Think Your CH Cat Had A Seizure? Here’s How To Respond

There are so many things that we, as CH cat parents, worry about with our special needs buddies that sometimes it can feel overwhelming when other issues come into play too.

Photo courtesy vincent.chen

One issue that comes up now and again with CH cats is seizures. While cerebellar hypoplasia will not cause seizures in cats, sometimes our cats may have additional existing issues that will lead to seizures. (At this point it’s also important to recognize that there is a difference between head tremors and seizures.)

So what should you do if you think your cat has had seizures in the past or if he just had one recently? Two things: First, take your cat to the vet and then get informed/plugged in.

If your cat just had a seizure, call your vet immediately and try to take him in as soon as possible. Hopefully they will accommodate you for this emergency. They will likely start your cat on medication, as future untreated seizures can be dangerous.

Then when you have a moment to breathe, take a moment to learn more about seizures and get plugged in.

Tanja Vranic posted some great resources on the Facebook Cerebellar Hypoplasia Cats & Kittens page for seizures, and I wanted to list some of them here.

One group that folks rave about is the Epi-Felines group on Yahoo. Several people have credited the group to saving their CH cat and helping them through difficult times. Tanja says this group is great as it can advise and support those who cats suffer from seizures of any kind.

More information:

• Seizure Disorders in Cats By: PetPlace Veterinarians
• Idiopathic Epilepsy in Cats By: Dr. John McDonnell
• Phenobarbital Level in Cats By: PetPlace Veterinarians
• Seizures
• Feline Seizures and Epilepsy by Bruce Lowekamp
• Seizure Disorders in Cats and Dogs
• Article published in our CH Kitty Club Newsletter #8 May 2011

To find more resources, visit the Facebook page’s info sheet.