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Why Anti-seizure Medications are Important for Cats
Anti-seizure medications for cats: A guide for cat owners
If your cat has been diagnosed with a seizure disorder, long-term management with anti-seizure medications may be recommended to reduce the frequency and severity of these events. Dr Rachel Korman, a feline internal medicine specialist at Cat Specialist Services, shares her expertise in using anti-seizure drugs for cats.
Why anti-seizure medications are important.
Every time a cat experiences a seizure, their brain becomes overstimulated, increasing the likelihood of more seizures in the future.
The purpose of anti-seizure medications is to suppress this abnormal brain activity, helping to break the cycle and decrease both the frequency and intensity of seizures. By reducing how often your cat has seizures, these medications can significantly improve their quality of life.
Common anti-seizure medications for cats
There are two main anti-seizure medications commonly used for long-term management in cats:
Phenobarbital:
Available in both tablet and liquid forms, phenobarbital is highly effective in controlling cat seizures.
Each cat may require a different dosage, so the medication is tailored based on your cat’s needs and response.
Depending on your cat’s preference, you can choose the form of the medication that is easiest to administer.
Levetiracetam: Another common anti-seizure drug, levetiracetam is typically given in liquid form thrice daily. It provides an alternative for cats that may not tolerate phenobarbital or need additional seizure control.
Giving medication to cats can sometimes be challenging. If you struggle to administer anti-seizure drugs, contact Cat Specialist Services or your vet for advice and support.
Some anti-seizure medications may also require periodic blood tests to monitor the drug levels in your cat’s system. This is particularly important if seizures continue to occur despite treatment, as your vet may need to adjust the dosage to ensure optimal seizure control.
When should anti-seizure medication be started?
The decision to start your cat on anti-seizure medication depends on several factors, including:
- The frequency of seizures (more than one per month is often a sign that medication may be necessary)
- Cluster seizures, where multiple seizures happen close together.
- The presence of structural brain disease, such as a brain tumour or head trauma, can contribute to seizure activity.
The goal of starting drug therapy is to minimize the severity and frequency of your cat’s seizures. Vets typically start with low doses of medication and gradually increase them based on how your cat responds. Early in treatment, your cat may need to visit the vet more frequently to monitor their progress and fine-tune the dosage.
Keeping a seizure diary can be incredibly helpful. In the diary, note:
- The date and time of each seizure
- The severity of the episode
- Any abnormal behaviours or symptoms before, during, or after the seizure (such as twitching, paddling, or vocalisation)
This information will allow your vet to tailor the treatment plan more effectively and adjust the medication if needed.
“Phenobarbital and levetiracetam are commonly used seizure medications.”
Consistency is key
It’s important to remember that anti-seizure medications are usually a long-term treatment. Stopping the medication suddenly can cause rebound seizures, where the brain becomes overstimulated again, leading to more frequent or severe episodes. Therefore, it’s crucial to administer the medication consistently and follow your vet’s guidance closely.
If you have any concerns about your cat’s medication or notice any changes in their behaviour or health, contact Cat Specialist Services. We can help adjust the treatment plan to ensure the best possible care for your cat.
By managing your cat’s seizures with the proper medication and monitoring, you can help improve their comfort and well-being, giving them a better chance at a happy, healthy life.
Are you worried about your cat’s health?
If you are concerned about your cat, please reach out to our friendly team. Call us on 1300 228 377 or fill out the contact form below. In an emergency, please contact your local vet.
For vets – to refer a patient or book a telehealth consultation, please call us on 1300 228 377, book through the portal or fill in the form.
Meet The Author
Dr Rachel Korman
Specialist in Feline Internal Medicine
BVSc MANZCVS (Internal Medicine) FANZCVS (Feline Medicine)
Dr. Korman’s childhood love for cats led her to veterinary medicine, and early on, it was clear that feline care was her calling. After graduating from the University of Queensland in 2000, she worked in small animal and feline-only practices across Australia and the UK.
She received a Senior Clinical Training Scholarship from the Feline Advisory Bureau (now International Cat Care) at the University of Bristol, where she researched feline infectious and haematological diseases, and in 2018, became a Fellow of the Feline Medicine Chapter of the Australian New Zealand College of Veterinary Scientists and a registered Feline Medicine specialist.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are anti-seizure medications prescribed for cats?
These medications help suppress abnormal electrical activity in the brain. This reduces the frequency and severity of seizure episodes.
What anti-seizure medications are commonly used in cats?
Phenobarbital and levetiracetam are two medications commonly used for long-term seizure control. Each medication works differently to stabilise brain activity.
Can seizure medications improve a cat’s quality of life?
Yes. By reducing seizure frequency, treatment can significantly improve comfort and stability for affected cats.
How is the correct dose determined?
Veterinarians adjust the dosage based on the cat’s response and tolerance to the medication. Regular monitoring may be required.
What should owners do if they struggle to give seizure medication?
If administering medication is difficult, veterinarians can provide advice or alternative options to make treatment easier.
Patient Stories
Our commitment to feline health is best seen in the stories of the cats we’ve had the privilege of treating. These journeys highlight the dedication, expertise and compassion that drive us.
Each patient faced unique challenges, and it was our honour to offer high-quality care and help them regain strength and happiness. We value the deep bonds with cats and their owners, knowing the difference we make in their lives.
Kitty, a lymphoma survivor
We first met Kitty after she was referred to CSS for the evaluation of a large intestinal mass
Poppi finds her feet again
Following surgery to remove a hairball obstruction, Poppi was referred to us at CSS as she had not bounced back as expected
Rusty and his ongoing chronic rhinitis journey
Lifelong nasal issues, including persistent discharge and breathing noise, have been a bit of a thorn in Rusty’s side.
