Ancient Cat just had a seizure - prognosis?

[PlentyOfPubeGardens]

I didn't see it myself but from what DH described she had a seizure - keeled over, paws shaking for a few seconds then righted herself, wandered round confused for a few minutes.

She seems more or less back to normal now, she's had a big cuddle and a handful of dreamies which she ate with no problem.

Vets tomorrow for advice, but - she's 22 and way past the age I'd put her through any distressing treatment or even tests unless they might indicate something easily treatable.

Her general health is pretty good but she does get slightly addled at times, e.g. pooing next to the tray then climbing in to try and bury it, occasional nighttime yowling but settles as soon as you pick her up. She still gets lots of enjoyment out of life, loves food, cuddles and sunshine, occasionally still plays wrestling, still sometimes wins!

Is this a sign that we're nearing the end? Is there anything it could be that is simple and non-invasive to treat?

I just want to be prepared.

Its probably a mini stroke.
It could be the start of the end, or she could be fine for months.
Very hard to tell.
Main thing to remember is that during it and for about half an hour after she'll be blind so keep her safe and cool until she becomes annoying again

Thanks, that's possibly reassuring. She could see the dreamies

In my experience this has always been the start of the end I'm afraid, but she could still have a few more happy months. It's really hard to know. I hope the vet can give you some positive news.

This happened to my friend's cat. He was very old and didn't last much longer but the vet said he had seen cats last months without suffering. My 22 year old cat died this year, what a good age! Lets hope he's just having a wobble

So sorry, I meant she not he

OK, thanks for your honesty. Vets in the morning, deep breath ...

We went to the vets this afternoon, they couldn't find anything obviously wrong - heart ok, hasn't lost any weight, temperature fine. The vet said it's probably either liver or kidney problem (but doesn't think so because her weight is stable and she's not showing any other symptoms) or a brain tumour, in which case there's not much they can do. We're to observe for now and take her back if it happens again, at which time they'll test for liver and kidney function and think about prescribing something to control the seizures.

She's been absolutely fine today and was quite 'spirited' in the vets when it came to temperature time. Vet said she's in very good shape for her age so although I know she won't last for ever, maybe she's got a few good months left.

My late cat had several seizures but had good few months with us after the first one and had nothing to do with our eventual decision to have him put to sleep. Although he had more, they weren't frequent. I can remember how alarming the first one was but like your cat, mine was fine after and got up and had some food!

Our old boy is 18 and had a big fit just over two months ago. The vet examined him and did blood tests and couldn't find anything wrong. He went 8 weeks before having another fit last week. He seems fine again now.

He was a bit distressed afterwards, was pacing about and calling loudly (not like him). But calmed down again each time. The vet said to keep things as quiet and calm as possible afterwards so as not to trigger another one.

Hopefully our boy and your old girl will go on for months yet :)

Thank you for the messages of hope Yes I asked about how to look after her if it happened again - darken and quieten the room.

My vet thought FABCat had had a stroke but we never knew and she just adapted. It doesn't have to mean the end.

He had hypoestesia and lived with it for 8 years, kidney trouble for 2-3 years and arthritis for about 1 year before the cancer than meant she had to be put to sleep at 18.9 years. She lived with it fine for 9 months though.