How "Tom and Jerry Syndrome" can affect your cat

Vets in Hitchin have discovered that some cats can be sent into fits by high pitched sounds, such as jangling keys, cutlery or even crisp packets.

It's known as Tom and Jerry Syndrome and it can seriously affect your cat's health.

Mark Lowrie, of Davies Vetinary Specialists, who led the research, said owners might notice their cat jerking or twitching when they are startled.

The condition can be very distressing, but the research team say they are finding treatment with anti-epileptic drugs can be effective.

The next step is working to understand more about why the condition develops.

Mark Lowrie hopes that the research that has been done into seizures in cats could go on to help those investigating the treatment of epilepsy in humans.

Watch Elodie Harper's report...