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

Last verified 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

Sources: vcahospitals.com · www.vet.cornell.edu

More guides

Bringing a dog or cat into Thailand: what the official requirements actually say Leave your cat at a cat hotel and hiring a nanny to take care of the house Which type is suitable for our cat?The cat is breathing heavily, panting, or gasping for breath. What must I do?Cat coughs or retches hairballs. How to tell them apart and when to see a doctor?My cat has diarrhea. When should I see a doctor? And what do you need to see?Cost of raising a cat per month How much is the average?The cat doesn't eat food. How many hours should I wait? And when do I have to see a doctor?Cat straining to urinate: is it an emergency?Cat vomiting: when to monitor and when to see a veterinarian Dog's stomach is bloated, retching but not coming out. It might be GDV. What should I do?When a dog has diarrhea, you can wait and see. And when do I have to see a doctor?Dog Heatstroke: Turn Down the Heat First Then rushed to the animal hospital The dog is limping. What kind can you wait and see? And when do I have to see a doctor?Expenses for raising a dog per month What is the difference between small and large breeds?The dog doesn't eat food. How long do I have to wait? And when should you see a doctor?My dog has a seizure. What should I do? And when do you have to go in an emergency?Dog Snakebite First Aid: What to Do and Avoid How do dogs vomit? You can wait and see. And which type do you need to see a doctor for?Emergency vet costs at night in Thailand: is after-hours more expensive?Is horsetail grass toxic to cats and dogs?Kitten has diarrhea In what way do you need to see a doctor immediately?Can You Take a Dog or Cat Into a Bangkok Mall? We Opened 13 Mall Websites What do I need to do in the first 7 days of getting a new kitten?A cat or dog eats poisonous plants. What should you do? How to provide first aid before going to the doctor.Dust PM2.5 smog Chiang Mai When do you bring cats and dogs into the house?How much does it cost to keep a cat? Updated prices for cat hotels across Thailand How much does it cost to keep a dog? Updated prices for dog hotels across Thailand