What just happened to my cat?

[harrietlichman]

He is eleven, and has always been in great health. About an hour ago, he heard me drive up, and as usual, jumped over the back fence and followed me into the house. He then sort of slumped to the floor, with his legs a bit splayed, and stayed motionless for about half a minute with his mouth open. He wasn't responding to me calling his name and looked a bit vacant. Then he walked abit shakily into the kitchen and lay down by the back door, with his mouth open, breathing quite shallow. After about a minute of this (very uncharacteristic behaviour, normally he would just be shouting for his tea) He seemed to recover and went to his bowl. He has since eaten and is now in his usual spot, dozing on the sofa. It scared me to death and though he now seems absolutely fine, I have no idea what was wrong and whether I should take him to the vet tonight or wait and see? Any advice gladly received.

[purplepidjin]

Stroke? If it were mine, I'd be straight on to the emergency vet but that's because I'm totally soppy I hope all's well

[harrietlichman]

Thanks for your reply - I am going to wait and see how he is in the morning, simply because he now seems to be absolutely fine - he has had a full bowl of food, and has been doing his usual routine (pestering everyone for a fuss and making sure he has his favourite place to curl up) and is now purring happily on my lap! I will watch him like a hawk for the next few hours and will take him in for a quick check over tomorrow anyway I think, I am still shaken by it and can't imagine him not being here - he is very much part of the family and older than both my dc's, I have had him from eight weeks old and would be devastated if there was anything wrong.

[Wolfiefan]

If he jumped off a fence could there be some kind of concussion? Epilepsy? Best to keep him in until you have seen a vet. (wouldn't want him to have a funny turn like that outside where you can't see and keep him safe) I hope it was a one off. Lost my 13 year old cat a couple of weeks ago. All still a bit raw here.

[Onemorning]

My dear old boy (17) has recently been diagnosed with epilepsy. His first fit was an absence seizure - he literally zoned out for a minute and was completely unresponsive. He's had a few more dramatic seizures since (none since meds started in Feb) and they he was always hungry afterwards.

Good luck tomorrow - hopefully it's nothing to worry about. It's definitely worth getting him checked out.

[recall]

Fit ?

[TalkinPeace2]

stroke
old cats first one was several years before he died
the more severe ones they go blind for a while and cry - just hug him till he recovers - but you may get weed on. An hour or two and they have forgotten all about it

[purplepidjin]

Any news, harriet?

[harrietlichman]

Hi

Thanks for your replies - took him to the vet who says it is probably epilepsy due to his age...he is absolutely fine now but vet says they may get more frequent and just to keep an eye on him for now., and bring him back if/when he has another one - Onemorning did you get any medication for yours? Old Len has always been a home body and doesn't venture far, but I don't like him being outside now incase it happens again and I'm not there....

[suzi2]

I had an epileptic cat (was all her life) and she was never treated with medication. She died fairly young of sudden kidney failure and the vet suspected it ahd been a tumour on her kidney. Anyway, it would seem that fits and kidney function sometimes go hand in hand, so if he has another fit then it might be worth getting bloodwork done. My mums cat had fits in her old age (was also troubled with kidneys) and she had diazepam. Just make sure you get the dosage right - mum gave her cat too much and it was hysterical. Like a rubber cat lol.

[purplepidjin]

Glad the vet isn't too worried

My cat was diagnosed with a heart murmer at 6m, she's fit and healthy at 5 now. Sometimes the stress of treating them for something is greater than leaving it alone, it certainly would be for Millie!

[Onemorning]

Hi Harriet

It took a while to get him on meds, as our vet was convinced it was his heart (he also has cardiomyopathy). He's been on a very low dose of anti-seizure meds since February (1/4 tablet at 12 hour intervals) and he's not had a fit since.

I used to have the same worry that he'd be out when he fitted, big hugs to you and kitty. x

[harrietlichman]

Apoloies for terrible typin - my keyboard is not workin properly - just wanted to tank you all for replyin to me, Lenny is doin fine now, bein treated like a lord!

[Onemorning]

Hooray for Lenny - I'm sure he's enjoying himself :)