Comments on: How I Learned to Deal with My Sweet, Elderly & Newly Epileptic Cat http://blog.netnerds.net/2007/04/dealing-with-a-sweet-elderly-newly-epileptic-cat/ ls /usr/lolcat Wed, 20 Aug 2008 02:05:26 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.3.1 By: Dawn http://blog.netnerds.net/2007/04/dealing-with-a-sweet-elderly-newly-epileptic-cat/#comment-10315 Dawn Fri, 08 Aug 2008 21:58:12 +0000 http://blog.netnerds.net/2007/04/dealing-with-a-sweet-elderly-newly-epileptic-cat/#comment-10315 Hi Ginny, I don't see any reason not to give your girl the run of the house. My Teddy (now 17) has actually become a bit more outgoing lately, coming up to visitors and even venturing outside more often. She hasn't had any seizures for months now, although we do see the twitching that can lead to a full-blown seizure. So we are very careful about repetitive noises such as the creaking screen door. It's interesting that other people have reported loud yowling. I notice that about once every day or two, often after Teddy has used the litter box or retired to our bed. It sounds like she is in great distress, but when we speak to her she "snaps out of it." Sometimes she runs around the house at top speed, jumping off of bookcases and dashing wildly up the stairs. I think both of these behaviors are probably related to whatever is wrong inside her brain. We just chalk it up to senior moments, and try to avoid anything that might set off a seizure. I reported earlier that her box had an odd odor, but I now think that was because of a new cat litter that I tried. Dawn Hi Ginny, I don't see any reason not to give your girl the run of the house. My Teddy (now 17) has actually become a bit more outgoing lately, coming up to visitors and even venturing outside more often. She hasn't had any seizures for months now, although we do see the twitching that can lead to a full-blown seizure. So we are very careful about repetitive noises such as the creaking screen door. It's interesting that other people have reported loud yowling. I notice that about once every day or two, often after Teddy has used the litter box or retired to our bed. It sounds like she is in great distress, but when we speak to her she "snaps out of it." Sometimes she runs around the house at top speed, jumping off of bookcases and dashing wildly up the stairs. I think both of these behaviors are probably related to whatever is wrong inside her brain. We just chalk it up to senior moments, and try to avoid anything that might set off a seizure. I reported earlier that her box had an odd odor, but I now think that was because of a new cat litter that I tried. Dawn

]]> By: Debbie http://blog.netnerds.net/2007/04/dealing-with-a-sweet-elderly-newly-epileptic-cat/#comment-10308 Debbie Tue, 05 Aug 2008 16:17:54 +0000 http://blog.netnerds.net/2007/04/dealing-with-a-sweet-elderly-newly-epileptic-cat/#comment-10308 Hi Chrissy I to am thankful you posted your experience. My old man Kiko (Part Siamease & Alley cat named for the color of Kikkoman soy sauce.) One of the most beautiful cats I have seen. He is 18 years old. I have never had a cat live this long. They never made it past 16. He was at my side and Mikassa's side when she died. My siamease. He took over as my main comforitor. He is 18 years old and has had some issues with a ear infection about a year ago. The Vet thought he had a stroke. But we didn't give up on him and he got better with medicine. He has had a nasty cough for years that the vets can't manage to figure out. Well, at 3:10 AM this morning I awoke to him seizing. I thought OMG this is it. Oh my poor baby he doesn't deserve to die this way. I removed him from the bed and put him onto the carpet. Where he continued to flop like a fish out of water. I softly held him so he wouldn't slam his head. Once the seizure seemed to pass with only a small amount of twitching remaining I put him into the cat bed and just comforted him and pet him talking to him lovingly. His eyes were blank and one leg was still a little stiff. I straightend out he other front leg and rubbed them both. He came out of it the rest of the way looking a bit confused. He wanted up and was a little wobbley, at that point I set him back onto the floor and let him gain his bearings. He also walked in circles. Walking into rooms and looking around. He got more stable and I picked him up and put him onto the bed. Now, Kiko has never been a loud cat. He is one that his mouth moves and you hear very little. He will put his paw out to say hey.. got anything to share with me... like food. I gave him some of his favorite treats which he woofed down without biting them. This he never does. I gave him several until he started chewing them. My other cats were all watching. I have 5 in total. One hides in the garage as she runs from them all, and of course... they chase. I didn't sleep for two hours after that. He didn't seem to want to go back to sleep for about an hour. Of course I stayed awake for the next two hours until he settled in on my pillow above my head. I have never seen him do this before. Not to say that it hasn't happened before as I do work. It was in the middle of the night when all was quiet so I guess it wasn't noise induced. I am curious if anyone else has other issues that seem to set off the seizures? Traumatized Debbie Hi Chrissy

