• Ictal phase: The seizure itself. Can last seconds to several minutes.
• Post-ictal phase: After the seizure — your cat may be disoriented, exhausted, temporarily blind, or very hungry/thirsty. This phase can last minutes to hours.

Types of Cat Seizures

Source: International Veterinary Epilepsy Task Force; Cornell Feline Health Center

Common Causes of Seizures in Cats

Seizures in cats are classified as either intracranial (originating from inside the brain) or extracranial (caused by problems elsewhere in the body that affect brain function).

Intracranial causes:

• Feline epilepsy (idiopathic — no identifiable cause)
• Brain tumors (meningioma is the most common in cats)
• Feline infectious peritonitis (FIP) affecting the brain
• Toxoplasmosis
• Head trauma
• Cerebrovascular disease (stroke)
• Inflammatory brain disease (encephalitis)

Extracranial causes:

• Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) — common in diabetic cats on insulin
• Liver disease (hepatic encephalopathy)
• Kidney failure (uremia affecting the brain)
• Severe hypertension (often from hyperthyroidism or kidney disease)
• Toxin ingestion: permethrin (in dog flea products — highly toxic to cats), essential oils, certain plants, medications
• Hypocalcemia (low calcium)
• Thiamine deficiency

Notably, permethrin toxicity from dog flea spot-on products applied to or near cats is a significant and preventable cause of severe cat seizures. Always use cat-specific flea products and keep cats away from treated dogs for at least 24–48 hours.

What to Do During a Cat Seizure

Stay calm and follow these steps:

• Do NOT restrain your cat — this can cause injury to both of you. Cats cannot swallow their tongue during a seizure.
• Clear the area — gently move furniture, objects, or stairs your cat could fall onto or into.
• Dim lights and reduce noise — bright light and sound can prolong or worsen the seizure.
• Time the seizure — use your phone to time it. If it lasts more than 3–5 minutes, it’s a medical emergency.
• Record it on video — if safe to do so. This footage is invaluable for your vet.
• Don’t put your hands near the cat’s mouth — a seizing cat can bite reflexively without intending to.
• Stay close but calm — your presence and calm voice may help your cat orient more quickly in the post-ictal phase.
• Call your vet immediately after — even if it was brief. Any first seizure or seizure in a previously unseen cat warrants veterinary evaluation.

Emergency criteria — go to the emergency vet immediately if: the seizure lasts more than 5 minutes, your cat has two or more seizures within 24 hours, or your cat does not regain consciousness between episodes.

Diagnosis & Treatment Options

Your vet will take a detailed history (when did the seizure happen, how long, what did it look like, any recent toxin exposure), then typically perform:

• Complete blood count (CBC) and chemistry panel — checks for liver, kidney, blood sugar issues
• Blood pressure measurement — hypertension is a major seizure trigger in cats
• Thyroid testing — hyperthyroidism is common in middle-aged to senior cats
• Urinalysis
• MRI or CT scan — if a brain lesion or structural cause is suspected
• Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis — tests for infections or inflammation

Treatment depends entirely on the underlying cause:

• Epilepsy: Phenobarbital or levetiracetam (Keppra) are most commonly prescribed for cats
• Hypertension: Amlodipine
• Hyperthyroidism: Methimazole, radioactive iodine therapy
• Liver disease: Dietary management, lactulose, ursodiol
• Toxin: Decontamination, IV fluids, muscle relaxants (for permethrin toxicity)
• Brain tumor: Surgery, radiation, or palliative care

Many cats with well-controlled epilepsy go on to live long, comfortable lives. The key is early diagnosis and consistent medication management. Find experienced veterinary care professionals on HeiBob to help you navigate your cat’s health journey.

Frequently Asked Questions About Cat Seizures

Concerned about your cat’s health? Find trusted veterinary care services on HeiBob and connect with professionals near you.