Companion Animal Welfare

Cat Feline Hyperesthesia Syndrome Welfare

Feline hyperesthesia syndrome is a complex and distressing condition that significantly impairs quality of life in affected cats.

Key Facts

FHS is characterised by episodes of skin rippling, tail chasing, and self-directed aggression
Episodes appear to cause genuine distress and possibly pain in affected cats
Triggers may include stress, neurological abnormality, and compulsive disorder components
Treatment with anti-anxiety medications and environmental modification can reduce episode frequency
The condition is under-recognised and often misdiagnosed as dermatological rather than neurological

Welfare Considerations

Feline hyperesthesia represents a significant welfare problem that can cause repeated acute distress episodes. The condition's complexity means affected cats are often inadequately managed. Raising awareness among veterinarians and owners, and improving access to specialist behavioural and neurological assessment, would meaningfully improve welfare outcomes for affected individuals.

What You Can Do

Learn to recognise the signs of FHS and seek specialist veterinary assessment
Advocate for greater awareness of FHS as a significant welfare condition in cats
Support research into the neurological basis and effective management of FHS