I to am thankful you posted your experience. My old man Kiko (Part Siamease & Alley cat named for the color of Kikkoman soy sauce.) One of the most beautiful cats I have seen. He is 18 years old. I have never had a cat live this long. They never made it past 16. He was at my side and Mikassa's side when she died. My siamease. He took over as my main comforitor. He is 18 years old and has had some issues with a ear infection about a year ago. The Vet thought he had a stroke. But we didn't give up on him and he got better with medicine. He has had a nasty cough for years that the vets can't manage to figure out. Well, at 3:10 AM this morning I awoke to him seizing. I thought OMG this is it. Oh my poor baby he doesn't deserve to die this way. I removed him from the bed and put him onto the carpet. Where he continued to flop like a fish out of water. I softly held him so he wouldn't slam his head. Once the seizure seemed to pass with only a small amount of twitching remaining I put him into the cat bed and just comforted him and pet him talking to him lovingly. His eyes were blank and one leg was still a little stiff. I straightend out he other front leg and rubbed them both. He came out of it the rest of the way looking a bit confused. He wanted up and was a little wobbley, at that point I set him back onto the floor and let him gain his bearings. He also walked in circles. Walking into rooms and looking around. He got more stable and I picked him up and put him onto the bed. Now, Kiko has never been a loud cat. He is one that his mouth moves and you hear very little. He will put his paw out to say hey.. got anything to share with me... like food. I gave him some of his favorite treats which he woofed down without biting them. This he never does. I gave him several until he started chewing them. My other cats were all watching. I have 5 in total. One hides in the garage as she runs from them all, and of course... they chase. I didn't sleep for two hours after that. He didn't seem to want to go back to sleep for about an hour. Of course I stayed awake for the next two hours until he settled in on my pillow above my head. I have never seen him do this before. Not to say that it hasn't happened before as I do work. It was in the middle of the night when all was quiet so I guess it wasn't noise induced. I am curious if anyone else has other issues that seem to set off the seizures?
Traumatized
Debbie

]]> By: Ginny http://blog.netnerds.net/2007/04/dealing-with-a-sweet-elderly-newly-epileptic-cat/#comment-10179 Ginny Sun, 18 May 2008 19:59:47 +0000 http://blog.netnerds.net/2007/04/dealing-with-a-sweet-elderly-newly-epileptic-cat/#comment-10179 My gorgeous girl had her first seizure yesterday. She will be 16 in July, and is the nicest, most gentle cat I have ever had. She came to me when I left home, along with her brother who was PTS when he was 12. I was so scared yesterday, although I did manage to stay really calm throughout the seizure. I've read so much since it happened, so was very glad to find this site. I think a plan would be to see how things go, and if there is another fit then get some bloods done, but no more tests. If there is no kidney/liver problem, then it's a probable brain issue from what I've read. A friend of mine who is a qualified vet nurse, although doesn't practise now, advised I keep her in one room. I don't feel right about that, but any opinions on that I'd gladly welcome. I just feel that she's had the run of the house for so long, she's old, she's been pretty healthy until this, and I'd rather she has her freedom for now. Obviously if she has more fits and more frequently I would have to re-think things and make a decision. I work from home, am rarely out for a whole day, so am around a lot. What do you think? Thanks in advance! Ginny My gorgeous girl had her first seizure yesterday. She will be 16 in July, and is the nicest, most gentle cat I have ever had. She came to me when I left home, along with her brother who was PTS when he was 12.

