Introduction
Seizures in cats are often characterized by distress meowing, stiffness of the muscles, loss of control over the bladder and bowels, and paddling of the legs. The length of time a seizure lasts often depends of the severity and type of seizure the cat is experiencing.
Symptoms of Seizures in Cats
Petite Mal Seizures
One of the first symptoms of seizures in cats is usually a distressful and loud meow, or the cat will begin to continually cry out as if it is in pain. Mild seizures, petite mal seizures, may only last a few seconds to a minute, and in addition to meowing the cat may fall over, stare, or it may jerk uncontrollably.
Grand Mal Seizures
Grand mal seizures are a moderate form of seizure, and they usually last around five minutes. Symptoms of this type of seizure in cats include distressful meowing, falling over or losing control of the limbs, the legs may become stiff and outstretched, and the cat may also begin to paddle the legs as if it is trying to swim. Saliva may gather around the mouth, and the cat may not respond to its name. The cat may also seem to breathe or pant heavily, and it may completely lose control of the bladder and bowels.
Status Epilepticus
The most severe type of seizure, status epilepticus, can last for several hours. The symptoms are similar to grand mal seizures, but the cat may be totally unresponsive. The symptoms may also only include stiff limbs, a yowling sound coming from the cat’s open mouth, hitched or heavy breathing, and unresponsiveness.