Cat having a seizure
Keep the cat safe from falls, time the seizure, and get veterinary guidance — especially for a first event.
Do this first
| Scenario | Seizure |
|---|---|
| Vet vs poison control vs ER | Call the ER for prolonged, repeated, or first-time seizures, or if the pet does not recover normally. Poison control is important if toxin ingestion (xylitol, chocolate, bait, medications) is suspected as the trigger. Otherwise this is a veterinary neurology or ER workup. |
Immediate action steps
- Clear hazards; do not restrain the head
- Time the seizure
- Keep the environment quiet during recovery
- Call your veterinarian or ER for first, long, or clustered seizures
- Mention possible toxins (lily, mouse bait, human meds) if relevant
Cats and height
Move the cat away from ledges if you can do so safely between movements, or cushion the area.
Carrier transport after the event: dark, secure, minimal jostling.
Toxin overlap
Seizures plus possible toxin exposure changes urgency. Say both facts in the first sentence to triage.
Do not give human anticonvulsants.
This is general information, not a diagnosis. Contact your vet for anything urgent or unclear.
FAQ
- Is twitching in sleep a seizure?
- Dream twitching is common. True seizures usually include unresponsiveness and a post-event confusion phase — call your vet if you are unsure.