Is A Cat Twitching In Its Sleep Having A Seizure? When To Be Concerned

Cats can spend more than half their day sleeping, between 12 and 16 hours, meaning there are plenty of opportunities to catch a picture of an adorable cat sleeping like a funny weirdo. Like humans, sleep can bring peculiar movements, such as snoring or slight stirring. Still, for pet parents, when a cat really gets moving in their sleep, it can be challenging to interpret these actions and determine whether they should be concerned.

A cat twitching in their sleep is likely due to involuntary muscle spasms or REM (rapid eye movement) sleep, rarely the case of a seizure. Muscle spasms occur naturally during sleep and are not concerning; spasms can indicate underlying issues, but these symptoms usually also appear while a cat is awake. Cats can dream, and they enter REM sleep — the state before deep sleep where the mind is active — similar to their human companions. Movement during the REM cycle is not only okay but also often adorable.

There are two different types of seizures in cats: focal, which affects part of the body, and generalized, which affects the entire body. The underlying cause of seizures can range drastically from toxicity to common types of cancers in cats. The signs of a general grand mal seizure, the most recognizable type, can include uncontrollable muscle activity, faltering to one side, confusion, and loss of control of the bladder/bowels. During the 'pre-seizure period,' a cat may appear restless, drool, and seek attention, yet some don't show any signs. These factors can make it difficult to determine a seizure versus twitching. If you believe your cat is exhibiting signs beyond muscle spasms or REM sleep, consult your veterinarian.

When faced with a traumatic event like witnessing a pet going through a seizure, many will find themselves panicking about what to do. The first response should be to stay calm in order to best be able to help them. Carefully moving a cat away from objects or furniture will reduce the chances of injury from hitting up against either. Timing their seizure and recording it on video will also help a vet interpret the severity of an episode. A seizure lasting for more than three minutes will require immediate medical intervention. Finally, do not touch around their mouth to avoid being bitten.

A single seizure that lasts a couple of minutes or less does not generally require immediate medical treatment. Still, a veterinarian should assess a pet to determine the underlying cause, such as the cat having head trauma symtoms or an illness, so they can begin care. Monthly or regularly occurring episodes may be a sign of idiopathic epilepsy — seizures without a direct cause. This condition is incurable, and symptoms must be managed with an anticonvulsant medicine.

Thankfully, the chances of cats suffering from seizures are uncommon. A 2020 study completed by the Royal Veterinary College of London found that only 16 out of 10,000 (.16%) cats suffered from seizure disorders or epilepsy. This study indicates that if you find a cat twitching in their sleep, they're more likely to have common muscle spasms or a natural sleep cycle over a seizure — so you can let them rest easy.

Always consult your veterinarian before making changes to your pet's diet, exercise, or care. To find an accredited veterinarian in your area, you can search the American Animal Hospital Association's online database.