This is pumpkin 17 years old, he lives in my house but is my boyfriends moms couch ( we live together ) Monday night he had a siezure, and again on Tuesday night. He was sitting in my lap making buiscuts and scratched me a little with his paw Tuesday afternoon.
We googled and the worst case scenario popped up which is rabies. He isn’t showing any other signs of rabies and is currently laying in bed. He hasn’t had one in two days and is eating and drinking perfectly fine, seems normal. It’s been 4 days now. He was vaccinated a long time ago, but I’m not sure when.
But I can’t shake the thought of rabies. It’s stressing me out so bad that I may have contacted rabies. 😭😭😭😭 I have health anxiety.
Seizures in a 17-year-old cat can be concerning, and there are several potential causes that could be contributing to Pumpkin's episodes. Given his age, one possibility is that he may be experiencing seizures due to an underlying neurological condition such as a brain tumor or a stroke. Other potential causes could include metabolic disorders like kidney or liver disease, which are not uncommon in senior cats. Epilepsy is another possibility, though it is less common for it to begin in a cat's senior years.
Rabies is extremely unlikely if Pumpkin is an indoor cat and has been vaccinated in the past, even if it was a long time ago. Additionally, rabies typically presents with more aggressive symptoms such as behavioral changes, paralysis, and excessive salivation, which you have not mentioned observing in Pumpkin.
Given Pumpkin's recent seizure activity, it's important to monitor him closely for any further episodes or changes in behavior, appetite, or water consumption. If he experiences another seizure, try to keep the environment calm and safe, removing any objects that could harm him if he thrashes. Do not attempt to restrain him or put anything in his mouth during a seizure. After the seizure, provide a quiet and comfortable space for him to recover.
If you notice any of the following symptoms, it would be prudent to take Pumpkin to a veterinary hospital: difficulty breathing, extreme lethargy, persistent vomiting or diarrhea, sudden collapse, or any signs of pain such as vocalizing or reluctance to be touched.
To help manage his condition at home, ensure that he has a stress-free environment, as stress can sometimes trigger seizures. Keep his routine as consistent as possible, and consider providing a diet formulated for senior cats, which may help manage any underlying metabolic issues.
It's also important to keep his nails trimmed to prevent accidental scratches, which can be more common if he's experiencing muscle tremors or weakness. If he does scratch you, clean the wound thoroughly with soap and water.
Lastly, while I understand your concern about rabies, the risk is very low based on the information provided. However, if you have any open wounds or scratches from Pumpkin, it's always a good idea to clean them well and monitor for signs of infection. If you have any additional questions, please don't hesitate to come back to us! Thank you.
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