Help! My Cat Has Epilepsy! (Vet Answered)
This question has been answered by a vet
Veterinarian & Animal Behaviorist
With nearly two decades in veterinary medicine, Dr. Paola brings hands-on experience across multiple species. A graduate of the University of Guadalajara, she specializes in preventive care, animal welfare, and positive reinforcement training.
The Question
“Hi Dr. Paola,
I found out about a month ago that my 7-year-old cat, Georgia, has epilepsy. The vet has her on a quarter of a phenobarbital pill. Vet started her on half a pill, but she wasn’t eating very much and using her litterbox very much. It’s hard to get her to take her medicine once daily. It takes both my fiancé and me to give her a quarter of the half pill. She was also diagnosed with chronic cystitis when she was two years old. She’s been on Science Diet wet stew food since then. She also doesn’t drink water, no matter what I do. Any suggestions on how to give her the pill? Plus, she’s also declawed.“ – Debra
Quick Info about Georgia
Hi Debra,
Thank you for sharing Georgia’s story. Managing feline epilepsy is already complex, and when combined with her history of chronic cystitis and the challenges of being declawed, it’s understandable that administering her medication has become such a struggle.
Declawed cats, like Georgia, often experience long-term discomfort or sensitivity in their paws, even years after the procedure. This can make them especially reactive when handled or restrained, as their sense of security is compromised. Without their claws, they also lose a key way to defend themselves, so even gentle restraint can feel threatening to them. This added layer of stress may be contributing to her resistance when it’s time to take her phenobarbital. I’d suggest speaking to your vet about a compounded liquid version of the medication or chewable treats formulated with her exact dose. These alternative forms can even be chicken- or fish-flavored and feel more like a treat, dramatically reducing the handling stress, and may help rebuild a sense of safety around medication time.
Her chronic cystitis and refusal to drink water are also closely tied to stress. In declawed cats, lower urinary tract issues like FLUTD and FIC can be exacerbated by ongoing pain or anxiety. You’re absolutely right to keep her on wet food, and it’s great that you’re thinking creatively. Adding a bit of warm water or low-sodium, pet-safe broth to her meals can increase her fluid intake without relying on drinking behavior. Some cats prefer moving water, so a small cat water fountain placed in a quiet area might help, though I understand she hasn’t been drinking much despite your efforts. Cats with a history of urinary issues often benefit from environmental enrichment, too, as stress can be a major trigger. Keeping her routine predictable, offering vertical spaces, and using synthetic feline pheromone diffusers can support her bladder health. I hope this helps!
– Dr. Paola