I was so scared yesterday, although I did manage to stay really calm throughout the seizure. I've read so much since it happened, so was very glad to find this site.

I think a plan would be to see how things go, and if there is another fit then get some bloods done, but no more tests. If there is no kidney/liver problem, then it's a probable brain issue from what I've read. A friend of mine who is a qualified vet nurse, although doesn't practise now, advised I keep her in one room. I don't feel right about that, but any opinions on that I'd gladly welcome. I just feel that she's had the run of the house for so long, she's old, she's been pretty healthy until this, and I'd rather she has her freedom for now. Obviously if she has more fits and more frequently I would have to re-think things and make a decision. I work from home, am rarely out for a whole day, so am around a lot.

What do you think?

Thanks in advance! Ginny

]]> By: Dawn http://blog.netnerds.net/2007/04/dealing-with-a-sweet-elderly-newly-epileptic-cat/#comment-10162 Dawn Tue, 13 May 2008 04:18:43 +0000 http://blog.netnerds.net/2007/04/dealing-with-a-sweet-elderly-newly-epileptic-cat/#comment-10162 My 16-year-old cat has had a half-dozen seizures over the last 18 months or so. The symptoms are as described by others, and are usually set off by repetitive noises such as a computer mouse clicking or food pellets clattering into a bowl. Lately she has been having facial twitching but it doesn't develop into a full seizure. After a seizure she is disoriented for a while (as if she can't see or hear properly), and then tired but recovered within minutes. She sometimes howls loudly, especially after using the litter box. and also after a seizure. And lately it seems as though she is totally deaf, although I can't understand how a deaf cat's seizures would be set off by loud repetitive noises! I took her to the vet after the second seizure last year for blood tests, and the vet said it is probably epilepsy or a brain tumor. As long as the seizures were pretty irregular, I figured it was better not to try any epilepsy drugs. But after reading these posts, I wonder whether we really explored the kidney disease possibility fully enough. Lately I have noticed that her litter box has an odd, sickly odor. But I have not seen her drinking more water than usual. Perhaps because of her deafness (?) or dementia (?), she is easily spooked and now feels most comfortable spending most of her time on our bed or laps. Has anyone else noticed a symptom that may be unrelated but appeared before the seizures began: She sometimes has trouble retracting her claws properly and gets temporarily "stuck" to the quilt on top of our bed. I want to reassure people that seizures aren't that bad once you get accustomed to dealing with them. The involuntary urination is a bummer but my cat's seizures don't seem to be worsening or getting steadily more frequent over time. My 16-year-old cat has had a half-dozen seizures over the last 18 months or so. The symptoms are as described by others, and are usually set off by repetitive noises such as a computer mouse clicking or food pellets clattering into a bowl. Lately she has been having facial twitching but it doesn't develop into a full seizure. After a seizure she is disoriented for a while (as if she can't see or hear properly), and then tired but recovered within minutes. She sometimes howls loudly, especially after using the litter box. and also after a seizure. And lately it seems as though she is totally deaf, although I can't understand how a deaf cat's seizures would be set off by loud repetitive noises! I took her to the vet after the second seizure last year for blood tests, and the vet said it is probably epilepsy or a brain tumor. As long as the seizures were pretty irregular, I figured it was better not to try any epilepsy drugs. But after reading these posts, I wonder whether we really explored the kidney disease possibility fully enough. Lately I have noticed that her litter box has an odd, sickly odor. But I have not seen her drinking more water than usual. Perhaps because of her deafness (?) or dementia (?), she is easily spooked and now feels most comfortable spending most of her time on our bed or laps. Has anyone else noticed a symptom that may be unrelated but appeared before the seizures began: She sometimes has trouble retracting her claws properly and gets temporarily "stuck" to the quilt on top of our bed. I want to reassure people that seizures aren't that bad once you get accustomed to dealing with them. The involuntary urination is a bummer but my cat's seizures don't seem to be worsening or getting steadily more frequent over time.

