Easter is the most important holiday on the Christian calendar‚ when we remember the death and resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ‚ the central work of God in the Gospel. While Lent is traditionally Catholic‚ more Protestants and Evangelicals have begun to find value in this observance‚ as well.

How do we remove the weight of anxiety from our lives so we can experience more joy and peace? Paul gives us a simple answer in Philippians.

In Romans 8:1‚ the Bible tells us that we do not have to carry condemnation in our lives when we’re truly in Christ. If you are a born-again believer‚ condemnation does not exist because the punishment for our failures and sins does not exist. 

When our family served as missionaries overseas‚ the sins of our host cultures were easy to diagnose. Street corners in southeast Asia were filled with temples‚ shrines‚ and sacrificial offerings‚ revealing the worship of false gods. In some places in Europe‚ brothels and illicit drugs weren’t hidden from view but grievously peddled in broad daylight. It took little effort to see the darkness around us. When we moved back to the U.S.‚ the sins there were obvious too. We set out to plant a church in a nation that celebrates greed‚ drunkenness‚ and sexual immorality‚ just to name a few sins. These blatant sins are big reasons why those in gospel ministry answer the call. We see the darkness and set out to be a city on a hill (Matt. 5:14–16). But while we easily diagnose the sins of others‚ we too often gloss over the evil within us. We see the specks in others’ eyes but not the log in our own (7:3–5). As Jerry Bridges explains in Respectable Sins‚ “We can readily identify sin in the immoral or unethical conduct of people in society at large. But we often fail to see . . . the ‘acceptable sins of the saints.’ In effect‚ we‚ like society at large‚ live in denial of our sin.” Bridges rightly points to what’s common among all Christians. But what if we applied this truth specifically to those in ministry both at home and abroad? If we’re honest‚ church leaders must admit we’re prone to certain “respectable sins” in ministry. We grow so accustomed to these sins that we often think they’re normal and acceptable. 1. We Worry Ministry is costly and risky. Church leaders are often short on needed funds. Fear surrounding finances often leads us to serve from a scarcity mentality. We hoard our resources. Plagued with anxiety‚ we shrink back from generosity. Our worries parade as wise stewardship. But in reality‚ we behave as if our anxiety here will somehow protect our bottom line. Jesus’s words are for church leaders too. Don’t be anxious about your life. Your heavenly Father knows what you need. Have faith. Seek first the kingdom. He’ll give you what you need (Matt. 6:25–34). 2. We’re Territorial This respectable sin is also rooted in a scarcity mentality. We often serve in places with dry soil. It’s tempting‚ then‚ to become territorial when seeds sprout and roots grow. Fruitful ministries are validating‚ and we want to prove our worth. So it’s easy to work for our ministry’s flourishing at the expense of other churches or to become closefisted when our disciples want to serve elsewhere and not within our domain. While we easily diagnose the sins of others‚ we too often gloss over the evil within us. One of my pastors used to rightly exhort us‚ “Let’s pursue the big-K Kingdom‚ not our own small-k kingdom. Let’s grow fruit on other churches’ trees.” As Jesus said when his disciples were frustrated by others doing work in his name‚ “The one who is not against us is for us” (Mark 9:40). 3. We Gossip and Slander When those of us in ministry gather behind closed doors‚ we have to admit it feels good to vent our annoyances. Under the guise of sharing wisdom or a prayer request‚ we shamelessly slander siblings in our faith families and even other ministers or churches in our contexts. While ministry teams do need to share insight and information‚ we must be honest that sometimes we cross the line into gossip—and it feels good. I know how upset I get if someone speaks ill of one of my children. Imagine our Father’s response when we speak ill of his. Jesus commanded his disciples‚ “Love one another: just as I have loved you‚ you also are to love one another. By this all people will know that you are my disciples‚ if you have love for one another” (John 13:34–35). 4. We Grumble Pushing against the darkness requires sacrificing comfort‚ safety‚ convenience‚ status‚ and so much more. Grumbling can become a pernicious habit. How easy it is to complain about difficult people: to bemoan their lack of gratitude‚ the culture’s besetting sins‚ or pervasive injustices. It might feel like simple truth telling‚ but the heart behind the grumbler says‚ God is wrong and I know better. When the crowds questioned Jesus’s announcement that he was the bread of life‚ he answered them‚ “Do not grumble among yourselves. No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws him” (John 6:43–44). When circumstances are confusing‚ we’re commanded to trust our God. He’s at work‚ drawing people to himself‚ even amid events and structures that don’t make sense to us. 5. We Overwork This respectable sin looks like diligence and hard work‚ but underneath it’s an unspoken belief that we’re the saviors of those entrusted to us. When we rely on ourselves and our