Feline Hyperesthesia Syndrome

Hyperesthesia basically means excessive sensitivity. Cats with this syndrome have a noticeable sensitivity. In cats with feline hyperesthesia syndrome, the sensitivity is particularly noticeable in the lower backs and just in front of the tail. In this article, you can find answers to frequently asked questions about feline hyperesthesia syndrome.

What is Feline Hyperesthesia Syndrome?

The simplest answer to the question "What is feline hyperesthesia syndrome?" is that it is a behavioral disorder related to sensitivity. Feline hyperesthesia syndrome, a syndrome characterized by sensitivity in the area from the lower back to just in front of the tail in cats, is quite rare. When the sensitive area is touched, twitching occurs in that area. Symptoms in cats vary depending on the level of sensitivity. Cats with high sensitivity may attack their tails immediately after the twitching or start to walk around barking. Cats with less sensitivity may start licking or biting their paws after this area is petted. In some cases, such as flea bites, which cause itching of the skin, the syndrome becomes more pronounced. In fact, some cats start having seizures after their sensitive areas are petted. Also known as twitching skin syndrome, feline hyperesthesia syndrome manifests as a type of compulsive disorder when cats are in a state of confusion. This confusion can be described as the cat suddenly stopping doing something and starting to do something else. This sudden change in behavior is described as a transition to a secondary action, usually licking. Over time, this secondary action becomes an impulsive act. Feline hyperesthesia syndrome is generally seen in cats between 1 and 5 years of age. It is also frequently observed in Eastern breeds such as Burmese, Siamese, Abyssinian, and Persian cats.

Feline Hyperesthesia Syndrome Symptoms

Feline hyperesthesia syndrome is characterized by itching of the skin. Because the point where the itching is problematic is not easily noticeable in cats, diagnosis of the syndrome can be difficult. Cats with hyperesthesia syndrome bite the itchy areas, causing injury. Another symptom is the rapid wagging of their tails from side to side. Dilated pupils are also among the symptoms. Startling, jumping, or even running away upon touch are also signs of feline hyperesthesia syndrome. The most common potential symptoms are: Excessive licking, Tail chasing, Self-harm, Biting their paws, sides, or tail, Excessive meowing, Showing signs of pain when petted, Seizures. Some cats may also exhibit aggressive behaviors such as biting, but this is not what they intend to do. Such counterproductive behaviors indicate that the cat is having a seizure at that moment. Touching the cat during a seizure increases its severity. In such cases, cats are under intense stress, confusion, and discomfort. Touching the cat further intensifies these effects. Hyperesthesia syndrome seizures are quite similar to psychomotor epileptic seizures.

• Excessive
• licking, tail chasing,
• Kendini yaralama,
• biting paws, sides or tail, excessive
• meowing, and showing
• signs of pain when petted.
• This can be described as a seizure. Some cats may also exhibit aggressive behaviors such as biting, but this is not what they intend to do. Such counterproductive behaviors indicate that the cat is having a seizure at that moment. Touching the cat during a seizure increases its severity. In such cases, cats are under intense stress, confusion, and discomfort. Touching the cat further intensifies these effects. Hyperesthesia syndrome seizures are quite similar to psychomotor epileptic seizures.

How is Feline Hyperesthesia Syndrome Diagnosed?

Feline hyperesthesia syndrome is a rather difficult disorder to diagnose. However, a diagnosis can be made after ruling out other possible disorders that cause similar effects. The first of these problems with similar symptoms is flea allergy. Flea allergy has very similar symptoms to hyperesthesia syndrome. Distinguishing between these two problems is also extremely simple. During a physical examination, small red swellings caused by fleas or flea bites are looked for in cats. If fleas or swellings are not seen, this condition is ruled out. Another condition that needs to be ruled out to diagnose feline hyperesthesia syndrome is arthritis. This is especially common in older cats. Arthritis is most often seen on the backs, hind legs, and tails of cats, making diagnosis difficult. Diagnosis of hyperesthesia syndrome is only possible after it is determined that the sensitivity is not due to arthritis. Cats' curious nature, love of play, and the fact that they spend a large part of the day grooming themselves and their coat are among the factors that make diagnosis difficult.

Treatment of Feline Hyperesthesia Syndrome

Feline hyperesthesia syndrome is an extremely complex syndrome. Therefore, its treatment is also quite difficult. Technically, there is no cure. There are only things that can be done to improve the quality of life of affected cats. These methods are generally determined through trial and error. First, it is necessary to eliminate the factors that may cause the discomfort and provide the cat with a stress-free environment. It is also important to avoid touching the sensitive area while spending time with the cat. Regular feeding is one way to soothe the cat. Establishing regular play and attention routines with cats is also considered an important approach to improve their quality of life. It is crucial never to scold or yell at the cat for behaviors that occur after a sensitivity episode. Negative behaviors only increase the stress experienced by cats. In advanced stages of the disorder, calming herbal remedies can also be used. Although there is no definitive cure, the frequency of seizures can be significantly reduced, and cats can live a more comfortable life.