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What to do When Your Cat is Having a Seizure
What to do when your cat is having a seizure: A guide for cat owners
It can be incredibly distressing to see your cat having a seizure, but the most important thing is to stay calm.
Seizures are usually not harmful to cats and rarely cause significant damage to themselves during the event.
However, trying to intervene too much can lead to accidental injuries, such as scratching or biting, so it’s best to keep a safe distance while keeping an eye on your cat.
How long do seizures last?
In most cases, a seizure lasts only 30 seconds to two minutes. Once it’s over, give your cat time to settle down. If possible, note the time when the seizure started and observe any specific symptoms, such as:
- Paddling or twitching of the limbs
- Loss of bladder or bowel control
- Any vocalisations or odd behaviours
These observations can provide valuable information to your vet during a follow-up consultation.
Why do seizures happen in cats?
Seizures in cats can have many causes, including:
- Infectious diseases like toxoplasmosis or feline infectious peritonitis, especially in younger cats.
- Brain cancers, which are more common in older cats.
- Underlying conditions like high blood pressure or severe liver disease.
To properly diagnose the cause of your cat’s seizures, your vet may recommend several tests, including blood work, x-rays, ultrasounds, or more advanced procedures like a CT scan or MRI of your cat’s brain. In some cases, a spinal tap may also be performed.
What to do during a seizure
If your cat experiences a seizure, it can be helpful to film the event on your smartphone if it’s safe to do so. This can provide your vet with crucial information to better understand your cat’s condition.
Once the seizure is over, try to keep your cat calm and quiet. If your cat has had previous seizures, your vet may already have prescribed medication to help manage the situation at home.
Every seizure increases the likelihood of another one occurring due to abnormal electrical activity in the brain. For this reason, your vet may prescribe anti-seizure medications to help reduce the chances of repeat seizures.
Anti-seizure medications for cats
The most common drugs used to manage seizures at home are diazepam or midazolam—both of which are short-acting anti-seizure medications. These drugs aren’t for long-term use but are highly effective during or immediately after a seizure.
These medications usually come in a light-proof bottle with detailed instructions on administering them. Depending on the method, you’ll typically receive a syringe and either a catheter tip or an atomiser for easy application.
There are two common ways to administer these medications:
- Per rectal administration (into the cat’s bottom)
- Intranasal administration (sprayed into the cat’s nose)
Per rectal method:
- Wear gloves and remove the child-proof cap from the medication bottle.
- Draw up the prescribed dosage into the syringe.
- Attach the soft catheter tip to the syringe.
- Gently insert the tip into your cat’s bottom and slowly push the plunger to administer the medication.
Intranasal method:
- Attach the atomiser to the syringe.
- Prime the atomiser by squirting a small amount into the tube.
- Gently hold your cat’s head and stroke them to keep them calm.
- Insert the atomiser into your cat’s nostril and spray the medication. Your cat may sneeze, but they will still absorb enough of the drug for it to be effective.
Each cat may respond better to one method over the other, so don’t hesitate to ask your vet which technique might be best for your situation.
If needed, the medication can be given in up to three doses every five minutes. However, if your cat continues to have seizures after these doses, seeking immediate veterinary attention is essential.
By staying calm and prepared, you can help manage your cat’s seizures effectively and ensure they get the necessary care. If you have any questions or concerns, don’t hesitate to contact your vet for advice and support.
“Stay calm and observe rather than trying to intervene.”
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 should I do if my cat is having a seizure?
The most important thing is to stay calm and keep a safe distance. Trying to restrain your cat can result in accidental scratches or bites. Observing the seizure carefully is usually the safest approach.
How long do seizures usually last in cats?
Most seizures last between 30 seconds and two minutes. After the episode ends, your cat may need some time to recover and settle.
Should I try to stop the seizure?
It’s best not to interfere unless your cat is in immediate danger. Intervening too much can increase the risk of injury to both you and your cat.
Can recording the seizure help my veterinarian?
What should I do after the seizure ends?
Allow your cat to rest in a quiet environment while they recover. If seizures occur repeatedly or your cat has not been diagnosed before, contact your veterinarian.
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
Seeing a cat have a seizure can be distressing, but the most important first step is to remain calm.
Most seizures last between 30 seconds and two minutes and usually resolve on their own.
Recording the episode on video can help veterinarians better understand the condition.
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