Feline epilepsy is rare, but it does exist. Unfortunately, many of the drugs that counteract seizures in dogs are toxic to cats and the options for treatment are therefore limited. However, there are medications and some lifestyle changes in cats that can help treat and control their epilepsy. Start from step 1 to learn more.
Steps
Part 1 of 4: Getting Diagnosis and Treatment for the Cat
Step 1. Take the cat to the vet
An appropriate diagnosis for epilepsy is crucial to make sure the animal has the most suitable treatment. If your vet diagnoses your cat with epilepsy, they will be able to prescribe a medication that can reduce or eliminate seizures. Be prepared to answer her questions and provide information related to the cat's attacks including:
- The appearance of the cat during a seizure
- The duration of the attack and how often it occurs
- Whether or not the cat has recently had a fever
- If the cat has been exposed to toxins
- If the cat got injured
- If the cat is up to date with the vaccination
- If you have had any contact with other cats
- Changes in your behavior or appetite
- If you have noticed elements recurring during attacks
- If you have noticed any signs that the seizure is coming
Step 2. Let the vet do some testing
He will need to do blood tests, x-rays, and perform a physical exam of the cat. This will help him rule out other possible causes of the attacks, such as an injury.
Step 3. Give the drug for your entire life
If your vet determines that your cat has epilepsy and needs the drug, they will need to take it for their entire life. Strictly follow the dosage of the drug according to the directions of the doctor, otherwise the cat could have even more serious attacks as a result.
Part 2 of 4: Using Phenobarbital to Prevent Seizures
Step 1. Understand how this drug can help fight seizures
Phenobarbital is the most common medicine for treating this type of seizure in cats.
- It is an anticonvulsant drug that raises the stimulation threshold of the motor cortex, decreasing its natural excitability.
- This way your cat's nerves will become less sensitive and her brain will require more stimulation to trigger a seizure.
Step 2. Follow your vet's directions for administering phenobarbital
Your vet will prescribe a dosage, including instructions on how to administer it appropriately. Make sure you follow them with care and attention.
- If the dosage is ineffective, consult your veterinarian again.
- Once ingested, phenobarbital will pass through the stomach walls and be rapidly absorbed into the blood.
Step 3. Use liquid phenobarbital for cats that are difficult to administer pills
Phenobarbital is available in liquid form and in tablets. Liquid is easier to use when the cat is having difficulty swallowing pills. Share this information with your vet if needed.
Liquid phenobarbital is more convenient for giving small doses of medicine. The tablets are very hard and therefore more difficult to cut
Step 4. The cat may appear sedated by the drug
In the first 4 or 5 days of treatment, the cat may appear sedated. However, you should become more alert and active as your body begins to get used to the new medicine.
Step 5. Understand that phenobarbital could make your cat fat
As with dogs, this medicine stimulates the cat's thirst and appetite and could lead to him gaining weight. There is nothing you can do about it, but always try to keep your feline friend healthy by ensuring a balanced and healthy diet.
Step 6. Be aware of the risks involved with the drug
It is metabolized by the liver and if it is damaged, phenobarbital will not be absorbed properly and this will lead to increased levels of toxins in the blood.
- In some cases, phenobarbital can lead to autoimmune destruction of red blood cells and can prevent the bone marrow from functioning, thus stopping the production of new cells.
- Do your best to avoid these complications by checking your cat's health carefully and taking him to the vet for regular visits.
Part 3 of 4: Using Diazepam to Prevent Consecutive Seizures
Step 1. Understand how diazepam prevents seizures
If a phenobarbital therapy proves ineffective or impractical, you can try giving your cat diazepam. Instead of giving him the drug on a daily basis to prevent seizures, diazepam is given following a seizure to decrease the chance of a series of consecutive seizures.
- Some cats have a greater tendency to suffer from consecutive seizures than others. These are crises that occur in rapid succession, one after the other.
- Diazepam decreases the activity of the central nervous system, mitigating brain waves and making them less reactive. This way the risk of consecutive attacks will be lower.
Step 2. Give your cat diazepam orally
This is the most common way to give him the drug. The correct dose varies from cat to cat, depending on their reaction to this medicine. Veterinarians usually prescribe doses ranging from 1 to 5 mg per day.
Step 3. Administer diazepam rectally during a seizure
If the cat is having a seizure, a suppository will be more effective, as diazepam is rapidly absorbed through the rectal mucosa.
- Special syringes are available for rectal administration in the form of 5 mg tubes, the correct dose for a medium-sized cat. It will keep the animal sedated for 6-8 hours, decreasing the likelihood of other seizures.
- Giving the suppository to the cat is not difficult, just proceed in the same way as you feel the fever.
Step 4. Be aware that in rare cases diazepam can cause fatal liver necrosis
The use of diazepam in cats is controversial for this very reason, although cases are quite rare.
- The problem arises when the liver has an idiosyncratic reaction which causes its functionality to stop completely. The causes are still unknown.
- It is important to remember that this is a rare phenomenon and that the chances of it happening should be compared to the pain caused by seizures (both for you and for your cat).
Part 4 of 4: Keeping Your Cat Safe and Healthy
Step 1. Avoid touching the cat during a seizure
You should try hard not to touch him when he has a seizure. Any form of tactile, sound, or olfactory stimulus stimulates the brain and could prolong the duration of the seizure.
- Also for this reason remember to lower the shutters, turn off the lights and the TV and let those present leave the room.
- Never put your hand in front of or in the animal's mouth during an attack. It may bite you and be unable to break away.
Step 2. Place pillows around the cat to protect him during the seizure
If he is in a place where he could get hurt, instead of moving him, it is better to place pillows all around him. If he is in danger of falling and injuring himself, place a thick duvet under him to cushion the fall.
Step 3. Try to keep your four-legged friend who suffers from epilepsy inside the house
Cats are independent animals and love to explore and roam their territory, but this type of attack is unpredictable and can occur anywhere and anytime.
- If the cat has a seizure while climbing a tree, it could fall and harm itself. Likewise, a cat that has to avoid neighbors' dogs could be in trouble if an attack occurs at the wrong time..
- For these reasons it is advisable to keep it inside. You won't guarantee its safety, but it will certainly be easier to find if it falls and gets hurt.
Step 4. Consider switching to a gluten-free diet
There is no scientific evidence on the role of nutrition in epilepsy, but some cats appear to have stopped suffering from seizures when they stopped consuming gluten-containing foods.
- Since they are carnivorous animals, it can be said that they are not made to digest wheat and therefore tend to develop antibodies to gluten which can be toxic to the brain.
- If your cat is healthy, apart from epilepsy, you may want to offer him a complete, balanced, gluten-free, low-carb, and high-protein diet.
- To find a balanced, gluten-free diet, contact an animal nutritionist who specializes in small pets. You can find one at major universities or you could maybe do a search online.
