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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.

A cat owner administering tablet medication to her cat

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.

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.

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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.

1300 228 377
1-15 Lexington Rd,
Underwood, QLD, AU, 4119
Monday-Friday: 8 am-6 pm
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