Attacks of Sleep and Weakness in Cats
Narcolepsy and cataplexy, disorders that affect the way an animal is able to physically operate, are rare but well studied disorders of the nervous system. Narcolepsy is symptomized by excessive daytime sleepiness, lack of energy, and brief losses of consciousness. The episodes are typically brief and go away by themselves. Cataplexy is characterized by sudden muscle weakness and paralysis without loss of consciousness. A cat that is affected by cataplexy will remain alert and capable of following movement with its eyes throughout the episode. Cataplexy is similar to narcolepsy in that the episodes are spontaneous, brief, and reversible. Individuals may be affected with one, or both of these disorders.
Symptoms and Types
A cat that has either of these conditions will not always have any secondary or underlying conditions related to it. A physical exam will usually show normal physical and neurologic responses with no obvious abnormalities. This is not a fatal disease, but it is one that requires attention and awareness. Narcoleptic and cataplectic episodes can last from several seconds up to 30 minutes, and often will take place when the cat is eating, playing, excited, or is engaging in sexual activity. Cataplexy in particular is characterized by episodes that occur during moments of heightened emotion. During a narcoleptic episode, the affected cat will collapse onto its side or stomach, its muscles will slacken, and all physical movement briefly ceases. It is just as if the cat has suddenly fallen into a deep sleep. Closed eye movement continues, as with the stage of REM sleep. During a cataplectic episode, the cat is aware and conscious of what is going on around it, its eyes remain open and under the cat's control, but it is otherwise paralyzed. The cat typically will come out of the episode in response to external stimuli, such as when it hears a loud sound or is petted.
Some of the usual symptoms of narcolepsy and cataplexy are:
Rapid onset of episodes, with no apparent warning of imminent collapse
Sudden loss of consciousness
Paralysis of limbs, head, and torso
Episodes last from several seconds up to 30 minutes
Eye movement, muscular twitching, and whimpering during episodes
Episodes usually end when stimulated by petting, loud noises, etc.
Causes
Generally, narcolepsy and cataplexy are categorized as idiopathic, since there has been no connection to an underlying cause. Some of the suspected causes that are still being studied are disorders of the immune system, and disorders of the nerves.
Diagnosis
Your veterinarian will perform a thorough physical exam on your cat, including a blood chemical profile, a complete blood count, a urinalysis, and an electrolyte panel to rule out any underlying diseases. You will need to give a thorough history of your cat's health, the onset of symptoms, and possible incidents that might have precipitated this condition. If it is possible to visually record a narcoleptic or cataplectic attack, it will help you and your veterinarian in finding a pattern to the episodes, if there is a pattern. If there is an activity that appears to consistently bring about episodes, your veterinarian will attempt to simulate the activity so that an episode can be observed first-hand. A food-elicited cataplexy test may also be performed, since many animals with cataplexy have attacks while eating.
Narcolepsy and cataplexy are rare in cats but have been reported. A cat with narcolepsy may suddenly fall into a deep sleep while standing, sitting, or eating, causing the cat to sway and fall over. A narcoleptic cat may also suddenly fall asleep while climbing, which can cause the cat to fall to the ground. A cat that is experiencing a cataplectic episode may run around excitedly and then suddenly collapse, unable to move but will still be looking around, perhaps meowing or whining, fully conscious. These conditions are not generally life threatening or even terribly worrisome, and can be treated with medication if diagnosed by your veterinarian.
Narcolepsy is a chronic brain disorder that is present in many types of animals, including human beings. Narcolepsy results from the brain’s inability to adequately and normally control the brain’s wake-sleep cycle, causing the narcoleptic to experience daytime tiredness and episodes of suddenly falling into a deep sleep, often at very inopportune times. Cataplexy is a similar brain disorder that often accompanies narcolepsy in animals and humans. Cataplexy is the sudden loss of muscle strength, which causes a loss of muscle control and usually results in collapse. This is different than narcolepsy, however, because during a cataplectic episode the cat remains fully conscious but is unable to move. These episodes often occur during or immediately after moments of great excitement.
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Narcolepsy in cats and other animals
