Many people do not realize that older cats can suffer from noise related seizures. Typically cats between the ages 10 -19 years old, seem to suffer from seizures induced by high pitched noise. The most common culprits are, in order: crinkling tin foil; a metal spoon hitting a ceramic bowl; tapping a glass; crinkling paper or plastic bags; tapping computer keys or a mouse; clinking coins or keys; hammering a nail; and clicking of the owners tongue. Less common causes the sound of breaking tin foil from packaging; mobile phone texting and ringing; digital alarms; Velcro, stove igniting ticks; running water; firewood splitting; the sound of a computer printer; walking across a floor with bare feet; tags on a collar jangling; and squeaky shoes.
This phenomenon was discovered by the veterinarian neurologists at Davies Veterinary Specialists in the United Kingdom when they were approached by a charity, the International Cat Care, for help with older cats that were experiencing seizures. It has been labeled “feline audiogenic reflex seizures or FARS.
The Veterinarians found that the loudness of the sounds also played a part in triggering the seizures and interestingly, that it affects all cats, both pedigreed and non-pedigreed, but that the Birman cat seemed more likely to suffer from noise induced seizures.
Another study is being conducted to determine the best way to treat noise induced seizures. Currently, it has been found that the medication levetiracetam also known as Keppra, helps the cats.
As a cat ages, it is always a good idea to have a geriatric profile done yearly (ages 7 – 10) to determine the overall health of your cat. This test can show if there are organ/health issues that can be treated before they become life threatening.
http://www.diamondbackdrugs.com/levetiracetam-for-seizures-in-pets/
A Blog by Susan Bulanda 