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Super cat known as Maggie can detect epileptic seizures 8 hours earlier than they occur

A girl with epilepsy says her cat can detect her seizures eight hours earlier than they happen.

Molly Brooke, 30, can expertise as much as 9 epilepsy assaults per week, leaving her physique stiff and an “uncontrollable tingling” in her legs and arms.

After being recognized with the situation aged eight, Molly has struggled to handle her situation – till her feline pal got here alongside.

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In September 2023, Molly paid £300 for pedigree Maggie, a four-month-old Persian kitten.



A woman with epilepsy says her cat can detect her seizures eight hours before they occur
Molly bought Maggie in September 2023

Within weeks, Molly, who can’t work as a result of her situation, observed that Maggie’s behaviour would change simply earlier than a seizure.

Molly, who lives in assisted residing, in Birmingham, stated: “I bought her as a companion however she’s turned out to be a lot extra.

“Within the primary week of getting her, I observed she’d go into manic mode and change into playful by operating round working all her vitality.

“Then she calmed down fully and went into monitor mode, not leaving my facet. If I bought as much as depart the room to get a cup of tea, she’d comply with me.



A woman with epilepsy says her cat can detect her seizures eight hours before they occur
Molly Brooke, 30, can expertise as much as 9 epilepsy assaults per week

“When this kept happening, it clicked that she was looking out for me because cats can sense chemical changes in our bodies.

“During my seizures, she’ll lie on my arm and encourage me to stroke her – like she’s trying to distract me. This is all her choice, she’s just acting on instinct.

‘’It’s so touching that she is looking out for me.”

After an early analysis, as a younger girl, Molly struggled with socialising and going out alone because of the severity of her signs.



A woman with epilepsy says her cat can detect her seizures eight hours before they occur
Molly, who can’t work as a result of her situation, observed that Maggie’s behaviour would change simply earlier than a seizure

After arranging for Maggie to be delivered to her, she began choosing up on her proprietor’s situation ‘’virtually instantly’’.

“Cats have around 30 receptors in their nose which means Maggie can pick up on chemical changes in my body,’’ Molly said.

“This enables her to alert me in her special way. Sometimes she’s way ahead of me and knows up to eight hours before my seizure.

“When they happen – which is usually in my sleep – she’ll put her head up to mine. Her affection helps take my mind off what’s happening to me and is very calming.

“But being near or sitting in my lap when having a seizure, she helps stabilise my movement. She’s the best cat I could’ve hoped for and my very best friend.”

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