methods‚ our care morphs into self-reliance. We leave behind the Holy Spirit and the deep rest available to us through union with Christ. Ministry burnout is real and a God-ordained opportunity to remember that God alone is infinite. After Jesus sent the Twelve out to do ministry in his name (Mark 6:7–13)‚ they returned and “told him all that they had done and taught” (v. 30). Jesus said to them‚ “Come away by yourselves to a desolate place and rest a while” (v. 31). Even Jesus had a habit of withdrawing to a quiet place alone (Matt. 14:13). God created us with limitations‚ and it’s his will that we serve in accordance with them. Repent of Respectable Sins Addressing these sins puts a pit in my stomach. They feel gross‚ yet I know I’ve been guilty of them. They come easy. They wear masks and make themselves at home in our hearts. They feel normal and even respectable. But they’re like poison. Each one steals‚ kills‚ and destroys. Each one is rebellion against a good and holy God. Each one reminds me how much I need the grace of Christ. As those who’ve been entrusted with the gospel‚ let’s repent of our secret sins‚ laying aside every weight as we run the race (Heb. 12:1–2). As those ministering in the name of Christ‚ we should desire for the words of our mouths and the meditations of our hearts to be acceptable in his sight (Ps. 19:14). May our beliefs and behaviors reflect his glory.

Jorge Polanco is headed to the Emerald City

The post Cat Not Eating But Still Purring? Possible Reasons &; What to Do by Misty Layne appeared first on Catster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it‚ but all of these articles were assigned‚ contracted and paid for‚ so they aren't considered public domain. However‚ we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article‚ then linking out to the rest of the piece on Catster.com. When cats aren’t feeling well‚ they can exhibit a range of behaviors‚ including hiding away from the rest of the family and avoiding food. What if your cat is not eating but still behaving normally‚ such as purring? Does that mean your pet is ill‚ or is something else going on? There are several reasons your cat could be not eating but still purring‚ ranging from having an issue with their food to a medical problem. What are those reasons? Here are 11 possible reasons your cat isn’t eating but is still purring and what to do when this happens! The 7 Possible Reasons Why Your Cat Is Not Eating But Still Purring 1. Problem With Their Food One of the more common reasons for a cat to start avoiding their food while still purring and acting normally is because there’s something about the food the cat doesn’t like. You might have recently changed food brands or flavors‚ but the new one simply doesn’t do it for your pet. Your cat might also have just decided to suddenly be picky about what they’re eating‚ or your cat’s food might have gone stale. Felines have sharp senses of smell so that they can pick up on small changes in their food‚ like staleness. This is an easy problem to resolve‚ though. If food is stale‚ you can try keeping food in an airtight container or purchasing small bags of food instead of large bags. If you switched food recently‚ switch back to what your pet liked previously‚ or if you can’t go back for some reason‚ try adding a small bit of chicken broth (the low-sodium kind) or one of those cat gravy toppers to the food. The addition of broth or gravy may help if your pet has suddenly become picky‚ too. Image Credit: Svetlana Rey‚ Shutterstock 2. Food Aversion Have you ever been in a situation you didn’t enjoy that ended up with you forever associating a song‚ scent‚ or food with it and wanting to never hear‚ smell‚ or eat that thing again? The same thing can happen with your cat. If your pet has recently had a stay at the hospital or boarding facility‚ they could end up with food aversion because they associate this food with a negative experience. The simplest solution is to try offering a variety of flavors and textures‚ if you suspect this may be the case. 3. Had a Recent Vaccination You know how sometimes‚ when you get vaccinated for something‚ you end up feeling kind of lousy the next day or two? Well‚ that can happen to your cat‚ as well‚ and one of the more common vaccination side effects for felines is nausea‚ which could cause your pet not to eat but still purr like normal. The good news is that any nausea caused by vaccination should vanish in 48 hours or less. However‚ if your cat still avoids food after that period‚ contact your pet’s vet‚ as it may be a sign of an adverse reaction to the vaccination (though this happens rarely). Image Credit: Tyler Olson‚ Shutterstock 4. Is Too Hot You probably eat lighter when temperatures are extremely high‚ so wouldn’t it make sense for your cat to do the same? When it’s too hot‚ chances are good your cat will eat much less than usual. In fact‚ one study found that felines eat as much as 15% fewer calories during the hotter months. Most likely‚ cats eat less when it’s hot because they’re expending less energy‚ so they require fewer calories. There’s not much you can do to convince your cat to eat when it’s hot out‚ especially if their body doesn’t really need the extra calories. But you can ensure your pet stays hydrated by keeping fresh‚ clean water available at all times. 