Lando’s long game with cryptococcus
Lando was referred to CSS because he had a swelling under his jaw that wouldn’t go away.
Popeye coughs up the culprit
Ares is a handsome young Maine Coon who was referred to CSS after presenting at AES with sudden lameness in his back leg.
Key Takeaways
Anti-seizure medications help reduce the frequency and severity of seizures in cats.
Seizures can increase the likelihood of future episodes due to brain overstimulation.
Phenobarbital and levetiracetam are commonly used medications for long-term seizure control.
Cat Specialist Services Reviews 
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Tanya Bell
6 months ago
We transported our cat here from another animal hospital, as his condition was too complex for them. Our pet was given the highest quality of care, multiple investigations/procedures being able to be done at the one place a godsend. We were kept up to date frequently throughout his stay. All questions & options explained thoroughly. Being able to have private visits certainly helped us and our cat too. I would highly recommend Cat Specialist Services at Underwood. Amazing staff from reception, vet nurses, vets & specialists. Oh, and yes he is recovering wonderfully at home.
Melinda Cox
A month ago
So very happy we were asked to come here for advice for our NORBIT. He has had 2 x UTI blockages within weeks of each other since turning 6. Surgery seemed to be his only option and he didn’t feel it was very fair on him if we didn’t at least exhaust all other avenues first.
Dr Allison was very thorough in her tests and has let us know she would like to treat the cause of the problem. Great news.
It may lead to removal of crystals in his bladder if his diet doesn’t let him pass them naturally.
At least this surgery won’t be as severe at taking his penis off him – so as his fur parents – we are very happy with this.
We await further tests to see what’s in store for him.
NORBIT will now be a patient of the clinic as we are so far very happy with his treatment thus far.
Lesley Rosekrans
A month ago
Hi has only been a week since losing my beautiful Peaches but can’t thank Dr Cindy, Maree and Jackie enough for the tender care they gave her and they after care they gave me. I sincerely thank them and can’t recommend the Clinic highly enough they are such caring people. Peaches I’m happier times.
Madison McEwan
A month ago
I cannot thank the entire CSS team enough and especially Dr Cindy for the care they provided for our boy with a urinary blockage, and we will be taking both our cats here from now on. The clinic is exceptionally clean and calming compared to all other clinics we’ve been too, and all staff from the reception to the nurses/vets were so supportive during a stressful time. I knew from the first minute that I got to see him after he was transferred that he was in the best place, and that the staff genuinely care about their well-being and positive long term outcomes. We were given regular updates and full transparency, so much information including QR video codes on how to administer medications, along with print outs and emails about how to best help avoid future issues or recurrence. Our boy got to smooch on everyone and was beyond well looked after. Thank you again, you all made an incredibly stressful situation actually manageable and calming.
Astrid El Gamal
6 months ago
Dr Wan-Ju has been treating my baby since her first seizure in November 2025 and she has been fantastic.
Everybody at the clinic is so friendly and caring and I know my baby is in good hands.
Thank you team!
Deeba M
3 months ago
Dr Alison Jukes from CSS Underwood is an AMAZING feline physician. She is kind, professional, thorough and our cat is blessed to have her on his side. She even was able to save us money and invasiveness by being skilled to the level of doing ultrasound on two separate occasions without our cat needing to go under full sedation. Our other cat was recently seen by Dr Jukes as well, and she made sure our cat’s heart was ok. I also want to thank the lovely Jacqueline and Mairead from customer care. They are very kind each time I see them and call up. Sending thanks from our family, including Smokey and Floozy!
Judith Dionysius
A month ago
My whole experience with CSS was positive – from the first email I received giving lots of information regarding the process of radioactive iodine treatment to the expected costs, to checking my cat in for the treatment, boarding for 2 weeks after the treatment and picking her up to come home. They didn’t push for any tests that were not necessary.
Janelle Wieden
5 months ago
We never knew this service existed but we are very grateful we were referred to them. Our vet Cindy was really great, she made us feel at ease during a very stressful time. We got the sense straight away the Leo was in good hands. This service made us feel better knowing that they specialise is cats only. Would highly recommend their services
Georgia Carter
5 months ago
My Lani finished her I-131 treatment today and I am beyond impressed with the way she was looked after. I am by definition a neurotic pet owner and sending my fur child away for a week was seriously daunting.
I was given daily updates about how kitty was eating, toileting and behaving. This really put my mind at ease. Vets and vet nurses were so accomodating and allowed Lani to have her favourite foods from home prepared her favourite way.
Her vet was so thorough when explaining her treatment and condition to me.
The ladies at reception were so friendly and understanding.
I honestly cannot recommend this clinic enough and I am so thankful for the positive experience Lani and I have had.
Lauren Woodward
A year ago
My sweet ginger boy Louis was hospitalised at CSS for a Urinary Obstruction. Dr Cindy and all the reception staff were amazing and empathetic. I would often ring up with questions post procedure and Dr Cindy would make time to talk and explain things to me
Service Locations
Cat Specialists accepts referrals for cats across Brisbane and surrounding regions, working closely with local veterinary clinics to provide specialist diagnosis, treatment, and ongoing management.
Contacting Us
Pet Owners
If you would like to talk about treatment for your cat, call us on 1300 228 377 or fill in the form.
In an emergency, please contact your local vet.
Vets and Nurses
To refer a patient or book a telehealth consultation please call us on 1300 228 377, book through the portal or fill in the form. For advice calls, please see the guidelines here.
Monday-Friday: 8 am-6 pmSaturday/Sunday - Closed