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.
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 are the symptoms of feline Hyperesthesia?
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.
How is feline Hyperesthesia treated?
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 do you calm a cat with feline Hyperesthesia?
Some people have found that giving the
cat dried catnip herb
can also have a calming effect. An approximate dose of . 25 teaspoon of dried catnip in the morning and early evening may help, although some cats don’t respond to catnip. At bedtime, I would also give 1 to 3 mg of melatonin.
What does feline Hyperesthesia look like?
The condition is most commonly identified by
frantic scratching, biting or grooming of the lumbar area, generally at the base of the tail, and a rippling or rolling of the dorsal (anatomy) lumbar skin
. These clinical signs usually appear in a distinct episode, with cats returning to normal afterwards.
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 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.
Are cats born with feline hyperesthesia?
Siamese cats seem to have a genetic predisposition, so cats showing this disorder
should probably not be bred
. To accurately diagnose hyperesthesia, other possible causes for such behavior need to be ruled out.
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 does my elderly cat twitch?
If your elderly cat twitches with their eyes wide open and suddenly starts scratching themselves repeatedly, it may signal a condition called
hyperesthesia syndrome
. The symptoms, which also include uncontrolled urination and frequent vocalization, are the same as some symptoms of FCD.
Can feline Hyperesthesia go away on its own?
While
Feline Hyperesthesia Syndrome cannot be cured
, cats that have this ailment can live a happy, healthy life with proper medical management. If you think your cat’s behavioral quirks are the result of FHS, speak to your veterinarian.
What causes Hyperesthesia?
Hyperesthesia is usually caused by what
doctors call a peripheral nerve disorder or peripheral neuropathy
. The peripheral nervous system includes all the nerves outside of your brain and spinal cord. Peripheral neuropathy occurs when nerves in the peripheral nervous system have been damaged or are diseased.
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.