5. Minor Gastrointestinal Issue If your cat is suffering from a minor gastrointestinal issue‚ they may stop eating but continue to act normally. Of course‚ if the problem is a major one‚ your cat will probably not be purring and instead will exhibit symptoms other than simply skipping a meal or two. But if your cat is still purring and not having issues like vomiting‚ diarrhea‚ or weight loss‚ it’s probably just mild stomach upset or irritation. As long as the problem is mild‚ it should clear up on its own in a day or two‚ but if symptoms get worse‚ you should visit your vet. Image Credit: Olesya Alexandrova‚ Shutterstock 6. Mild Dental Issues The same holds true for mild dental issues. You probably don’t want to eat much if you have a tooth that’s aching‚ and your cat doesn’t either! Mild dental problems such as a toothache or loose tooth can cause your cat to avoid eating (especially if they’re being given dry food). If the problem concerns your cat’s teeth‚ a visit to the vet to find and remedy the issue is advisable. You may also want to speak with your vet about regular teeth cleanings for your feline to avoid further dental trouble. 7. Cold or Allergies Felines can suffer from colds and allergies just like us‚ and when they do‚ there’s a chance they could begin to refuse to eat while continuing to purr and act normally. In this case‚ food avoidance is likely due to having a stuffy nose; if the cat is congested‚ they can’t smell food‚ so they probably won’t want to eat it. When this happens‚ you can try warming up a bit of wet cat food for them (doing this makes the food smellier). You might also attempt giving them some fish that’s extra smelly. If your cat hasn’t recovered from their cold or allergies after a few days‚ or if they become lethargic‚ develop runny eyes‚ or have a fever‚ a vet visit is in order. Image Credit: Olgaalisa‚ Shutterstock Side Effects of Medication Like with vaccines‚ certain medications can cause side effects in felines. One common side effect is nausea‚ which could lead to the cat not eating. Just a few kinds of medicine that can cause stomach upset in cats include antibiotics‚ medicine for hypertension‚ pain medicine‚ and anti-parasitics. If you believe medication is the cause of your cat’s food avoidance‚ you have a couple of options. If they’re only taking the medicine short-term‚ it might be best to simply wait it out while trying to encourage your pet to eat (and ensure they’re staying hydrated). But if the medicine needs to be taken long-term‚ speak with the kitty’s vet to determine if there are other medications your pet could take. 1. Experiencing Stress It isn’t uncommon for cats to experience stress and anxiety. Felines are big fans of routine‚ so the most minute changes can create a lot of anxiety for them. And if the cat is stressed‚ they could stop eating or eat less‚ even while still purring. What are some causes of stress and anxiety in cats? Losing a family member (human or animal)‚ new furniture in the house‚ a new home‚ new animals in the house‚ new humans in the house‚ and so much more. The best way to help your cat here is to try to help them deal with the stress they’re experiencing. Image Credit: Mary Swift‚ Shutterstock 2. Mild Pain A cat experiencing pain could definitely stop eating‚ and if the pain was merely mild‚ it wouldn’t be unheard of for them to continue purring and acting normally. If your cat is experiencing pain‚ you’ll probably see other signs of it‚ though these signs will vary by ailment. A cat who’s limping could have something stuck in the paw‚ while a feline experiencing a stomach ache might vomit at some point. If you can’t figure out where your pet is experiencing pain‚ let their vet look at them. 3. Early Stage of Undiagnosed Illness This is probably the least common reason a cat would not be eating but would still be purring‚ but there’s always a chance your pet is in the beginning stages of an illness or disease. Some conditions‚ even in the early stages‚ can cause a kitty to have less appetite. These conditions include viral and bacterial infections‚ diabetes‚ and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). If your cat isn’t feeling well‚ they’ll likely also be separating themselves from the rest of the family‚ sleeping more‚ or even becoming grumpy if disturbed. If other signs appear‚ it’s time for a visit to the vet. Image Credit: Julia-Cherk‚ Shutterstock Conclusion If you have a kitty who’s purring but not eating‚ there are numerous reasons this could be occurring. Remember‚ purring can also be a sign of illness‚ so just because your cat is still purring isn’t always a good thing. Sometimes purring indicates an ill cat‚ and in many of the above examples‚ purring may not be so much a happy purr‚ but one of a cat that equally‚ does not feel well. So‚ if you suspect any of the above‚ carefully monitor your cat‚ and if they skip more than a meal or two‚ it is time to speak with your vet! Sources PLOS Cornell Cornell IBS Featured Image Credit: Elena Kutepova‚ Shutterstock The post Cat Not Eating But Still Purring? Possible Reasons &; What to Do by Misty Layne appeared first on Catster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it‚ but all of these articles were assigned‚ contracted and paid for‚ so they aren't considered public domain. However‚ we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article‚ then linking out to the rest of the piece on Catster.com.

