Milly Gaines
Seizures in cats can be caused by a variety of factors, including brain disorders, toxins, electrolyte imbalances, head trauma, metabolic conditions, and diseases such as liver or kidney disease. While diet is not directly mentioned as a cause of seizures in cats, improper nutrition can exacerbate certain diseases that are known to cause seizures. For example, a high-protein diet could trigger seizures in dogs with underlying liver issues. Additionally, a raw diet has been linked to infectious organisms that can cause seizures in young animals. Therefore, while diet may not be a direct cause of seizures in cats, it can potentially influence the occurrence or frequency of seizures by affecting underlying health conditions.
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What You'll Learn
High-protein diets
A high-protein, very low-carbohydrate diet is recommended for cats with seizures. Homemade meat-based foods, low-carb/grainless canned foods, and frozen raw diets are all good options for cats with seizures. This type of diet is called a "ketogenic" diet and has been successful in treating epilepsy in children. Cats are well-suited to this type of diet. Carbohydrates, including treats, should be avoided.
It is important to note that raw meat, especially fish, can contain parasites that can cause neurological problems in cats. Therefore, it is recommended to cook all meat products before feeding them to cats.
In addition to a high-protein diet, supplements such as taurine, B-vitamins, glucosamine, and boswellia may also help with seizure management. Taurine is an amino acid crucial for nerve and brain function. Vitamins B3 (niacin) and B6 (pyridoxine) are particularly important for brain health. Glucosamine has been found to inhibit abnormal brain activity associated with seizures, and boswellia, an herb typically used for joint pain, has shown positive results in studies on human brain tumors.
While dietary adjustments and supplements can help manage seizures in cats, it is important to consult a veterinarian to determine the underlying cause of the seizures and devise an appropriate treatment plan. Seizures can be caused by various factors, including toxic substances, electrolyte imbalances, head trauma, metabolic conditions, brain tumors, or other diseases. Diagnostic tests such as blood and urine samples, imaging techniques (MRI and CT scans), and cerebrospinal fluid analysis may be necessary to identify the cause of the seizures and guide treatment decisions.
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Raw meat dangers
While a high-protein, very low-carb diet is recommended for cats with seizures, raw meat should be approached with caution. Raw meat can be contaminated with bacteria and parasites that can cause health issues for cats, other pets in the household, and even humans.
Commercial raw food and raw meat from the store can be contaminated with harmful bacteria such as Salmonella and Listeria monocytogenes, which can lead to food-borne illnesses such as salmonellosis and listeriosis. These bacteria can be transferred to humans and other pets through contact with the raw food, the cat's saliva or feces. Listeriosis can be especially dangerous for pregnant women and newborns.
In addition to bacterial contamination, raw meat may also contain parasites such as Toxoplasma, which can cause neurological problems in cats. Freezing raw meat may reduce the risk of bacterial contamination, but it does not eliminate it completely.
Cats on a raw food diet may also miss out on essential nutrients, including vitamins and minerals, that are necessary for their health. Commercial raw food may not always provide a complete and balanced diet, leading to potential nutritional deficiencies or excesses.
While some people argue that cats in the wild eat raw meat, it is important to note that domestic cats have evolved over time and may have different dietary needs. Wild cats also have shorter lifespans, which could be influenced by their diet.
To minimize the risks associated with raw meat, it is recommended to cook meat to a safe temperature before feeding it to cats. Proper handling and preparation of raw food are crucial, including thorough handwashing and cleaning of utensils and surfaces.
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Toxins and infections
Seizures in cats can be caused by a variety of factors, including toxins and infections. Toxin ingestion is a less common cause of seizures in cats compared to metabolic dysfunction, but it should be carefully considered as a potential factor.
Toxins
Toxin exposure can lead to seizures in cats, and there are several common toxins that cat owners should be aware of. One of the most common toxins that cause seizures in cats is permethrin, which is often found in dog flea-prevention products. Cats can be exposed to permethrin when a dog flea treatment is applied to them, or when they come into close contact with a recently treated dog. Ingestion of certain plants, mouldy foods, chocolate, the artificial sweetener xylitol, drugs (including accidental ingestion of human medications), heavy metals (such as lead), pesticides, and chemical agents like antifreeze can also lead to seizures.
Additionally, medication overdoses or accidental administration of the wrong medication can also cause seizures. For example, overdoses of diphenhydramine, amitriptyline, mirtazapine, ibuprofen, and tea tree oil have been known to cause seizures in cats. It is important for cat owners to be cautious when administering any medication to their cats and to always follow the instructions of a veterinarian.
