Top 5 Causes of Cat Seizures: What You Need to Know

Common Causes of Seizures in Cats

1. Internal Parasites in Cats

Surprisingly, the presence of parasites within a cat's body can also trigger seizures. In some severe cases of parasitic diseases, not only can they affect the cat during sleep, but they may also lead to seizures even when the cat is awake. For instance, certain parasitic infections can cause epilepsy in cats, rendering deworming medications less effective. In such scenarios, it's crucial to seek veterinary assistance promptly. Therefore, it's essential for pet owners to prioritize regular deworming for their feline companions.

2. Cats Dreaming

Just like humans may twitch during dreams, cats can experience similar reactions while sleeping. For example, if a cat dreams of chasing or playing, it might suddenly twitch its legs. This is merely a subconscious behavior in cats and can sometimes wake them up, only to fall back into a deep sleep. It's not uncommon for cats to have facial or mouth twitches if they dream of enjoying delicious treats. Observant pet owners might notice that sleeping cats can exhibit amusing actions like sticking out their tongues or snoring. However, it's important to differentiate: not all cats dream every day, and not all dreams result in seizures. If a cat frequently exhibits seizurelike movements, it may indicate a hidden illness. In such cases, it's best for the owner to take the cat to a veterinary clinic for a checkup.

3. Feline Epilepsy

Epilepsy in cats is not uncommon, often related to inbreeding. There are two types of epilepsy: congenital and secondary. When a cat has an epilepsy seizure, it's important for the owner to be present to provide gentle care. Epilepsy can be controlled with medication, and with proper management, seizures may not recur for years. Besides epilepsy, other conditions such as brain damage, toxic epilepsy, hepatic encephalopathy, vitamin B1 deficiency, electrolyte imbalances, calcium deficiency, and more can cause seizures in cats. Even extreme fear or shock can lead to seizures. To prevent this, owners should take precautions to ensure their cats remain calm and avoid startling them or allowing them to become overly excited.

4. Calcium Deficiency in Cats

Just as humans can experience muscle spasms and leg twitches due to calcium deficiency, cats can too, especially during their growth stages when they require more calcium. If they don't receive adequate calcium from their diet, it can lead to seizures. Older cats, who lose calcium at a faster rate, also need to be supplemented with calciumrich foods. Providing highenergy calcium supplements can help prevent seizures in cats.

5. Deficiency of Trace Elements in Cats

Cats that lack certain trace elements, such as vitamins, can suffer from frequent seizures, which tend to be more regular. In such cases, owners should supplement their cats' diet with additional vitamins. Once the cat's vitamin levels are sufficient, the seizures should gradually decrease, and the cat will become healthier.

These are the five common reasons for seizures in cats, as summarized by Oxygen Pet Doctor. We hope this information is helpful to all pet owners, enabling them to correctly identify the cause of their cat's seizures and provide the best possible treatment to restore their pet's health and happiness!