The post Miralax for Cats: Our Vet Explains Dosages‚ Uses‚ Side Effects by Kim Podlecki appeared first on Catster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it‚ but all of these articles were assigned‚ contracted and paid for‚ so they aren't considered public domain. However‚ we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article‚ then linking out to the rest of the piece on Catster.com. You may notice your cat in the litter box‚ straining to defecate and being unable to. You may also notice that your cat is only passing small‚ firm “fecal balls”‚ vomiting‚ or just otherwise not acting like themselves. Constipation can occur for many reasons in cats‚ with various treatments available. A simple over the counter (OTC) treatment you can try is giving your cat Miralax. This can be effective for both simple cases of constipation‚ or long-term management. In this article we will discuss more about Miralax‚ how much to give‚ and if there are any side effects you should be aware of. Remember that it is important to consult a vet before giving any medication to your cat. What Is Miralax? Miralax is the brand name of an osmotic laxative that contains PEG 3350‚ or Polyethylene Glycol. Other names include GaviLAX‚ GlycoLax and ClearLax. It is used to help relieve constipation‚ or difficulty defecating normally and regularly‚ often due to firm stools. What is an osmotic laxative? This means that when swallowed‚ it travels through the digestive tract (in the intestines)‚ binding to water molecules along the way. This will then cause more fluid to be absorbed into the intestinal tract‚ increasing the size of the intestines and their water content. As the Miralax and additional water gets to the colon‚ the hope is that the increased hydration of the intestine will cause the hardened stool to soften‚ therefore making it easier to pass. Miralax is not a stimulant laxative. A stimulant laxative is a medication that will cause increased contraction(s) of the intestinal tract. It is never recommended to give a stimulant laxative to your cat unless specifically prescribed by your veterinarian. View this post on Instagram A post shared by MiraLAX (@miralax_us) How Is Miralax Given? Miralax comes in powder form. It is reported to be odorless and tasteless‚ though we cannot know for certain if cats and dogs may be able to smell and/or taste it. It does not need any special storage – only to be kept in the container it’s purchased in. Miralax does not need to be kept in the fridge once opened and can remain on your counter or medicine cabinet. Miralax is taken orally; in other words‚ it’s eaten. While it does not need to be taken with food to be effective‚ it is going to be easiest to administer to your cat with food. You can either sprinkle it right on top of their food or mix it in to try and disguise it from suspicious eyes. Of course‚ you can try to mix it into liquid and give it to your cat with a syringe‚ but this will likely not end up going very well. For mild constipation‚ it should be given twice daily until the stools have normalized and your cat is defecating normally. If your cat is severely constipated‚ they may need more aggressive care in the hospital first‚ and stools maintained with Miralax given once or twice a day. Dosing Miralax and What Happens If You Miss a Dose Always double check dosages with your veterinarian. It’s best to start between 1/8-1/4 teaspoon twice daily. Ask your veterinarian if they want you to give this medication to your cat either once or twice a day. If you normally give it twice a day‚ then if you miss a dose‚ your veterinarian may have you double the dose and give it only once. However‚ it depends on the severity and cause of the constipation in your cat what your veterinarian may want you to do. Miralax is overall very safe. Missing a dose typically will not cause any adverse effects. If anything‚ missing a dose may cause your cat’s constipation