Feline epilepsy is less common than in dogs but causes significant welfare concerns through seizure episodes and the management challenges of long-term anticonvulsant therapy.
Feline epilepsy causes welfare concerns through the acute distress of seizure episodes and the post-ictal period of confusion and disorientation. Status epilepticus — prolonged or repeated seizures — is a medical emergency causing severe neurological injury if not treated promptly. Cats experiencing frequent seizures live with ongoing uncertainty and disruption to normal behaviour patterns. The post-ictal period can cause temporary blindness, ataxia, and behavioural changes that are distressing and disorienting. Long-term anticonvulsant therapy requires careful monitoring for side effects including hepatotoxicity with phenobarbital. With appropriate medication and monitoring, many epileptic cats maintain good quality of life, though the unpredictability of seizures presents ongoing management challenges.