Older kitty had seizures

Hi everyone,

The other night, our cat Thaddeus woke us up in a fit of a seizure. It lasted about a minute or so, and as you can imagine me and my partner were both terrified.

Thad is 19, so he's not young but he certainly acts like it. The only indicator of his age is bad teeth and that he sleeps a lot.

He was also diagnosed with weak kidneys 3 years ago. The vet suggested putting him on a special prescription diet (g/d), but kitty never really took to it, so he's back to eating Whiskas dry food (meaty selections) He's a grazer kind of cat and though he's always been lean, he's pretty skinny now.

About 6 hours after the first seizure he had another one. I called my vet as soon as they opened and brought him in.

They observed him all day (no more seizures) and did blood work. They reaffirmed kidney disease but indicated that it wasn't serious, and nothing else would determine why he had the two seizures. Kitty has been eating and drinking normally, he doest throw up often and he's using the litter box normally.

Thad has been normal since I've brought him to the vet yesterday, but I panic wondering if it will hit again. The vet said it may be isolated and might not be a regular occurrence. But at least they have the blood work done and we can work on managing his kidney disease.

Unfortunately it's about money at this point. I have to balance making a Thaddeus comfortable and budgeting vet visits.

I'm not exactly sure what to do now though. We can't watch him all day for seizures and I don't know what to do next.

If anyone has any insight or advice that would be so nice. I know Thad is old, but I want to make sure he's comfortable, happy and pain free.

(edited to attach a picture. He doesn't look that old!)

He's quite a handsome fellow!  I love his nose...it's like it's a black "spot", like on the top of his head

Anyway, did the Vet not say what you could do?  Didn't put him on any anti-seizure meds or anything?   I'm guessing not or you wouldn't be asking.  What happened during the episodes?

And, as far as his kidney disease, are you doing anything for that.  I know he doesn't like the kidney food, but are you doing anything else?  Sub-Q fluids, giving him Pepcid A/C, anything like that?  I also have a senior (16) who has kidney disease. She used to throw up often until we started giving her the equivalent of 1/4 tablet of Pepcid A/C twice a day.   (we have her's compounded and give it as shots because she is impossible to pill)  We also give her Miralax twice a day because she is constipated, and she will throw up from straining in the little box if we don't give her this.  Are you familiar with this site?  http://www.felinecrf.org/index.htm  This is my "go to" for anything kidney related.  It even has listings of foods that are listed in order of the amount of phosphorus in them to help in feeding kidney cats foods that are better for them.  There is a section on vomiting too!  

Sorry I haven't been around to reply to this. A belated thank you @mrsgreenjeans.

When Thaddy started to seizure I'm thinking both times he was asleep. He'd start flailing his paws and his body would twist around. His mouth was open and his eyes were wide and dilated. Then he'd calm down and give a loud cry before "walking it off". He'd limp a little but he was back to normal in a few hours. He still drinks, eats, bathes, runs around and socializes. He doesn't vomit as much anymore.

He has been limping a few times the past few days. Usually after he's been asleep and when he gets up. His paws are still warm and he acts normal afterward, as in eating, hanging around and drinking.



I'm not doing anything for the kidney issues. He's not peeing excessively, and he's eating and drinking. He sleeps a lot and he's very thin though. I'm watching him and will see the vet at some point to work out a plan. I'm not sure what to do about it now.

I feel like at this point I just don't want him to be in pain. If money were no object I would bring him to the vet, but unfortunately I can't afford frequent visits.

Anyway I'm posting hoping someone can relate and has any insight. Thanks.

Hi-i was researching for my kitty having seizures and saw your post. For kidney disease and seizures its important to remove carbs from the diet and dry food. Its a little more expensive but can be the culprit for both issues. Here's a website that really helped me and it's run by wonderful ladies at no charge. You will find very helpful info.   diabeticcatcare.com   Although it's primarily for feline diabetes they address kidney disease also.Food allergies to fillers in cat food cause seizures, even some so called high quality foods have them sadly. . ;(  Hope this helps and wish you the best.

I just reread your post----if he's drinking a lot and losing weight , those are  classic feline diabetes symptoms. But again, that website i posted is super helpful and encouraging. And the diet change would address those issues also.