to persist. Sometimes cats are so severely constipated that they need to be sedated and have stool manually removed by your veterinarian. They are often then kept in the hospital to receive IV fluids and intensive care before going home on medical management. Miralax may be prescribed to your cat by your veterinarian for long term care. Therefore‚ dosing may be titrated up or down depending on how your cats do‚ and what is causing their constipation in the first place. Image Credit: MDV Edwards‚ Shutterstock Potential Side Effects of Miralax Overall‚ Miralax is safe for most cats. In some cases‚ however‚ it may not help your cat at all. If this is the case‚ your cat may start to vomit and/or continue to strain to defecate if you are only giving Miralax and not taking any other steps to help your cat. Other cats may have increased flatulence or diarrhea if too much is given. If this occurs‚ you should back down on the dose to once daily and contact your veterinarian about further instructions. If your cat is constipated from underlying dehydration‚ giving Miralax or any other osmotic laxative may worsen their dehydration. This is because of what we discussed above in that Miralax will draw more liquid into the intestinal tract. Make sure your cat is not only drinking appropriate amounts of water but is also not dehydrated. Your veterinarian can discuss this with you as some cats drinking excessively will still be chronically dehydrated. We see this commonly when cats have chronic kidney disease. Frequently Asked Questions How Long Will Miralax Take to Work? In mild cases of constipation‚ you should notice results within about 12 hours. However‚ if your cat is severely constipated‚ it may take a few days. At minimum your cat should be passing small pieces of firm stool daily. If more than 2 or 3 days has gone by without any stool being passed‚ you should seek emergent veterinary care. Image Credit: Andriy Blokhin‚ Shutterstock Why Is My Cat Constipated? Constipation in cats can occur for a number of reasons. Sometimes it’s just from decreased water intake and/or their diet. Other times constipation can be from chronic kidney disease‚ hairballs‚ or previous injury. Your veterinarian will likely want to perform radiographs and bloodwork to try to determine what the cause of your cat’s constipation is‚ and discuss if this may be the beginning of a chronic issue. Conclusion Constipation can occur for a number of reasons in cats. In cases of mild constipation‚ your cat may be able to receive medical management at home‚ including Miralax. Miralax is an osmotic laxative that helps to soften stool by increasing the water content in the gut. It can be purchased OTC as a powder and sprinkled on top of or mixed into your cat’s food. It may be given once or twice daily‚ depending on your veterinarian’s recommendations. Dosing can be titrated up or down with few side effects seen. Management of constipation should always be done with your veterinarian‚ as prescription food and/or other medications may be needed for long-term control. Sources How I Treat Constipation in Cats – WSAVA2011 – VIN Miralax For Cats With Constipation And Dosage Of Miralax To Give Your Cat (youtube.com) Miralax For Cats With Constipation | Dosage Of Miralax To Give Your Cat (emergencyvetsusa.com) Feline Megacolon and Deobstipation • MSPCA-Angell Management tips for constipated cats (dvm360.com) Polyethylene Glycol 3350 (Oral Route) Description and Brand Names – Mayo Clinic Featured Image Credit: Zhuravlev Andrey‚ Shutterstock The post Miralax for Cats: Our Vet Explains Dosages‚ Uses‚ Side Effects by Kim Podlecki appeared first on Catster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it‚ but all of these articles were assigned‚ contracted and paid for‚ so they aren't considered public domain. However‚ we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article‚ then linking out to the rest of the piece on Catster.com.

