A cat will behave normally between episodes, and then display the signs associated with FHS. These symptoms include
twitching skin, violent swishing of the tail, and repeated biting or licking of the back, tail, and pelvic limbs
. Affected cats often have dilated pupils, appear agitated, and express erratic behavior.
Does my cat have hyperesthesia?
Feline Hyperesthesia Syndrome Symptoms
Some cats may even urinate when touched on their back or may not tolerate being pet or held at all. If your cat has Feline Hyperesthesia Syndrome, they
may also start excessively licking and chewing their body
, including their front paws, when pet on their back.
What can you do for a cat with hyperesthesia?
Cats that suffer from feline hyperesthesia cannot control their actions. In severe cases, anti-anxiety medications are usually necessary as well.
Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) like fluoxetine
or Tricyclic Antidepressants (TCAs) like clomipramine are reasonable choices to start with.
How is feline Hyperesthesia diagnosed?
Feline Hyperesthesia Diagnosis and Treatment Options
Radosta says a vet's first step toward a diagnosis is a
complete dermatologic workup
, including flea allergies (even for indoor cats). Your vet might try a medication trial for itchiness. Neurological and pain examinations are also important diagnostic tools.
Is hyperesthesia in cats painful?
Hyperesthesia is the opposite of anesthesia – instead of lack of sensation, a cat with hyperesthesia appears to have too much sensation from the skin or muscles under the skin. Like tickling, it starts out a bit pleasant but
rapidly becomes painful or distressing to the cat
.
What causes hyperesthesia syndrome in cats?
The first theory suggests feline hyperesthesia syndrome is a behavioural disorder, which is caused by either
behavioural displacement or stress factors
. Stress increases the release of [alpha]-melanocyte-stimulating hormone and causes increased grooming and endorphin production.
How do you treat hyperesthesia?
In many cases, hyperesthesia cannot be completely cured, but the symptoms can be managed. Your doctor may recommend lifestyle modifications,
minor invasive surgery
, and/or medications such as analgesics, antidepressants, topicals, or opioids.
What is feline Hyperesthesia syndrome?
Hyperesthesia is
an extreme sensitivity in an area of a cat's skin
, almost always on the back, and often in the area right in front of the tail. This condition is often noticed when owners go to pet this area and their cat suddenly reacts.
What is twitchy cat syndrome?
Feline hyperesthesia syndrome (FHS), also known as “twitch-skin syndrome” and “psychomotor epilepsy,” is
an obscure cat disorder resulting in intense biting or licking of the back, tail, and pelvic limbs
. The nervous and neuromuscular systems, along with the skin, are affected.
How do you treat feline Hyperesthesia naturally?
Wrapping the cat in a towel while comforting and cradling
it can help during an episode. Some people have found that giving the cat dried catnip herb can also have a calming effect. An approximate dose of 1⁄4 teaspoon of dried catnip in the morning and early evening may help, although some cats don't respond to catnip.
Does CBD help hyperesthesia?
CBD is one of the best supplements for cat hyperesthesia because
it can be very helpful in calming your cats
. CBD promotes relaxed behaviors and supports their overall health, with no side effects of lethargy or mind-altering effects.
Why is my cat acting weird all of a sudden?
Your cat might be acting weird
because he or she is feeling the stress, too
. Since cats are sensitive creatures, it is not uncommon for a cat to feed off of his or her owner's stress. Even the slightest amount of change, in a cat's environment, can disrupt his or her mood.
Why is my cat twitching his back?
A
sore back, tail, or anal glands
can result in muscle twitching on your cat's back. Skin conditions that are itchy such as allergies or parasite infestations, can also cause muscle twitching. There is a syndrome known as “Feline hyperaesthesia” which results in muscle twitching due to excessively sensitive skin.
Why is my cat's back end sensitive?
Hyperesthesia
is a condition in which the skin on a cat's back ripples from the shoulders all the way to the tail. … Kitties with hyperesthesia also have muscle spasms and twitches, and twitching of the tail. If your cat has the syndrome, he may show sensitivity when any point along his spine or back is touched.
Why is my cat frantically licking himself?
If you notice your cat licking or biting at the same spot over and over again, it could be that they are
experiencing pain or discomfort in that area
. Boredom, anxiety, or compulsive disorder. Compulsive cat chewing, scratching, or licking behaviors often develop in cats who are bored, stressed, or anxious.
