Feline Hyperesthesia Syndrome In Cats

Feline Hyperesthesia Syndrome, also known as FHS, rolling skin syndrome, causes the afflicted cat to experience hypersensitivity, often along the back and base of the tail.

Cats with this condition may start twitching, biting, or running around suddenly as they experience an uncomfortable episode.

Feline Hyperesthesia Syndrome

This condition usually makes itself known between 1 – 5 years of age.

The condition is incurable but does not lead to death, and the uncomfortable symptoms can be managed. Unfortunately, this condition can be difficult to diagnose.

Cats with FHS can become very distressed by normal behaviors such as grooming or rubbing against people or objects. Being touched, petted, or picked up can result in anything from a tickling sensation to serious pain.

Typically, cats with this disorder experience one to several episodes daily, lasting from seconds to a few minutes.

Symptoms

Many cats start compulsively licking or biting themselves, while others flinch, twitch, and try to run away.

They may begin yowling or making distressed vocalizations, their pupils often dilate, and they may even react in odd ways such as:

• Urinating
• Drooling

In extreme cases, some cats experience a seizure after being petted.

Common Nicknames

Feline Hyperesthesia Syndrome has many different names. Here are some nicknames for this condition (source 1):

• FHS
• Twitchy cat syndrome
• Rippling skin syndrome
• Rolling skin syndrome

Causes Of FHS

While it is impossible to know for sure what exactly causes this condition, there are many theories, plus links to other conditions.

It is a very complicated disorder that some researchers believe is caused by:

• Anxiety
• Behavioral Problems
• Obsessive-Compulsive Tendencies

Here are the 7 potential causes of Feline Hyperesthesia Syndrome:

1. Breed

Certain breeds of cats, particularly oriental breeds, are at a higher risk for Feline Hyperesthesia Syndrome, which suggests a genetic factor.

Persian, Burmese, Siamese, and Abyssinian cats are at the highest risk for Feline Hyperesthesia Syndrome, but it can occur in any cat.

2. Previous Injury Or Disease

Traumatic injury to the tail is one common factor found in some cats with Feline Hyperesthesia Syndrome.

Since cats with this condition are typically most sensitive on their backs and tails, it makes sense that traumatic injuries in these areas might cause this condition.

Muscular and spinal diseases are also potential causes that researchers have considered.

3. Epilepsy

Epilepsy is a neurological condition resulting in seizures and is more common in cats with Feline Hyperesthesia Syndrome.

Learn more about Maine Coon epilepsy in this article.

4. Obsessive Compulsive Disorder

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, also known as OCD, is a debilitating neurological disorder resulting in extreme anxiety.

Some researchers believe Feline Hyperesthesia Syndrome has an obsessive-compulsive element, as cats often lick or bite at their paws after an episode, even though this does nothing to stop the sensation.

In more extreme cases, cats with FHS have to groom themselves excessively to the point of fur loss and irritation, and some cats even self-mutilate when they experience an FHS episode.

5. Neurodiversity

Feline Hyperesthesia Syndrome may be in some way related to neurodiversity.

Neurological disorders are complex, and symptoms often worsen due to external factors like stress or overstimulation, which is something that has been observed in Feline Hyperesthesia Syndrome.

6. Stress

Some researchers think FHS might be due to underlying stress.

Stress can increase these symptoms as there are many Feline Hyperesthesia triggers such as open windows or unwanted contact with other animals.

7. Other Causes

There are numerous potential causes of Feline Hyperesthesia Syndrome (FHS) observed in different cats. For instance, one cat’s FHS symptoms disappeared entirely after switching to a new diet.

Some feline specialists suggest that immune system or dermatological issues could be underlying triggers for FHS. Conversely, behavioral factors, such as displacement activities or attention-seeking behaviors, have also been linked to the condition.

Overall, there is no single identified cause of FHS. Its causes and manifestations are highly diverse, making treatment a personalized process.

Finding a solution that works for your cat is often more effective than pinpointing the exact cause of the condition (source 1).

Twitchy Cat Syndrome Symptoms

Symptoms of Feline Hyperesthesia Syndrome vary depending on severity. Here are the common symptoms of twitchy cat syndrome:

1. Twitching Skin

As its many nicknames such as rolling skin, twitching skin, and rippling skin syndrome imply, the skin of cats with this disorder often twitches during an episode.

The skin on their back and tail might shiver or suddenly convulse.

2. Aggressive Behavior

Your cat may lash out at you or nearby animals during an episode, particularly if the episode was triggered by being touched.

Even if you did not touch your cat, though, it might still lash out at you as a displacement behavior.

3. Itching

Your cat may itch, bite, or scratch at the affected areas in an attempt to alleviate the uncomfortable sensation.

4. Tail Chasing

If your cat starts suddenly chasing its tail, it could be FHS rather than a play behavior, particularly if your cat seems distressed or frustrated.

5. Sudden Running

During an episode, the affected cat may suddenly jump or start running, possibly in surprise or as an attempt to escape from the sensation.

6. Self-Mutilation

If the cat’s discomfort is more extreme, your cat may start attacking its own body in an attempt to stop the sensation from occurring.

This can be dangerous, as your cat may injure its back or even its tail.

7. Over-Grooming

Your cat may lick and groom itself excessively, to the point that the skin becomes red and irritated, and bald patches may even start to form.

8. Compulsive Licking And Biting

Sometimes, cats with Feline Hyperesthesia Syndrome lick or bite at their paws during an episode, even though that is not the area that is causing them discomfort.

9. Dilated Pupils

During an episode, your cat’s pupils might widen significantly.

10. Seizures

In more severe cases, cats with Feline Hyperesthesia Syndrome might experience a seizure, particularly after being touched or petted in a certain way.

Cats experiencing a seizure might:

• Stare off into space
• Start drooling or foaming at the mouth
• Convulse uncontrollably
• Experience sudden mood changes.

11. Vocalization

A cat with Feline Hyperesthesia Syndrome might start meowing or yowling loudly and unusually during an episode.

12. Urination

Some cats urinate after being touched in a way that triggers an FHS episode.

Treatment

Feline Hyperesthesia Syndrome cannot be cured completely, but there are ways to manage this condition. Veterinarians usually try multiple treatment options since combined treatments work well.

Patience

Since FHS is complex and varies so much based on the individual cat, it can take a long time to find treatment options that alleviate your cat’s symptoms.

Typically, several treatment methods are used before the affected cat shows signs of improvement.

Owners must be patient with cats with FHS since this condition can be difficult. In some cases, cats with this condition might become aggressive and bite their owners after being touched.

Remember, it’s not your cat’s fault and any aggressive behavior is simply an attempt to defend themselves from the discomfort they are experiencing.

Dermatological Treatment

Many cats with this condition engage in compulsive grooming behaviors since they have irritated and itchy skin, which makes FHS symptoms worse.

Your vet may prescribe ointments and topical treatments that can alleviate itching and discomfort.

Seizure Management

If your cat experiences seizures your vet will probably want to provide medication to treat seizures, typically Gabapentin or Phenobarbital.

Gabapentin has proved especially helpful for cats with Feline Hyperesthesia Syndrome, as it can also decrease sensitivity.

Medication

A common Feline Hyperesthesia medication is Fluoxetine, which is often used in humans with OCD and other neurological disorders.

Some veterinarians will prescribe antidepressants to cats with this condition.

These medications will help reduce stress, which often alleviates symptoms to some degree.

Stress Management

Stress management often reduces symptoms, therefore it is important to find ways to decrease your cat’s stress.

This may include:

• Keeping curtains closed
• Separating your cat from other animals in the house
• Decreasing over-stimulating playtime
• Giving your cat more space and privacy

Enrichment

Sometimes, adding more enrichment to your cat’s environment can reduce symptoms of Feline Hyperesthesia Syndrome.

Providing cat trees and places to climb and scratch, as well as giving your cat lots of toys and playtime can all help treat your cat’s symptoms.

Redirection

During episodes where a cat begins aggressively grooming or biting itself, you may be able to redirect your cat using toys.

This allows your cat to get out some of that pent-up energy without harming itself.

Diet Changes

In some cases, your veterinarian may recommend some changes to your cat’s diet.

Increased amounts of omega-3 fatty acids can reduce sensitivity.

Sometimes, switching to a new kind of food completely can have a huge impact on your cat’s FHS, though it is not known exactly why.

Life Expectancy

Cats with FHS can live long and happy lives, and are not at risk of injury or death due to this condition except in cases of severe seizures.

Can Feline Hyperesthesia Cause Death?

While Feline Hyperesthesia Syndrome is incurable and oftentimes uncomfortable, it is not deadly.

It is more likely to be a neurological or psychological condition than anything else, and cats with this disorder can live long, happy lives just like any other cat.

Is Hyperesthesia In Cats Painful?

Feline Hyperesthesia Syndrome is both uncomfortable and painful. Cats become much more sensitive, usually on their tail and back. The discomfort can last a few seconds to a few minutes.

Cats suffering from this condition experience the following sensations:

• Tickling
• Itching
• Discomfort
• Serious Pain

It is important to respect your cat’s boundaries and refrain from touching your cat during an episode.

Keep track of your cat’s episodes to help you identify triggers, such as being touched in a certain way.