What Is Feline Hyperesthesia Syndrome?

Lisa Selvaggio
by Lisa Selvaggio
A condition that can prove to be uncomfortable in cats, feline hyperesthesia syndrome cause increased skin sensitivity.


Feline hyperesthesia syndrome is also often referred to as twitch-skin syndrome, twitchy cat syndrome, rolling skin syndrome, atypical neurodermatitis, psychomotor epilepsy, and neuritis. No matter what you call it, though, it’s a condition that causes your kitty to feel increased sensitivity in the skin, so you can imagine how uncomfortable it can be.


Check out the information below to learn more about feline hyperesthesia and what you can do if your cat has been diagnosed with it.


Related: What Is Feline Whisker Fatigue?


The Causes


Feline hyperesthesia syndrome affects the skin, as well as the neuromuscular system and nervous system. Unfortunately, experts aren’t entirely sure about what the actual cause could be of this rare condition.


Some experts believe that there might be a link between a seizure disorder and hyperesthesia, or that dry, itchy skin caused by a deficiency of omega-3 fatty acids in the diet might contribute to symptoms. Others have theorized that it’s a form of obsessive-compulsive disorder, or that it might be the result of a cat feeling stressed.


Related: How To Relax A Stressed Cat


The Symptoms


Symptoms of feline hyperesthesia could develop at any age, and the condition can occur in all breeds. A cat that suffers from hyperesthesia syndrome might end up licking and biting her own body, such as her limbs, tail, and back.


Here are some of the other signs that your cat might have hyperesthesia:


  • The skin on your cat’s back might ripple from the shoulders to the tail
  • Your cat might jump suddenly and turn towards her tail, as if there’s something bothering her
  • You might notice muscle twitching, tail twitching, and/or muscle spasms
  • Your cat might not like being touched on certain areas of her back when you go to pet her
  • Your cat might behave erratically, seem agitated, and have dilated pupils
  • Your cat might cry out, hiss, or run suddenly, and you might think she’s hallucinating because it looks like she’s going after something that isn’t there
  • Severe cases may lead to self-mutilation through chewing, licking, pulling out fur, and biting. As a result, there might be lesions and infections that develop on the skin.


Generally, these symptoms will occur in episodes that could last just a few seconds or a few minutes. In between the episodes, your kitty will act like nothing is wrong. Touching your cat in the wrong spot, though, might trigger an episode.


The Treatments


If your kitty starts exhibiting the signs of feline hyperesthesia syndrome, it’s a great idea to talk to your veterinarian, who will examine your pet and rule out other problems that have similar symptoms.


If hyperesthesia is the cause of your cat’s symptoms, it’s important to know that there isn’t a definitive cure for this condition. Instead, your vet might recommend giving your pet prescription medications, such as anticonvulsants or antidepressants. Reducing your cat’s stress and anxiety levels through environmental enrichment may also be helpful, or you might be advised to make changes to your kitty’s diet. Plus, natural remedies, such as acupuncture, massage, and supplements, might be recommended, too.


The Bottom Line


Feline hyperesthesia is not well understood, but there are steps that you can take to help your cat get relief. Working closely with your vet is the ideal way to figure out what will work best for your kitty.

Lisa Selvaggio
Lisa Selvaggio

Lisa Selvaggio is a freelance writer and editor, and our resident cats-pert, with certifications in pet nutrition and pet first aid. She enjoys producing content that helps people understand animals better so they can give their pets a safe and happy home.

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