Feline Hyperesthesia Syndrome (Twitchy Cat Syndrome)

What Is Feline Hyperesthesia Syndrome?

Feline hyperesthesia syndrome (FHS) is also called rolling skin disease and twitchy cat syndrome, which should give you an idea of what signs to look out for in your cat. FHS generally involves muscle contractions that your cat cannot control, along with changes in behavior.

FHS remains poorly understood and may have neurological, psychological, or dermatological (skin) causes. A variety of other conditions that can look very similar must be ruled out before feline hyperesthesia syndrome is diagnosed.

Symptoms of Feline Hyperesthesia Syndrome

A cat with feline hyperesthesia syndrome typically has intermittent bursts or episodes of signs lasting 20–30 seconds. During these episodes, you may observe any of the following symptoms:

• Rippling or twitching of skin on the lower back (both after touch and for no apparent reason)

• Dilated pupils

• Brief bursts of jumping and running, as if startled

• Excessive meowing and other noises

• Tail-chasing

• Biting or licking the lower back, sides, hind paws, rear, or tail

• Pain or discomfort when petted or touched

• Tiredness

If you touch your cat during an FHS episode, you could make the signs worse, and your cat might become aggressive. Your cat will not have control over this.

If you notice your cat’s back twitching or any of the other signs listed above, it’s best to stay calm and try not to handle your cat during an episode, even though the signs can be severe and even frightening.

Causes of Feline Hyperesthesia Syndrome

Nobody knows what causes feline hyperesthesia syndrome. Because different cats with hyperesthesia respond to different types of treatment, there may be multiple underlying causes. In some cats, feline hyperesthesia syndrome is diagnosed along with another underlying condition.

Causes of feline hyperesthesia syndrome are usually considered dermatological (skin problems), neurological (problems with the nervous system), or psychological (mental health problems). Each of these may have different triggers for FHS episodes.

Dermatological Causes of FHS

• Allergies

• Immune-system-related disease

Neurological Causes of FHS

• Seizures

• Neuropathic (nerve) pain

Psychological Causes of FHS

• Displacement behavior

• Compulsive behavior

• Attention-seeking behavior

Food hypersensitivity may also contribute to FHS. In recent research, one cat with hyperesthesia had symptoms disappear after trying a hydrolyzed protein diet.

Cat Breeds Prone to Feline Hyperesthesia Syndrome

Feline hyperesthesia syndrome can happen in any cat, though it may be found more frequently in Abyssinian, Burmese, Persian, and Siamese cats.

FHS is also more common among younger cats. In two studies, the average age when feline hyperesthesia syndrome symptoms were first noticed was around the first year of the cat’s life, and most cats with the condition were under 7 years old.

How Vets Diagnose Feline Hyperesthesia Syndrome

If your cat is showing mild to moderate signs of feline hyperesthesia syndrome, contact your vet within 24 hours. If a severe episode occurs and lasts longer than two to three minutes, take your cat to an emergency vet as soon as possible.

Your vet may perform the following tests:

• A dermatological (skin) workup to identify possible flea allergies, even if your cat does not go outdoors.

• An evaluation for pain or a neurological condition.

• Medication trials may be part of the workup process. When cats are under stress, they can be very good at hiding signs of pain or discomfort. Evaluating their response to a medication targeting pain or itchiness, for example, can provide valuable information.

Feline Hyperesthesia Syndrome Treatment

Once other conditions have been ruled out and feline hyperesthesia is diagnosed, your veterinarian may need to consult with or refer you to a veterinary behaviorist for a full treatment plan. Your treatment plan may include:

• Changes to the environment

• Medication or supplements

• Behavior modification

The purpose of treatment is to make changes that help reduce the number of episodes. Behavior modification will give your cat a different emotional response or behavior to perform during times of stress.

Recovery and Management of Feline Hyperesthesia Syndrome

In one study, six out of seven cats showed significant improvement with medication, and five cats had resolution with just one medication. For some cats with hyperesthesia, the episodes may come back after several months. For others, the relief lasts much longer.

Feline Hyperesthesia Syndrome FAQs

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