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Cat seizures: What mimics a brain tumor & responds to prednisolone?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | American Shorthair | Male | neutered | 10 years and 9 months old | 12 lbs

We think my cat has a brain tumor. I believe he is having seizures. He tales prednisolone 5mg chew every morning. He has had 3 'episodes' and seems to be about to have 1 now. Is there anything that mimics a brain tumor and responds well to prednisolone? His blood and xray is normal , his neuro exam showed very little deficit at the time, although that could've changed. I cannot afford an mri .

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2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Sara Farmer, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on June 17th, 2017

There are a number of diseases that could cause seizures and slight neurologic deficits and respond somewhat to prednisolone including infectious diseases like toxoplasmosis or fungal cryptococcus, FIP or feline leukemia virus, or parasitic migrations. Unfortunately an MRI and potentially sampling cerebrospinal fluid would be the only way to know for certain what is causing the seizures. Usualky these other diseases would progress more rapidly than a brain tumor and would cause an increase in the frequency of seizures or more severe neurologic signs.

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    Answered By Megan, DVM, CVA

    Veterinarian

    Published on

    Poor Batista! If it is a brain tumor, the pred may have decreased the swelling a small amount so the seizures decreased in frequency. If he is still having frequent seizures, talk to your vet about anti-seizure medication. A lot of cats can have a good quality of life despite having a brain tumor as long as he is eating drinking and no showing any other neurological problems.

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