Some seizures are unexplainable; others are caused by an underlying disease. Here’s what you need to know about this disorder.

By Tom Ewing

Brainwise, your cat seems to be normal in every respect — no tumors, no infections that might impair its neurologic functioning and no history of brain trauma. Yet, every once in a while, it has what is commonly referred to as a seizure, a disorder that is, in essence, an electrical disturbance in the brain.

Most veterinarians in general practice are well qualified to handle cases of feline epilepsy. More serious cases may require a veterinary neurologist.

Dr. Charles Vite, DVM, an assistant professor of neurology at the University of Pennsylvania’s School of Veterinary Medicine, describes the phenomenon as follows: “The cat has a dull look about it and starts to act oddly — a bit spacey. And then, within a few seconds, it goes into a convulsion. It becomes stiff, and its…

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