The post Focal Seizures in Cats: Our Vet Explains Causes &; Care Guide by Dr. Emma Chandley‚ BVetMed MRCVS (Vet) appeared first on Catster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it‚ but all of these articles were assigned‚ contracted and paid for‚ so they aren't considered public domain. However‚ we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article‚ then linking out to the rest of the piece on Catster.com. Seizures can be a frightening experience for both owners and their cats. There are many different types and causes. Usually‚ seizures are not life-threatening unless they last for a prolonged amount of time or cause the cat to injure themselves somehow when the seizure is occurring. Focal seizures in cats are the most common type of seizure seen. They only affect one part of the brain. This leads to localized clinical signs across the body which depend on what part of the brain is affected. There are effective management and treatment options available for focal seizures and most cats go on to lead a very normal life if on medication. What Are Focal Seizures in Cats? Seizures are caused by electrical disturbances in your cat’s brain. The term “seizure” is used to document a sudden‚ self-limiting‚ discharge of neurons in the brain. The clinical signs vary depending on the location of the misfiring neurons. Seizures are a symptom of an underlying disease process‚ for example‚ epilepsy. There are a number of different causes of seizures in cats. These are usually categorized into intracranial‚ meaning causes inside the skull‚ and extracranial‚ meaning causes outside of the skull. A focal seizure refers to abnormal electrical activity in one specific part of the brain. In a focal seizure‚ because only one part of the brain is affected‚ clinical signs are only seen relating to that area of the brain. The location of the seizure in the brain dictates the clinical signs witnessed. Focal seizures are usually non-violent with very subtle signs. Owners can often miss them. They can manifest as something as simple as a flickering of whiskers or an ear twitch. In a generalized seizure‚ the cat’s whole brain is affected‚ so normally the whole body convulses and shows the effects of the seizure. With a generalized seizure‚ usually‚ the cat loses consciousness. This does not normally occur with focal seizures. A focal seizure can eventually develop into a generalized seizure. Focal seizures are very common in cats. Image Credit: Maria Sbytova‚ Shutterstock What Are the Signs of Focal Seizures in Cats? Focal seizures do not have the same build-up and aftermath as full seizures (often called “Grand Mal” seizures) With generalized seizures‚ there is usually a distinct pre-ictal and post-ictal phase before and after the actual seizure event. Focal seizures do not have this pre or post-ictal phase so they can be more difficult to spot. They have a sudden onset and there are usually no clinical signs noted prior to the seizure starting. The recovery period is a lot quicker too. There are a few different clinical signs witnessed when a cat experiences a focal seizure. Common clinical signs include: Unilateral facial twitching Limb twitching Leg paddling Head bobbing Meowing Growling Hissing Increased frequency of swallowing Increased salivation Dilated pupils Suddenly running about Urination Defecation “Fly catching” (snapping at the air/other abnormal mouth movements) Behavioral changes Circling What Are the Causes of Focal Seizures? Image Credt: PRESSLAB‚ Shutterstock There are a number of different causes of focal seizures in cats. Common causes include but are not limited to: Brain tumor: A malignant or benign cancerous growth affecting the brain can cause seizures. As the tumor grows it puts pressure on the surrounding tissue due to the space it is occupying and causes inflammation and seizure activity. They are more frequently seen in older cats. Problems with the blood supply to the brain: Incidents where the blood supply to the brain is compromised can cause seizure activity. These can be caused by underlying medical issues such as heart disease‚ hyperthyroidism‚ diabetes‚ and kidney failure. High blood pressure can also contribute to vascular issues. Infections: Infectious causes such as toxoplasmosis‚ cryptococcus‚ and feline infectious peritonitis can cause seizure activity. Hypoglycemia: This can occur commonly in undernourished kittens or diabetic cats that have been overdosed. Injury or trauma: Any assault on the brain tissue can affect its normal functioning and cause seizure activity. High temperature: External sources of heat or a high systemic fever can cause seizures. Overstimulation: Loud unpredictable noises and bright lights can often cause seizures in cats. The reasons why this occurs are not fully understood. Metabolic diseases: Diseases such as kidney‚ thyroid‚ and liver disease can cause seizure activity. This is more common in older cats. Epilepsy: This is very rare in cats. There is usually a different underlying cause for seizure activity. Toxins: There are a few toxins that cause seizure activity in cats such as ethylene glycol (antifreeze) and rodenticides. Drugs: Some drugs can trigger seizure activity such as Fluoroquinolones and Permethrin. Diagnosis of Focal Seizures in Cats Your vet will take a thorough history and perform a clinical exam on your cat. They will take blood and urine samples for testing. Your vet can run specific blood tests for feline leukemia virus (FeLV) and feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV)‚ which are