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Understanding Types of Seizures in Cats
Understanding seizures in cats
This guide will help you understand the different types of seizures, their potential causes, and how to assist your cat in these difficult moments.
Types of seizures
There are two main types of seizures seen in cats, each with different symptoms and levels of severity:
Generalised Seizure (Grand Mal)
A generalised seizure involves a complete loss of neurological control. When this happens, your cat’s whole body is affected. You might see severe twitching, uncontrolled leg paddling, tremors, and sometimes, the cat may lose consciousness.
Cats may also lose control of their bladder and bowel, resulting in accidents during the seizure. Though this can be alarming, remember that your cat isn’t in pain, and the episode typically lasts for a minute or two at most. It’s important not to interfere too much, as they may inadvertently scratch or bite while unaware of their surroundings.
Focal seizure (partial seizure)
More common in cats, focal seizures affect only a tiny part of the brain and can appear less dramatic.
Symptoms may include:
- Small head twitches
- Jaw chomping
- Blinking of one eye
- Strange movement of one limb
Though these symptoms might seem less severe, they are still concerning and require a vet’s attention. While focal seizures don’t always cause the full-body effects seen in generalised seizures, they still indicate abnormal activity in your cat’s brain.
If your cat experiences a seizure, filming the event on your smartphone can provide valuable information during your consultation. Please bring the video with you.
In summary, there are many reasons why your cat might have a seizure, and we’ll thoroughly explain them during our consultation. Feel free to reach out to us at Cat Specialist Services for any questions. We’re here for you.
What causes seizures in cats?
Seizures can have a wide range of causes. Some of the most common include:
Infectious diseases: In younger cats, conditions such as toxoplasmosis or feline infectious peritonitis (FIP) can lead to seizures. These diseases can affect the nervous system, causing abnormal brain activity.
Brain tumours: In older cats, brain cancers can be a culprit. Tumours can cause pressure on different areas of the brain, leading to seizures.
Other diseases: Cats with high blood pressure, severe liver disease, or other systemic illnesses may also experience seizures. When the body’s systems are out of balance, the brain can be impacted, triggering these events.
When your cat has a seizure, it’s crucial to investigate the underlying cause. A visit to the vet will likely include:
Blood tests: This help identify any infections, imbalances, or other systemic diseases that could be causing seizures.
Diagnostic imaging: Depending on the blood work results, your vet may recommend X-rays or ultrasounds to examine your cat’s internal organs and brain.
Advanced imaging: For more detailed information, procedures like CT scans or MRIs of your cat’s brain may be necessary. These can help identify tumours, inflammation, or other brain structural issues.
Spinal tap: A spinal tap (also called a cerebrospinal fluid tap) might be considered. This test collects fluid from around the spinal cord to check for inflammation or infection that could be contributing to the seizures.
What you can do to help
If your cat has a seizure, there are a few steps you can take to help your vet diagnose and treat the condition effectively:
Stay calm: Though upsetting, try to remain as calm as possible. Avoid holding or restraining your cat during the seizure; they may scratch or bite without realising it. Once the seizure ends, your cat will likely be disoriented, so give them space to recover.
Document the event: Filming the seizure on your smartphone can be incredibly helpful. Sharing this video with your vet provides valuable insights into the type of seizure and the severity of the episode. Bring the video with you during your consultation.
Note the symptoms: Take note of any other unusual behaviours your cat shows before, during, or after the seizure. Do they paddle their legs? Do they lose control of their bladder or bowels? These details can help guide the diagnosis and treatment plan.
Consult your vet: Even if your cat has only experienced one seizure, it’s important to consult your vet immediately. While some cats may only ever have a single seizure, others may develop more frequent or severe episodes. Early intervention can help prevent further damage and improve your cat’s quality of life.
Though seizures can be scary, the key to helping your cat is understanding their condition and seeking appropriate vet care. By working closely with your vet and monitoring your cat’s symptoms, you can help them lead a more comfortable and stable life.
“Focal seizures may appear as small head twitches or jaw chomping.”
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
What are the main types of seizures in cats?
Seizures in cats are generally classified as either generalised or focal. A generalised seizure affects the whole body, while focal seizures affect a smaller area of the brain and may produce more subtle symptoms.
How long does a seizure usually last in cats?
Most seizures last between 30 seconds and two minutes. After the episode, your cat may appear confused or tired while recovering.
What causes seizures in cats?
Seizures can occur for several reasons, including infections, brain disease or other underlying medical conditions. Your veterinarian may recommend diagnostic tests to identify the cause.
What should I do if my cat has a seizure?
It is important to stay calm and avoid interfering too much, as your cat may not be aware of its surroundings. If it is safe, recording the episode can help your veterinarian understand the symptoms.
When should I speak to a vet about seizures?
If your cat experiences a seizure, it is best to contact your veterinarian for advice. They may recommend further investigations or treatment depending on the frequency and severity of the episodes.
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
Generalised seizures affect the entire body and may involve twitching, tremors or loss of consciousness.
Focal seizures affect a smaller part of the brain and may cause subtle movements such as jaw chomping or blinking in one eye.
Recording a seizure episode can help veterinarians better understand what is happening and guide diagnosis.
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.
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