Watching your cat experience a "fit", the common term for a seizure, is an incredibly distressing experience.
Cats are known for their grace and control, so seeing them lose physical command of their body can feel like a nightmare.
A feline fit is essentially a temporary disruption in brain activity, where neurons fire in an uncontrolled "electrical storm."
While you cannot stop a fit once it starts, you can play a massive role in managing your cat's environment and supporting their nervous system to reduce the severity and frequency of these episodes.
In this post, we will explore 5 ways to support cat fits, starting with their causes.
Let's dive in!
What Causes Cat Fits?
Feline seizures are often categorized as either "intracranial" (inside the brain) or "extracranial" (outside the brain).
Because cats are so sensitive to their environment, the cause can range from a simple household item to a complex health condition.
The primary triggers for feline fits include:
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Toxin Exposure: Cats are uniquely sensitive to chemicals. Ingesting certain essential oils, lilies, or even flea medication meant for dogs can cause immediate neurological misfiring.
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Audio-Induced Seizures (FARS): Some cats, particularly seniors, suffer from Feline Audiogenic Reflex Seizures. This is where high-pitched sounds—like crinkling foil, clicking pens, or a spoon hitting a ceramic bowl—trigger a fit.
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Liver or Kidney Disease: When these organs fail to filter the blood, metabolic toxins (like ammonia) build up and irritate the brain, leading to seizures.
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Idiopathic Epilepsy: While more common in dogs, some cats are simply born with a lower seizure threshold, meaning their brain is naturally more prone to electrical surges.
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Hyperthyroidism: In older cats, an overactive thyroid can cause systemic stress that occasionally manifests as neurological episodes.
5 Ways to Support Cat Fits
Supporting a cat through neurological challenges involves "quieting" the nervous system and eliminating environmental triggers.
1. Calming Aid for Cats
For many cats, fits are exacerbated by a hyper-reactive nervous system or extreme environmental stress.
A high-quality Calming Aid for Cats can be a game-changer.
Ingredients like Valerian Root and Passionflower work naturally to support the brain’s ability to remain calm and balanced.
When the nervous system isn't constantly in a state of "high alert," the brain is less likely to succumb to the electrical surges that lead to a fit.
Our Synap Guardian for cats is expertly formulated with a blend of Ashwagandha and Valerian Root specifically to support a balanced nervous system and help maintain a higher threshold for environmental triggers.
By supporting a state of deep relaxation, it helps cats recover more quickly from stressful events and manages the hyper-reactivity often associated with sound sensitivity.
This calm aid is a gentle yet powerful way to ensure your cat's brain stays "quiet" and protected from the sensory overload that can lead to neurological distress.
Simply follow the directions on the back and you're good to go!
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2. The "Sound-Proofing" Strategy
Since many feline fits are triggered by sound, take a close look at your home’s acoustics.
If your cat is sensitive, switch to plastic or silicone food bowls to avoid the "clinking" of ceramic or metal.
Avoid crinkling plastic bags near them and use soft-close hinges on cabinets.
Minimizing sharp, high-frequency noises can significantly reduce the "sensory load" on your cat’s brain, making it much harder for a sound-induced episode to take hold.
3. Hands-Off Safety During an Episode
During a fit, your cat is not conscious of their actions and may bite or scratch reflexively.
The best support you can give is to stay back and clear the area.
Gently slide a cushion or a thick towel under their head if they are on a hard surface, but never try to restrain them or put your fingers in their mouth.
Turn off the lights, turn off the TV, and keep the room as dark and quiet as possible to help their brain "reset" once the fit ends.
4. Monitor Post-Ictal Nutrition
The period immediately following a fit (the "post-ictal" phase) can leave a cat feeling disoriented, ravenous, or extremely thirsty.
Because a fit uses a massive amount of cellular energy, your cat’s blood sugar may drop.
Once they are fully conscious and walking normally, offer a small, high-protein snack to help stabilize their glucose levels.
Ensure they have easy access to fresh water, as the intense muscle contractions during a fit can lead to mild dehydration.
5. Create a Low-Chemical Environment
Because the feline liver is less efficient at processing chemicals than other animals, "background toxins" can lower their seizure threshold.
Switch to fragrance-free, natural cleaning products and avoid the use of plug-in air fresheners or incense.
By reducing the number of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) your cat inhales, you decrease the toxic burden on their liver and nervous system, allowing their body to focus on neurological stability.
Supporting Cat Fits
Managing a cat with fits requires observation and a very gentle touch.
By using a calming aid to support a balanced nervous system and being mindful of sensory triggers like sound and chemicals, you can help your cat live a much more peaceful life.
Always consult your vet if your cat has a fit lasting more than three minutes or if they have multiple fits in a 24-hour period.
Thank you for reading, and here is to your cat’s calm and steady health!
Medical Disclaimer
The information provided on this website is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. The content shared here is not written by a licensed veterinarian, and it should not be used as a substitute for professional veterinary diagnosis, treatment, or advice. Always consult with your veterinarian or other qualified pet healthcare provider before starting any new treatment or making changes to your pet’s health regimen.