diseases that are both associated with seizure activity and neurological problems. If you have a video of your cat displaying seizure activity‚ this is very useful for your vet to analyze. They will be looking for any signs of disease and attempting to rule out some specific diseases. Diagnosis is usually done by the process of elimination. If a cat has frequent repeated seizures and there is no underlying cause identified‚ epilepsy may be diagnosed. Epilepsy is the presence of repeated seizures without a definite diagnosis for the cause of the seizures being made. Epilepsy is less common in cats compared to dogs. It is important to perform all necessary diagnoses to determine any underlying causes of seizure activity before coming to the diagnosis of epilepsy. For focal seizures‚ the only way to gain a definitive diagnosis is to perform an electroencephalogram (EEG). This is a specific test that permits your vet to record brain waves during a suspected seizure episode. It is very difficult to catch these moments as seizures are often unpredictable‚ so it is not routinely carried out in general practice. Usually‚ diagnosis is made based on history‚ clinical signs‚ and ruling out other diseases. How Do I Care for a Cat with Focal Seizures? Image Credit: Stock-Asso‚ Shutterstock You and your vet will need to have a frank discussion when deciding if it is appropriate to start anti-seizure medication. The frequency of the seizures will be taken into account‚ as will the severity. You will need to discuss the effect the seizure is having on your cat’s general day-to-day activities. If your cat is experiencing seizures frequently and it is compromising their quality of life‚ it is recommended to start treatment. Cats that are experiencing focal seizures can be treated with the same medication used to treat generalized seizures. Medication for seizures in cats includes: Phenobarbital: This is the most commonly chosen anti-seizure drug for cats. It is a cheap drug that can be dosed twice daily. There are not many side effects reported and it reaches therapeutic levels in the blood quickly. Levetiracetam: An anticonvulsant drug that depresses the excitability of functioning nerves in the brain. It is often used in conjunction with phenobarbital. Gabapentin: This is another anticonvulsant drug. It is usually used alongside other anti-seizure medications. It is rarely used on its own as it is not very effective. Although seizures affect approximately 1-2% of cats‚ there is a distinct lack of scientific literature focusing on diagnostics and treatment protocols. Treatment for seizures in cats is often extrapolated from methods that work well on dogs and humans. Once anti-seizure medicine is prescribed for your cat‚ they will usually stay on it for the rest of their life. Your vet will discuss doses with you as the dose may need to be adjusted depending on how your cat responds to the treatment. Your vet will need to monitor your cat frequently when on the treatment and it requires a lot of commitment from the owner. Frequently Asked Questions What is the difference between a generalized seizure and a focal seizure? Focal seizures start in one specific part of the brain. They either stay in one location or spread across the brain. Clinical signs can be very subtle or more obvious. Generalized seizures occur when abnormal electrical activity occurs in both sides of the brain‚ clinical signs are seen all over the body as opposed to one specific place. How common are focal seizures in cats? Focal seizures are the most common type of seizure witnessed in cats. Seizures are one of the most common neurologic disorders of cats‚ affecting 1%–2% of the general feline population. Image Credit: Irina Vasilevskaia‚ Shutterstock Are focal seizures painful for cats? Focal seizures are not typically painful for cats. They may cause your cat distress as they may be confused but they do not hurt. Your cat may however hurt themselves when they experience seizure activity if they fall over or bump into something. Conclusion Focal seizures in cats are very common. Depending on the location clinical signs can vary greatly. Some signs are subtle and may even be missed by owners. Other signs are very obvious and can be distressing. Diagnosis of focal seizures is usually based on clinical signs and history and ruling out other common illnesses. If focal seizures are frequent enough‚ your vet will discuss starting medication to control them. Cats can live a fairly normal life on antiseizure medication but will require frequent monitoring by your vet. Sources https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19014293/ https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/8813751/ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7337200/ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7162338/ https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/1098612X18791874#:~:text=Phenobarbital%20is%20the%20AED%20of‚seizures%20without%20a%20metabolic%20cause.&;text=Levetiracetam%20is%20a%20safe%20and‚also%20be%20used%20as%20monotherapy   Featured Image Credit: Elpisterra‚ Shutterstock The post Focal Seizures in Cats: Our Vet Explains Causes &; Care Guide by Dr. Emma Chandley‚ BVetMed MRCVS (Vet) appeared first on Catster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it‚ but all of these articles were assigned‚ contracted and paid for‚ so they aren't considered public domain. However‚ we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article‚ then linking out to the rest of the piece on Catster.com.