What Causes Seizures in Cats?
Seizures do not occur that often in cats but pure-bred cats seem to be more vulnerable than mixed breeds. There are many causes of seizures in cats, many of them fatal diseases. Because seizures in cats are rare, they are indicative of serious problems and a vet should be contacted immediately.
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Epilepsy
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Epilepsy affects less than 3 percent of the cat population. Unfortunately, there are very few drugs that can help treat it, either. The seizures are caused by a brain disorder. Epilepsy is hard to diagnose as the cat appears normal in every other way. The diagnosis of epilepsy is usually made after the other causes have been eliminated.
Feline Infectious Peritonitis
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Feline infectious peritonitis is a viral disease caused by the feline coronavirus. The cat will not show any symptoms during the early feline coronavirus stages of the disease but from 5 to 10 percent of the infected cats will progress to feline infectious peritonitis virus, which attacks the abdomen, kidneys or brain. At this stage, the disease is almost always fatal.
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Feline Immunodeficiency Virus
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Feline immunodeficiency virus is found in 1 1/2 to 3 percent of cats that are otherwise healthy and in at least 15 percent of cats who are sickly. It is spread by one cat biting another, and therefore, outdoor cats are more likely to become infected than indoor cats. It can take years for symptoms to appear, but the cat will develop immune deficiency. There are vaccines available, but they are not effective in all cats.
Feline Leukemia Virus
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Feline leukemia virus is a retrovirus, which means it puts copies of its genetic material into the cells of the infected animal. About 2 to 3 percent of all cats in the U.S. are infected with feline leukemia virus. In the population that is already sick or very young, 13 percent are considered to be highly susceptible. Feline leukemia virus is easily spread from one cat to another. Feline leukemia virus is the most common cause of cancer in cats.
Toxoplasmosis
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Toxoplasmosis is caused by a parasite named Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii). It is very common and is found in all warm-blooded animals, including humans. While it is common, it only causes significant problems in rare cases. While it is common in all animals, the parasite will only reproduce in cats. In the rare case when disease does occur, it is usually when the cat has an impaired immune system. If it gets into the central nervous system, it can cause seizures.
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