Cats with feline hyperesthesia syndrome may experience pain and increased skin sensitivity.
Feline Hyperesthesia Syndrome
Other names for feline hyperesthesia syndrome include atypical neurodermatitis, psychomotor epilepsy, neuritis, twitchy skin syndrome, twitchy cat syndrome, rolling skin syndrome, and femoral neuritis. Whatever you call it, it causes your cat’s skin to become more sensitive, so you can imagine how uncomfortable it might be.
Read the information below to find out more about feline hyperesthesia and what to do if your cat has been diagnosed with it.
By The Roots
Feline hyperesthesia syndrome affects the skin, the nervous system, and the neuromuscular system. Unfortunately, scientists are still unsure of the precise cause of this unusual sickness.
Some medical professionals believe there may be a connection between hyperesthesia and seizure problems, or that symptoms may be aggravated by dry, itchy skin brought on by an omega-3 fatty acid-deficient diet. A stressed-out cat or an instance of obsessive-compulsive disorder have both been proposed as potential causes by others.
The Grievances
The symptoms of feline hyperesthesia can manifest in cats of any age and breed. A cat with hyperesthesia syndrome may wind up licking and biting its limbs, tail, and back.
The following are additional signs that your cat may have hyperesthesia:
- The skin of your cat’s back may tremble from her shoulders to her tail, and she may suddenly startle and turn to her tail as if something were hurting her.
- It was possible to see muscular twitching, tail twitching, and/or muscle spasms.
- Your cat might not like having certain areas of her back massaged if you go to pet her.
- Your cat can act erratically, be agitated, or have dilated pupils.
- If your cat suddenly hisses, cries, or dashes off after what seems to be an imaginary thing, you might conclude that she is hallucinating.
- Self-mutilation through biting, gnawing, licking, and removing fur is a possibility in severe cases. This could lead to the skin developing lesions and infections.
Most frequently, these symptoms will appear in brief bursts that could last a few seconds or many minutes. In between the outbursts, your cat will act normally. However, improperly handling your cat could result in an incident.
The Protocols
As soon as your cat begins to exhibit signs of feline hyperesthesia syndrome, consult your vet so they can examine your pet and rule out any potential co-existing diseases.
Should hyperesthesia be the cause of your cat’s symptoms, you should be informed that there is no known cure. Your veterinarian may advise against giving your pet over-the-counter medications like antidepressants or anticonvulsants instead. Altering your cat’s diet and reducing your cat’s stress and anxiety levels through environmental enrichment may also be advised. In addition, alternative therapies including massage, acupuncture, and vitamins may be advised.
The outcome
Cat hyperesthesia is a condition about which little is known, but there are things you may do to make your cat feel better. Consult your veterinarian periodically for the best way to figure out what will work best for your cat.