]]> By: Lois http://blog.netnerds.net/2007/04/dealing-with-a-sweet-elderly-newly-epileptic-cat/#comment-10120 Lois Wed, 23 Apr 2008 03:02:55 +0000 http://blog.netnerds.net/2007/04/dealing-with-a-sweet-elderly-newly-epileptic-cat/#comment-10120 My handsome 14 year old Thomas just recently started having seizures when I took him in for just a vaccination and exam. You know routine maintenance for our kids. When the Dr. called me and told me my cat was freaking out I kind of chuckled thinking I warned them he bites and scratches to beware of the KITTY. When I arrived at the vet 10 minutes after the drop off I asked which room my little spawn of satan was in. The lady rushed me in the back room and my little boy was in an oxygen tank with his tongue hanging out panting horribly. Now, in 14 years I have never seen my baby pant period. Now he is in an oxygen tank. I walked over trying to calm him and asked what happened the vet just said he bit and scratched one of his techs and the safety of his techs.....man stops talking he is getting the death look at this point. Than all of a sudden his head goes back and he gets stiff as a board and starts yeowliing a the top of his lungs. I started screaming what is wrong with him. Obviously I thought he was dying. I was on my hands and knees before God begging them to help him. The vet responded "He's just having a seizure" like it is no big deal....Well excuse me Dr. Death but my cat is my son. I've been out 6k on him with CT scan, MRI, Spinal Tap, Every blood test and Urinaylis you can think of and disease I have a normal cat they say. Well hell it's not normal to have seizures now is it. Any advice from someone to help me get thru these seizures. He is on Phenobaritol and Keppra nothing stops the seizures. Please help me someone. I LOVE HIM so very much. My handsome 14 year old Thomas just recently started having seizures when I took him in for just a vaccination and exam. You know routine maintenance for our kids. When the Dr. called me and told me my cat was freaking out I kind of chuckled thinking I warned them he bites and scratches to beware of the KITTY. When I arrived at the vet 10 minutes after the drop off I asked which room my little spawn of satan was in. The lady rushed me in the back room and my little boy was in an oxygen tank with his tongue hanging out panting horribly. Now, in 14 years I have never seen my baby pant period. Now he is in an oxygen tank. I walked over trying to calm him and asked what happened the vet just said he bit and scratched one of his techs and the safety of his techs.....man stops talking he is getting the death look at this point. Than all of a sudden his head goes back and he gets stiff as a board and starts yeowliing a the top of his lungs. I started screaming what is wrong with him. Obviously I thought he was dying. I was on my hands and knees before God begging them to help him. The vet responded "He's just having a seizure" like it is no big deal....Well excuse me Dr. Death but my cat is my son. I've been out 6k on him with CT scan, MRI, Spinal Tap, Every blood test and Urinaylis you can think of and disease I have a normal cat they say. Well hell it's not normal to have seizures now is it. Any advice from someone to help me get thru these seizures. He is on Phenobaritol and Keppra nothing stops the seizures. Please help me someone. I LOVE HIM so very much.

]]> By: Carol http://blog.netnerds.net/2007/04/dealing-with-a-sweet-elderly-newly-epileptic-cat/#comment-10109 Carol Sun, 20 Apr 2008 09:39:55 +0000 http://blog.netnerds.net/2007/04/dealing-with-a-sweet-elderly-newly-epileptic-cat/#comment-10109 My 16 1/2 year old cat just had a seizure. I startled her when I came into the living room, where she was sleeping on the sofa, and she began to shudder and twitch for what seemed like a long time. She did pee, but not "everywhere." I petted her and talked to her, thinking she was dying. When the seizure stopped, I think she couldn't see for a while; then like some of the cats described above, seemed very distressed, cried to me a lot, went to eat, and then "explored" the apartment, came back for more comfort, etc. Now she seems quite back to normal. Before looking on the Internet, I consulted a medical guide to cats which I own. It said (as above) possible brain tumor, possible effect of kidney disease (although her kidneys aren't bad), possible epilepsy. I'm so relieved that she didn't die or have a stroke. I had noticed that she was very easily startled lately, so I will take care not to surprise her or make sudden noises. I've had her since she was 6 weeks old and arrived at my door in the hand of a construction worker, who had found her in a building site. She was hungry and thin, but already very tame and friendly. Some of these reports have given me hope, and I'll also try to avoid unnecessary tests. My sympathies to Anna, above, but I'm also amazed that her cat lived so long! My 16 1/2 year old cat just had a seizure. I startled her when I came into the living room, where she was sleeping on the sofa, and she began to shudder and twitch for what seemed like a long time. She did pee, but not "everywhere." I petted her and talked to her, thinking she was dying. When the seizure stopped, I think she couldn't see for a while; then like some of the cats described above, seemed very distressed, cried to me a lot, went to eat, and then "explored" the apartment, came back for more comfort, etc. Now she seems quite back to normal. Before looking on the Internet, I consulted a medical guide to cats which I own. It said (as above) possible brain tumor, possible effect of kidney disease (although her kidneys aren't bad), possible epilepsy. I'm so relieved that she didn't die or have a stroke. I had noticed that she was very easily startled lately, so I will take care not to surprise her or make sudden noises.

