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Why are my epileptic cat's paws bleeding during frequent seizures?
Updated on September 23rd, 2025
Pet's info: Cat | American Shorthair | Male | unneutered | 8 months old | 4 lbs
My 7 month old cat has epilepsy. His meds don’t help. He has multiple seizures per day and recently when he seizes his paws bleed. He has no known injuries to his paws. He’s an inside cat and closely watched. I can’t find anything online about this. Could this just be a byproduct of his seizures? His neurologist can’t see him for 3 weeks.
1 Answer
Most Helpful Answer
Answered By Stacey Anstaett, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on January 1st, 2019
Poor Indie! I'm so sorry you two are going through this. What you are describing is quite concerning. A few things to keep in mind:
1- does Indie have some sort of clotting disorder, thats making it possible for him to bleed inappropriately
2- is there an undiagnosed underlying cause of the seizures that could also be resulting in bleeding (for example, severe liver failure)
3- does he have markedly elevated blood pressure that could be increasing his likelihood of bleeding episodes.
Definitely keep the neurologist appointment, but you might call and ask if they can put you on a "call" list, to call if they have a cancellation or earlier availability opens up.
In the meantime, I suggest you get him in to your family veterinarian. They may suggest checking his blood pressure, and running bloodwork (to evaluate for adequate platelets and adequate clotting times, as well as checking liver and kidney values, etc.). They may also recommend altering his medication dosages or adding additional anti-seizure medications, as multiple seizures a day is not acceptable control, and your family vet can at least get started with altering medication protocols to try to get him some relief.
If you have already seen a neurologist, please call and ask to speak with the neurologist's technician. They can relay recommendations from the neurologist while your appointment is pending.
Thanks for asking Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach!
1- does Indie have some sort of clotting disorder, thats making it possible for him to bleed inappropriately
2- is there an undiagnosed underlying cause of the seizures that could also be resulting in bleeding (for example, severe liver failure)
3- does he have markedly elevated blood pressure that could be increasing his likelihood of bleeding episodes.
Definitely keep the neurologist appointment, but you might call and ask if they can put you on a "call" list, to call if they have a cancellation or earlier availability opens up.
In the meantime, I suggest you get him in to your family veterinarian. They may suggest checking his blood pressure, and running bloodwork (to evaluate for adequate platelets and adequate clotting times, as well as checking liver and kidney values, etc.). They may also recommend altering his medication dosages or adding additional anti-seizure medications, as multiple seizures a day is not acceptable control, and your family vet can at least get started with altering medication protocols to try to get him some relief.
If you have already seen a neurologist, please call and ask to speak with the neurologist's technician. They can relay recommendations from the neurologist while your appointment is pending.
Thanks for asking Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach!
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful