What is Feline Hyperesthesia?
Feline hyperesthesia syndrome affects cats of all ages, though it is most commonly seen in cats between 1 and 5 years old, regardless of sex. While all breeds can be affected, it is more frequently observed in Siamese, Burmese, Persian, and Abyssinian cats.
What Are the Symptoms?
Affected cats often display a “rippling” or twitching of the skin on the lower back. This area may be painful to the touch. During episodes, the cat’s pupils often become dilated, and the cat may intensely focus on its tail and suddenly attack it.
It’s also common for the cat to bite at the base of the tail, front legs, or paws while frantically running around the house. Some normally calm cats may become aggressive toward people or other pets, while aggressive cats might become more affectionate. Episodes can be triggered by petting and typically occur in the morning or evening.
What Are the Possible Causes?
There are several potential causes of feline hyperesthesia, grouped into four main categories:
- Dermatological: Food allergies, respiratory allergies, flea allergies, or skin infections.
- Neurological: Seizures, brain tumors, spinal cord diseases (e.g., infections, tumors, intervertebral disc disease).
- Musculoskeletal: Myositis (muscle inflammation) or other muscle disorders.
- Behavioral: Compulsive disorders or redirected behavior problems.
How Is Feline Hyperesthesia Diagnosed?
Diagnosis is based on a thorough examination and detailed history. Key steps include:
Basic exams: Physical and neurological exams, blood and urine tests, and spinal X-rays.
Additional testing: If needed, skin scraping, fungal culture, or biopsies of the skin and muscles may be performed. Advanced diagnostics like CT scan, MRI, or electromyography (EMG) may also be required.
Dietary trials: Hypoallergenic diets can help rule out food allergies.
Therapeutic trials: Treatments may start with flea medication, followed by corticosteroids for inflammation, and anticonvulsants if necessary.
What Is the Recommended Diagnostic Strategy?
Ideally, all tests should be performed. However, practical and financial considerations often require a step-by-step approach. Therapeutic trials are usually the first step. If flea treatments fail, corticosteroids are tried next. Then if those are also ineffective, anticonvulsants are introduced. Finally,if all else fails, the condition is considered behavioral.
When Should You See a Veterinarian?
If you notice unusual symptoms or behaviors in your cat, consult your veterinarian promptly. Early intervention can improve your pet’s comfort and help avoid complications. Our veterinary team is here to support you in diagnosing and managing this complex condition.
