cat having siezures (I think)

[Pileofthree]

we have a rescue cat, adult male, age about 12. We have had him for about a year now and in that time he has had 3 possible siezures.

He just lies on the floor, kind of pressing himself into the floor, and he seems really out of it. He usually loses control of his bladder and bowel too. when it is over (about 20 mins) he just sits quietly for a bit and then is back to normal.

I'm not bothered about clearing up after him - that's not a problem at all. Is he suffering though?

Do these sound like siezures? would the vet be able to do anything if we took him. we don't want him messed around with at the vet though if it's not bothering him overmuch.

Any ideas or thoughts appreciated

[deliasmithy]

Poor thing.
It could be a number of things and I should imagine tests would be needed to find out the cause. And then treatment options if any could be explored.

I guess the main issue is that you don't know his history so you don't know if he's always had this or if it's worsened. I appreciate your desire to aim for quality of life and not put him through unnecessary bother but it feels as though a consultation with the vet along those lines may be helpful.

[chocolatebuttiiins]

Hi pile. My cat suffered from seizures; it took many tests and many questions from the vet to diagnose and prescribe (they put him on Epithen). They asked me if I could video a fit on my phone to bring to the surgery. It might be an idea to do that if you can, to save lots of visit fees.

The medication seemed to work. They said it wouldn't eliminate the seizures altogether but it would minimise them.

He left home last October but I have seen him whilst out on a walk. Tried to find out where he was living but couldn't. Apparently stress can contribute to the onset of seizures, which would fit in my cat's case because my infant twins tried their best to make his life a misery. I loved him very much though; just couldn't keep them away from him.

[Pileofthree]

It's a good point about not knowing his history delia.

Sorry you lost your cat chocolate. They could well be stress related. Videoing is a good idea I'll try and do that.

I'll monitor him and see what happens

[Lonecatwithkitten]

I would advise seeing your vet in regular surgery hours. Every seizure cause a small amount of damage to the brain so the more he has the more damage is done.
You say it lasts 20 mins is from when he lies down to when he gets up or the time his limbs are having jerky movements. If it is jerky movements this is way too long to leave a seizure untreated I always advise an emergency call if the actual seizure - jerky movements last more than 10 minutes.
There is lots we can do for seizures and in an older cat like yours after a good discussion it might be decided that treatment without investigation maybe possible.

[Pileofthree]

there are no jerky movements Lonecat, he just lies down on his front or his side and is very still. I would say that the whole episode lasts about 20 mins - from the initial lying down to being back to normal.

[cozietoesie]

I think I would still have him to the vet, Pileofthree. Just a regular appointment as Lonecat suggested. (When is he due for a check up next anyway?)

[Lonecatwithkitten]

May not be a seizure then. Seizures are normally characterised by tonic clinic movements of the limbs. Could be syncope of respiratory or cardiac cause. Even more reason to be seen by vet.