I've had her since she was 6 weeks old and arrived at my door in the hand of a construction worker, who had found her in a building site. She was hungry and thin, but already very tame and friendly. Some of these reports have given me hope, and I'll also try to avoid unnecessary tests. My sympathies to Anna, above, but I'm also amazed that her cat lived so long!

]]> By: Bill W http://blog.netnerds.net/2007/04/dealing-with-a-sweet-elderly-newly-epileptic-cat/#comment-10048 Bill W Sun, 06 Apr 2008 11:34:23 +0000 http://blog.netnerds.net/2007/04/dealing-with-a-sweet-elderly-newly-epileptic-cat/#comment-10048 Hi my 21 year old cat Pippy, has been having sound induced seizures for about 2 years. They are definitely triggered by high pitched repetitive noises. The vet was unconvinced by the sound induced nature of the attacks and organised hundreds of dollars worth of tests which told us nothing. After several apparently random seizures at home we realised in our case, that they were always associated with sound (rattling a can, the shower water echoing in the bathroom, electric tin opener, walking past her with a lawnmower (which wasn't running at the time)She begins with sudden jerky reactions, for instance if you clapped three times she would jerk exactly in time with each clap and then have a seizure. The family has learnt to check if Pippy is around before making loud everyday domestic noises. We have been very successul in controlling them in this way and the old girl is still going strong. Good luck Hi my 21 year old cat Pippy, has been having sound induced seizures for about 2 years. They are definitely triggered by high pitched repetitive noises. The vet was unconvinced by the sound induced nature of the attacks and organised hundreds of dollars worth of tests which told us nothing. After several apparently random seizures at home we realised in our case, that they were always associated with sound (rattling a can, the shower water echoing in the bathroom, electric tin opener, walking past her with a lawnmower (which wasn't running at the time)She begins with sudden jerky reactions, for instance if you clapped three times she would jerk exactly in time with each clap and then have a seizure. The family has learnt to check if Pippy is around before making loud everyday domestic noises. We have been very successul in controlling them in this way and the old girl is still going strong.

Good luck

]]> By: Suzy P http://blog.netnerds.net/2007/04/dealing-with-a-sweet-elderly-newly-epileptic-cat/#comment-10002 Suzy P Mon, 24 Mar 2008 13:12:26 +0000 http://blog.netnerds.net/2007/04/dealing-with-a-sweet-elderly-newly-epileptic-cat/#comment-10002 Technics is 19, but looks like a cat half her age. In November she was diagnosed with kidney disease and put on medication. A check up in January showed her toxin levels almost back to normal. She's due a retest next month with a view to taking her off the tablets. She still drinks loads and correspondingly urinates loads, but other than that seemed fine - till she had a seizure 2 days ago. I was astonishingly upset by it, called the vet out as it was in the evening and had to ring a friend to give me a lift to the surgery as I was way too upset to drive. By which time Techy seemed fine and wondering what the fuss was all about! I was still tearful the next day when I took her back in for a follow up check, even though she seems fit as a flea again! BTW She too has a habit of waking me up in the early hours by wailing loudly at me, but I believed it was just her being a bit old and confused and deaf.... It was good to read this website - reassuring. Thanks. Technics is 19, but looks like a cat half her age. In November she was diagnosed with kidney disease and put on medication. A check up in January showed her toxin levels almost back to normal. She's due a retest next month with a view to taking her off the tablets. She still drinks loads and correspondingly urinates loads, but other than that seemed fine - till she had a seizure 2 days ago. I was astonishingly upset by it, called the vet out as it was in the evening and had to ring a friend to give me a lift to the surgery as I was way too upset to drive. By which time Techy seemed fine and wondering what the fuss was all about! I was still tearful the next day when I took her back in for a follow up check, even though she seems fit as a flea again! BTW She too has a habit of waking me up in the early hours by wailing loudly at me, but I believed it was just her being a bit old and confused and deaf.... It was good to read this website - reassuring. Thanks.