Infections
Infections can also lead to seizures in cats. Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP) is one such infection that is often fatal. Other infectious causes include Cryptococcus, a common environmental fungus associated with pigeons, Toxoplasma, a protozoal parasite, feline leukemia, feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV or feline AIDS), meningitis, and encephalitis.
It is important to note that diagnosing the underlying cause of seizures can be complex and may require a range of diagnostic tests, including blood tests, urine tests, imaging techniques such as MRI and CT scans, and cerebrospinal fluid analysis.
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Brain disorders
Cats' well-developed brains allow for executive functions like decision-making, memory, and emotional/behavioural control. However, they can be prone to neurological disorders, which can be caused by birth defects, infectious diseases, underlying conditions, trauma, or unknown reasons related to aging.
One such neurological disorder is feline cognitive dysfunction syndrome (CDS), also known as feline senility or cat dementia. CDS affects cats' cognitive functioning as they get older and can cause irreversible brain damage. High levels of free radicals in the body and brain, poor circulation, and obesity appear to be contributing factors to CDS. Cat food rich in antioxidants, such as vitamin E, may help slow age-related cognitive decline by fighting free radical damage. Fish oils, a source of anti-inflammatory omega-3 fatty acids, are also believed to have a positive impact on brain health in cats.
Seizures in cats can be caused by several factors, including toxic substances, electrolyte imbalances, head trauma, metabolic conditions, or diseases within the brain, such as tumours. Infectious causes of seizures in cats include Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP), Cryptococcus, Toxoplasma, feline leukemia, feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV), meningitis, or encephalitis. A high-protein, very low-carb diet, also called a "ketogenic" diet, is recommended for cats with seizures and has been successful in many cases.
Vestibular syndrome in cats can be caused by a stroke, disease of the cerebellum or brainstem, FIP, brain tumours, or, in some regions, wolf worm larvae travelling through the brain. Brain disorders in cats can be diagnosed through neurologic examinations, blood and urine tests, imaging techniques such as MRI and CT scans, and sampling of cerebrospinal fluid. Treatment options depend on the specific issue but can include antibiotics, steroids, surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation therapy.
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Kidney disease
While diet is not a direct cause of seizures in cats, certain foods can help manage the condition. For instance, a high-protein, very low-carb diet is recommended for cats with epilepsy.
A cat's diet can be modified to help manage kidney disease. Firstly, it is important to ensure adequate water intake to prevent dehydration. Wet food is recommended over dry food as it contains more water and is more similar to a cat's natural diet. Canned food is ideal as it has a high water content, but if your cat prefers dry food, you can try sprinkling some water on it.
The right level of protein in the diet is crucial. While protein is essential for cats as they are carnivores, too much protein can increase the amount of urea and phosphorous the body needs to eliminate. Cats with early-stage kidney disease can benefit from moderate amounts of high-quality animal-based protein, such as chicken, beef, or salmon. However, cats with advanced kidney disease may require a prescription diet with moderate protein levels to reduce waste production.
Commercial therapeutic kidney diets are available and typically contain reduced phosphorus, sodium, and protein, while being rich in omega-3 fatty acids. These diets have been shown to improve survival rates in cats with chronic kidney disease. Additionally, homemade diets are an option, but they can be risky due to the potential for nutritional imbalances. It is always best to consult with your veterinarian to determine the most suitable diet for your cat's individual needs.
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Frequently asked questions
Cat seizures are sudden, abnormal and disorganized discharges of electrical impulses from brain cells. They can be violent and cause the cat to thrash about, chomp their teeth, drool, lose consciousness, and often urinate or defecate.
Cat seizures can be caused by a variety of factors, including brain disorders, head trauma, epilepsy, and infectious diseases such as Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP) or Toxoplasma. They can also be caused by metabolic conditions such as diabetes or thyroid disease, or by nutritional deficiencies.
While there is no direct link between diet and seizures in cats, proper nutrition can help reduce the effects of certain diseases that can cause seizures, such as liver or kidney disease. A high-protein, very low-carb diet is often recommended for cats with seizures.
If your cat is having a seizure, give them space and don't handle them unless necessary, as you may be bitten or scratched. Time the seizure and take notes on your cat's behaviour to share with your veterinarian. If the seizure lasts more than a few minutes or occurs in clusters, take your cat to the ER immediately.
