What causes seizures in my 12-year-old cat only when sleeping?
Updated On September 23rd, 2025
Pet's info: Cat | Domestic Shorthair | Female | spayed | 12 years and 3 months old | 8 lbs
Our cat is 12 yrs old and has been having small seizures only when asleep for the past week. She throws her head back and opens/closes her mouth constantly. They only last about 30-45 sec then she seems ok. But she has been having them more and more frequently, 6-8 a day that we know of, depends on how much she tries to nap, but they wear her out so she tries to sleep and ends up having more seizures. Has had 2 bad ones where she has gotten sick and been disoriented after. Upset and unsure?!?!?!
3 Answers
Most Helpful Answer
Published on July 20th, 2017
It is a little unusual for seizures to happen during a sleep cycle, but if she seems disoriented after waking up this is probably what is happening. In a cat Cassie's age I would worry that the seizures are due to a primary brain disease and not something more benign like epilepsy. Kidney disease, liver disease, or hypoglycemia can also cause seizures but it would be less likely for Cassie to act like her normal self in between seizure episodes. Infections, some inflammatory diseases or cancer would be most common. Regardless of the cause of the seizures anti-epileptic drugs can sometimes help control the frequency and severity of the seizures, but if the underlying disease is not treated at some point the seizures will progress. I would recommend seeing your veterinarian to discuss testing and treatment options.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Related Answers from Veterinarians
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Published on February 4th, 2018
Poor Presley. Seizures are exhausting for the mind and the body. She will need rest. However, if she has another event today she should be seen by a veterinarian immediately. If she does alright today then she should see your veterinarian in the next few days to have an examination and possibly blood work to see if there is anything they can identify that may have caused the event. Young cats with seizure activity can be due to epilepsy, viral causes, parasitic causes, liver shunts, and other abnormalities. Best of luck and I hope she improves soon. Thank you for using Pet Coach.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
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Published on June 9th, 2019
Lots of things can seizures, including infection, kidney or liver disease, cancer, electrolyte abnormalities, hypoglycemia, epilepsy, among others. I would recommend that you have Pumpkin evaluates by a vet. They will discuss what happened and her medical history, and may recommend lab work to see if there is an identifiable cause.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
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