Unless a cat is in status epilepticus, cat seizures are rarely a medical emergency, meaning that you do not have to go to the emergency center immediately. If you notice your cat having a seizure but it stops after one to two minutes, then you should call your veterinarian and make an appointment to have your cat seen as soon as possible. If they are short but back-to-back, or they have more than one, you should take your cat to the veterinarian immediately.
While your cat is having a seizure (and even after), don't touch them unless they're at risk of hurting themselves — if they're about to fall down the stairs or into deep water, for example. If you touch your cat while they're seizing, you risk the chance of getting a serious bite or scratch.
If the seizure isn't stopping, you should take your cat for emergency care. Use a thick towel to pick up and wrap your cat for safe transportation. At the veterinarian's office, be prepared to answer questions about your cat's health history, including questions about:
- The number, frequency and length of their seizures
- Their vaccination history
- Whether they're an indoor or outdoor cat
- Nutrition and feeding
- Whether they've been vomiting or having diarrhea
- Recent weight changes
Your answers to these questions will help your veterinarian recommend the appropriate testing and treatment. Testing can include blood and urine tests, fecal tests and/or imaging studies, such as X-rays, ultrasounds and MRIs.