My cat had a seizure

Moms View Message Board: General Discussion: Archive May 2004: My cat had a seizure

Last night, we heard our 2 1/2 yr old cat, Pretzel, yowling...we went in to see what the matter was and she just sat there, yowling like she was in pain. Then she lay down, stretched out, and began panting like crazy, tongue hanging out and eyes 1/2 shut. I petted her and talked to her, but she just seemed to fade. The girls and I were horrified...she honestly looked like she was dying and there wasn't anything I could do about it! After about a minute (seemed longer), she just kind of blinked, swallowed, then closed her mouth, stopped panting, and sat up. I petted her and she began purring like nothing was wrong! We watched her closely, and I haven't noticed anything wrong, except maybe slightly less energy. She usually tears around the house in the morning, and this morning she didn't. But I got her to play, she's been stretching and grooming, going to her litter box, purring, etc. I called the vet, and was told "it's not uncommon." They said if it happens more severely or more frequently to call.
Has anyone ever had this happen? She's my third cat and I've never seen it before. It's scaring me!

By Emily7 on Thursday, May 13, 2004 - 04:07 pm:

My DH had a dog that had siezures, he was on meds & everything (not fun to give). He lived a very happy & normal life.

By Trina~moderator on Thursday, May 13, 2004 - 04:15 pm:

I've had cats my whole life and have never experienced this. Honestly, the "it's not uncommon" comment wouldn't be good enough for me. I'd want to take her in for an exam and possibly bloodwork to see what's up. If everything looks normal, fine but *if* something is wrong early intervention is important. Keep us posted. {{{HUGS}}}

By Yjja123 on Thursday, May 13, 2004 - 04:45 pm:

I am not sure I would agree with the its not uncommon comment either. Seizures can mean a lot of things even epilepsy. I had a dog that had epilepsy and we had to hold him whenever he had one so he wouldn't hurt himself. He was on several different medications but none ever prevented the seizures. One day he went into one and didn't come out. I came home from school to find out my parents had put him down.
I am not trying to scare you. Just watch your cat. If it happens again I would have him checked out.
Hopefully it was a one time thing and will never happen again!
Yvonne

By Debbie on Thursday, May 13, 2004 - 04:52 pm:

We had a dog that had epilepsy. He had his first seizure at around 2 years old. When the first one happened we thought he had chewed on an electrical cord and gotten shocked. Scared us to death. We took him to the vet and he was diagnosed with epilepsy and put on medication. After he was on the medication, I don't think he had any more seizures. I would definitely keep and eye on her and take her to the vet if it happens again.

By Palmbchprincess on Thursday, May 13, 2004 - 09:04 pm:

Janet, no advice, just hugs... that must have been frightening!!!

By Feona on Friday, May 14, 2004 - 05:54 am:

The second time it happens they might put the cat on medication.

I think if a human has this problem they give valium type medicine before the attack begins. I think they get a medication every day too. Someone I know has mild type.

I know it must have been so scary to see.

By Ladypeacek on Friday, May 14, 2004 - 07:33 am:

Well i had the same thing happen and i took him to the vet and it turned out to be that he had mites. I didn't think cats got them but he said it depends on where you live and the kind of mite. The seizure was actually the cat trying to get to a spot he could not get too and his muscles spasmed almost like a cramp. If he does it again i would suggest taking him to the vet anyways no matter how common it is. It could be something simple like in my case but it could also be something worse. He could have a stroke or it could be epilepsy like the others said. I would just watch him and if it happens again take him in! ((((HUGS))))

By Vicki on Friday, May 14, 2004 - 10:06 am:

One of my friends had a cat that did something very similar to what your talking about and it was stroke. I don't think I would buy the "common" thing either. To me, things like that don't happen for no reason at all!! I hope it was a one time thing for you and your kitty is fine!!

By Janet on Friday, May 14, 2004 - 10:20 am:

She's been acting fine, and even ripping around the house like a crazy kitty (normal behavior) last night and this morning. No sign of anything wrong. She's eating, playing, attacking feet, watching birds, napping... Weird. Well, I'm keeping an eye on her, and next time--if there is one--she's going to the vet. Just for the record, I don't buy the "not unusual" comment either (so you guys don't think I'm totally stupid). Thanks for the kind kitty concern!