cat being petted BigStock
Last summer
, I looked out the window and saw our cat, Mikey ― he of the cauliflower ear, stubby tail and facial scar from his previous life on a horse farm ― sitting on our front porch with several of the neighbor kids. Nora, who lives next door, was giving her friends the rundown on Mikey and I heard her say: “He’s a really nice cat, but you gotta watch him, ‘cause he’ll nail you.”
Nora’s warning to her friends was very apropos, as Mikey can lash out without warning, especially after a good amount of petting on his lower back. We typically warn first-time visitors about this, as his overall fluffiness and friendly demeanor make him an instant people magnet. Mikey’s habit of nipping the hand that strokes him is, we believe, that he has feline hyperesthesia syndrome, which is poorly understood. Cats with feline hyperesthesia syndrome have a variety of unusual behaviors, including: rippling of the muscles along the back; running through the house as if being chased; and biting at various parts of their body, including the tail and flank. Severely affected cats can have episodes that look like seizures, with paddling of the feet, crying out, and – apparently - hallucinations.
We say that Mikey has presumed feline hyperesthesia syndrome because there’s no test for it. Instead, it’s a diagnosis that veterinarians back into after ruling out some possible causes that can mimic the clinical signs. These possibilities include: orthopedic problems (arthritis, for example); a bad back; flea bites and an allergy to them; seizures; spinal cord problems; and food allergies. Depending on the type of clinical signs, a veterinarian might recommend the cat be referred to a veterinary neurologist, dermatologist, or behaviorist. The problem with hyperesthesia syndrome is that it has parts that cut across many body systems, including neurology and dermatology, so sometimes it’s unclear what we’re actually treating.
Most cats with feline hyperesthesia syndrome are diagnosed based on patient history. Clients often remark that they see the skin rippling on their kitty and/or see the cat running through the house as if being chased. Of course, not every cat who suddenly takes off down the hallway has it; many cats, especially younger ones, just like a romp from time to time. I have had a few clients complain about their cat biting them after being petted and those cats, rather than having anger issues, seem to better fit the hyperesthesia syndrome “box.”
Unfortunately, there is not one silver bullet to treat this syndrome. Various medications, including anti-seizure drugs (like phenobarbital and gabapentin) are typically used. Sometimes a behavioral medication, like Elavil (amitriptyline) or Prozac (fluoxetine) is tried. Flea treatment and control should be used, even if no fleas are seen. Being fastidious groomers, cats often remove evidence of fleas and flea dirt, so treating for fleas make sense. If after a sufficient amount of time with one medication, there is poor or no response, another can be tried. To confuse the issue further, just because a cat responds to, say, phenobarbital, that doesn’t mean he has feline hyperesthesia syndrome. It’s just as likely that the signs were due to a seizure problem and the anti-seizure drug stopped the episodes.
For clients who don’t wish to try medications for their cats with presumed hyperesthesia syndrome, and for cats who are not severely affected, the owners can manage the environment around the cat. As with our Mikey, the best medicine can be knowing a cat’s limit to petting and stroking and not over-extending those sessions, avoiding areas of the body where the cat does not wish to be touched, and enjoying the cat’s company in ways that don’t provoke a response.
15 Comments
RJ
October 23, 2023
I didn’t want pain meds and it took some time to find this one. I use a magnesium spray from a company called Miracle Products in Australia for a hip flexor issue that has done wonders for me. One day it occurred to me to try it on him. I sprayed it on his low back to tail (where he’s ripped his fur out🥲) and within a half hour he was resting comfortably and he even had his tail wrapped around him which he hasn’t been doing much. I love this for him and so happy it’s working.
I’m going to look into the flea meds to be on safe side (because I have a dog too so I’ll treat them both) and a few other suggestions here too. Again thank you this is so heartbreaking to see him go through this and for all of us furry parents it helps to have a resource of info to see how others handle it and what’s working, or didn’t work for them.
Rene
July 2, 2022
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October 4, 2021
Sandra
February 21, 2021
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December 25, 2020
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December 1, 2020
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February 19, 2020
Sara
November 17, 2019
Rebecca
May 1, 2019
Sheila Black
April 12, 2019
Kathreen Miller
May 19, 2018
Bob
March 29, 2018
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February 2, 2018
Barbara
January 31, 2018
Amanda Snow
October 25, 2017