Companion Animals

Cat Feline Hyperesthesia Syndrome

Feline hyperesthesia syndrome causes cats to show sudden dramatic behavioral changes including skin rippling, self-mutilation, and apparent hallucinations.

Key Facts

FHS is poorly understood and may represent a form of feline epilepsy or obsessive compulsive disorder
Episodes are triggered by stress, touch along the back, or appear spontaneously
Cats may vocalize, bite at their tails, and appear terrified during episodes
Siamese, Burmese, and Abyssinian cats may be predisposed
Treatment with anticonvulsants, antidepressants, or anxiolytics can reduce episodes

Welfare Considerations

Cats with FHS experience frightening episodes of apparent pain or hallucination that can lead to self-injury. The unpredictable nature of attacks is distressing for both cats and owners. Identifying and eliminating triggers, reducing stress, and using appropriate medication significantly improves wellbeing.

What You Can Do

Reduce stressors in the home environment for affected cats
Avoid handling the cat along the spine during episodes
Consult a veterinary behaviorist or neurologist for persistent FHS
Consider medication trials as recommended by your veterinarian
Keep a diary of episode frequency and triggers to guide treatment