My elderly cat has just fitted

[moredoll]

She's 18 and was lying on my lap when she suddenly had a fit. She stood up, shook severely for about 10 - 20 seconds, jumped down and continued to fit. It lasted for about a minute. She was badly disorientated afterwards, and took about 20 minutes to settle.
She is generally happy. She has had to have a total of 3 teeth removed. Her eyesight is poorer than it was, her hearing is also not as good as it was. She hates going to the vet, hates being there and hates the journey home. About four years ago she had to have a benign tumour removed from her spine. The whole experience was so distressing to her that I decided the next time she had a serious illness I wouldn't make her have another operation.
So when I take her to the vet should I ask them to put her to sleep? Now that the time is actually here I don't know what to do.

We had an old cat who started to have fits. We talked to the vets who said it would not be painful for her and she would not know really. Just to keep her safe and lots of cuddles etc. She ended up having the odd fit for about a year before passing eventually in her sleep. The vet said as long as she was still eating and drinking and happy in herself it was OK. We kept her at home and in her own environment till the end. Hugs X

At her age, a sudden seizure is not going to be good news I'm afraid. It could be a lesion in her brain, but it could also have a systemic cause (e.g. diabetes, liver problems etc.) Realistically, whatever has caused it is unlikely to be curable, but it may be manageable, or equally she may never have another seizure again. I'd definitely speak to the vet in the morning or via their emergency service provision (just ring the normal number and follow the instructions) if you're too worried to wait until the morning.

How is she now?

Thank you user. She seems fine now. I'll see what the vet says and hopefully she'll be okay.

Another She seems fine, purring very quietly but not asleep which she usually would be at this time.

It does leave them disoriented for a bit. One of our dogs had a seizure randomly the other day so can appreciate how scary it is! Mother in law thought the dog had died but then I came and laid my healing hands on her and she was fine again!

If she's relatively back to normal, I'd offer her a little bit of food (just in case it is a blood sugar problem, low blood sugars are far more dangerous than high blood sugars) and keep a close eye on her. If she has another seizure tonight, phone your emergency vet service. Equally if you're worried at all, ring them, they really won't mind.

Hello, my elderly cat (shes 16) had a seizure last night. She was sitting on the sofa with me completely relaxed and then out of nowhere jumped up and ran but was not in control of her body because she was convulsing on the floor and i held her and calmed her down. I couldnt leave her to just react like that and when i stroked her she laid on her side. It lasted a minute and afterwards I carried her to the sofa where she slept there with me all night and was fine. Shes eating and drinking ok so Ive called the vet and left a message for them to get back to me. 2 weeks ago I was upstairs and my partner said she was running around uncontrollably but I didnt witness that, so in hindsight I am thinking it was another fit possibly. Recent blood tests did show kidney proteins were high and she is on supplements but it is very concerning because she bashed into things during the running away part. Any advice out there is very much appreciated. thanks so much.

Hello, my elderly cat (shes 16) had a seizure last night. She was sitting on the sofa with me completely relaxed and then out of nowhere jumped up and ran but was not in control of her body because she was convulsing on the floor and i held her and calmed her down. I couldnt leave her to just react like that and when i stroked her she laid on her side. It lasted a minute and afterwards I carried her to the sofa where she slept there with me all night and was fine. Shes eating and drinking ok so Ive called the vet and left a message for them to get back to me. 2 weeks ago I was upstairs and my partner said she was running around uncontrollably but I didnt witness that, so in hindsight I am thinking it was another fit possibly. Recent blood tests did show kidney proteins were high and she is on supplements but it is very concerning because she bashed into things during the running away part. Any advice out there is very much appreciated. thanks so much.

@Chirpycat I understand you are worried about your cat but this thread is 8 years old. You need a vet not Mumsnet.