My cat has a seizure. What should I do? And when do you have to go in an emergency?

Last checked 2026-07-17

Do this first.

Timer, reduce light and sound, move solids and prevent falls. without pressing the cat
Do not open your mouth, pull your tongue, or put your hands and objects in your mouth. This is because cats do not swallow their tongues and may bite without realizing it.
A seizure lasting more than 5 minutes or multiple seizures in a row is an emergency. Must go to the animal hospital immediately.
The first seizure must be examined for the cause. Even if the cat looks normal after a seizure

What to do while having a seizure

Time and move objects that might knock over, reduce light, noise, and prevent falls from heights. Take a short video when safe to help your veterinarian differentiate symptoms.

Don't touch yourself, don't feed it, and don't put your hands near your mouth. Cats will not swallow their tongues but can bite without realizing it.

Signs to go to an emergency

The VCA states that seizures lasting more than 5 minutes or occurring multiple times in a row require immediate treatment. In addition, go to emergency if you are not recovering normally, have difficulty breathing, are very hot, are injured, are pregnant, or suspect poisoning.

Call the hospital and leave. Don't wait for it to happen again.

After symptoms stop

Cats may be confused, staggered, hungry, aggressive, or temporarily unable to see. Stay in a quiet, cool room and keep the entrance to high places closed. Separated from children and other animals.

Do not give water or food until you are conscious and can swallow normally. Do not give medicine to people. The first seizure should be examined quickly and notified of the duration, number of times, drugs used, and the possibility of exposure to poison.

Frequently asked questions

Do I have to touch my cat's tongue?

Don't have to and don't do it. Cat doesn't swallow tongue Inserting your hand risks being bitten and causing injury.

My cat has had a seizure for less than a minute. Is this normal? Do I need to get checked?

You should contact your veterinarian. Especially the first seizure Because you need to find the cause and plan if it happens again.

Can you take a video?

You can do this when the area is safe. But you must set a timer first and do not allow video recording to delay going to an emergency.

You can check which trees in your house are dangerous atTool for checking poisonous plants and find hospitals that are open now atList of 24-hour animal clinics

Reference source: vcahospitals.com · www.vet.cornell.edu

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