]]> By: Joyanne http://blog.netnerds.net/2007/04/dealing-with-a-sweet-elderly-newly-epileptic-cat/#comment-9991 Joyanne Tue, 18 Mar 2008 04:50:44 +0000 http://blog.netnerds.net/2007/04/dealing-with-a-sweet-elderly-newly-epileptic-cat/#comment-9991 Hi Chrissy, My 12 yr old sweet Siamese boy Orbit started having seizures for the first time about a month ago. My roommate was playing video games. I also narrowed it down to a sound trigger. It was very frustrating for me to have these blood tests done and I still know little of the cause of my baby's fits =( It was very comforting and helpful to hear your story and the others that followed. The vet has put him on phenobarbital and thankfully he has not had a seizure since his first two. He is not the same kitty as before although he has glimpses of the old Orbie...I am concerned about the long term effects of this medicine, but I am very happy to not see him having the seizures. I would love feed back if possible Thank you! Hi Chrissy,

My 12 yr old sweet Siamese boy Orbit started having seizures for the first time about a month ago. My roommate was playing video games. I also narrowed it down to a sound trigger. It was very frustrating for me to have these blood tests done and I still know little of the cause of my baby's fits =( It was very comforting and helpful to hear your story and the others that followed. The vet has put him on phenobarbital and thankfully he has not had a seizure since his first two. He is not the same kitty as before although he has glimpses of the old Orbie...I am concerned about the long term effects of this medicine, but I am very happy to not see him having the seizures. I would love feed back if possible

Thank you!

]]> By: Amy http://blog.netnerds.net/2007/04/dealing-with-a-sweet-elderly-newly-epileptic-cat/#comment-3836 Amy Fri, 08 Feb 2008 17:21:04 +0000 http://blog.netnerds.net/2007/04/dealing-with-a-sweet-elderly-newly-epileptic-cat/#comment-3836 Hello, It was good for me to read this site, as my Indy has been having seizures for a couple of years now. He is 15. He has only had a handful, but they are as you described, exactly. He scrabbles on the floor, every muscle tense, and pees everywhere. It lasts about 30-40 seconds, and it takes him about 2 minutes to move afterwards. I found that louding tapping noises trigger these, especially me typing on my computer keyboard. If he is on my lap and I am typing, he will jerk his head as if startled. I know that this is when he gets the boot out of the office! A strange thing about after his seizures... he will walk around the house looking at everything as if he is seeing it for the first time. He goes in every room, every closet, just fascinated. After his first one he was rushed to the vet, and tests revealed nothing. Hello,
It was good for me to read this site, as my Indy has been having seizures for a couple of years now. He is 15. He has only had a handful, but they are as you described, exactly. He scrabbles on the floor, every muscle tense, and pees everywhere. It lasts about 30-40 seconds, and it takes him about 2 minutes to move afterwards. I found that louding tapping noises trigger these, especially me typing on my computer keyboard. If he is on my lap and I am typing, he will jerk his head as if startled. I know that this is when he gets the boot out of the office!

A strange thing about after his seizures... he will walk around the house looking at everything as if he is seeing it for the first time. He goes in every room, every closet, just fascinated.

After his first one he was rushed to the vet, and tests revealed nothing.

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