Help! My Cat Is Acting Crazy – Could It Be Epilepsy?

A Surprising Discovery: Cats and Sound-Induced Seizures

It all started when concerned cat owners reached out to International Cat Care (iCatCare), a global organization promoting feline health and welfare. They noticed that their older cats suddenly behaved erratically when exposed to high-pitched, sudden sounds—like crinkling aluminum foil or typing on a keyboard.

The reactions were unusual and alarming: sudden twitching, startled jumps, even appearing momentarily "blank." What was happening?

From Mystery to Diagnosis

iCatCare asked a specialist veterinary hospital in the UK to investigate further. A study was launched, and veterinarians examined cats worldwide exhibiting similar symptoms. The result? A newly identified type of sound-triggered seizure called:

Feline Audiogenic Reflex Seizures (FARS)

Humorously nicknamed the “Tom and Jerry Syndrome”, the term nods to the classic cartoon character Tom the cat, who often comically leaps into the air in response to startling noises.

Types of Seizures in Cats with FARS

Affected cats typically experience one or more of the following types of seizures:

1. Generalized seizures – The whole body becomes stiff, and the cat may lose consciousness. This is the classic image of an epileptic seizure.

2. Absence seizures – These brief events (up to 30 seconds) make the cat appear “zoned out” or disconnected.

3. Myoclonic seizures – Sudden jerks affecting a limb, the face, or a part of the body. It may just look like the cat "twitches."

Which Cats Are Affected?

FARS primarily affects older cats, most often those over 15 years of age. The study also found that Birman cats were overrepresented, suggesting a potential genetic link.

Can Sounds Really Trigger Seizures?

Yes. Reflex seizures triggered by sound aren't unique to cats. In fact:

• Humans can experience sound-induced absence seizures.

• Dogs, like the Lagotto Romagnolo and Wirehaired Dachshund, can also have sound- or light-triggered seizures.

In cats with FARS, seizures are typically triggered by high-frequency sounds.

How Do FARS Seizures Begin?

Most seizures observed were myoclonic, meaning they involved brief, sudden muscle jerks. Typically, a sharp noisewould cause the cat to twitch or jump. In some cases, especially with prolonged exposure, the seizure would evolve into a generalized seizure.

In the study, seizures often began in the head or neck, sometimes spreading to the back, front legs, or hind legs. They were usually short (under 30 seconds) but often occurred in clusters.

Top Sound Triggers for Cats with FARS

The study tracked the most common sound triggers among 100 cats with FARS. Here are the top offenders:

SoundCats AffectedCrinkling aluminum foil82Metal spoon hitting ceramic bowl79Clinking glass72Crinkling paper or plastic71Typing or mouse clicks61Jangling coins or keys59Tapping nails on hard surface38Tongue-clicking by owner28Tearing foil from a roll12Digital alarm sounds6Velcro ripping6Gas lighter or stove ignition4Phone ringtone4Running water2Dog scratching collar2Printer sounds2Crackling fireplace2

But Some of These Cats Were Deaf—How?

Many cats with FARS were partially or completely deaf, yet still reacted to high-pitched sounds.

Researchers believe that while the parts of the ear that process low-to-mid frequency sounds may be damaged by age, the areas that detect very high-frequency sounds (ultrasound) often remain intact. So even if your cat seems deaf, they may still be highly sensitive to sounds you can’t hear.

Why Are Cats So Sensitive to High-Frequency Sounds?

Cats evolved as expert hunters, especially of rodents. Both cats and mice communicate using ultrasonic frequencies, around 40 kHz—well above human hearing. This means that sounds we consider minor—keyboard clicks, glass clinking—can feel overwhelming or even threatening to cats.

As cats age, they may become more vulnerable to damage in parts of the hearing system that handle everyday sounds, while still perceiving higher-frequency noises. This imbalance may explain why some older, seemingly deaf cats are still triggered by high-pitched sounds.

When to See a Veterinarian

If your cat:

• Jerks, twitches, or flinches in response to sounds

• Appears disoriented or "zoned out"

• Stiffens or collapses suddenly

• Has multiple similar episodes...

…it’s time to consult your veterinarian. Don’t wait—early diagnosis can help reduce seizure frequency and improve your cat’s quality of life.

Not Always Epilepsy: Other Possible Causes

It’s important to remember that not all odd behaviors are seizures. Similar signs could result from:

• Pain

• Heart problems

• Balance disorders (vestibular disease)

• Stress or fear

• Other neurological conditions

A thorough veterinary evaluation is essential to rule out other conditions.

How to Make Your Home FARS-Friendly

You can’t eliminate all sound triggers—but you can reduce the risk. Here are some tips:

• Switch to plastic or silicone bowls to avoid clinking sounds.

• Silence device notifications or mute keyboards and alarms where possible.

• Open packaging gently and away from your cat.

• Use soft materials instead of foil or loud plastics.

• Keep a seizure diary: note the date, time, trigger, and what happened during each episode. Share it with your vet.

Treatment Options

In the study of 100 cats with FARS, researchers tested two human epilepsy medications. One—Keppra (levetiracetam)—proved promising and significantly reduced seizures in many cases. However, more research is needed before it becomes a standard treatment for cats.

Never start or adjust medication without guidance from a veterinarian—especially with neurological issues.

Living with a Deaf or Hearing-Impaired Cat

Cats are incredibly resilient and adaptable. If your cat has hearing loss, they can still live a rich and happy life. Here's how you can help:

• Use visual signals instead of vocal ones.

• Avoid sneaking up on your cat—approach gently, so they see you coming.

• Provide consistent routines to reduce stress.

• Enrich their environment with safe textures, smells, and visual stimuli.

• Talk to your vet about additional ways to support their changing needs.

Final Thoughts

If your older cat suddenly starts reacting strangely to sounds—jerking, twitching, or staring off into space—it’s not just a quirky behavior. They may be experiencing Feline Audiogenic Reflex Seizures (FARS), a real, diagnosable, and manageable neurological condition.

With awareness, sound management, and veterinary support, your cat can continue to live comfortably—with fewer surprises and a lot more peace.