It is no secret that felines are extremely careful animals with their hygiene, so it is possible to affirm that the second activity they carry out for the longest time in the day, apart from sleeping, is grooming their fur. However, when cleaning habits are compulsive, and in addition to grooming you happen to hurt yourself, then it is a clear sign that something is not right and that you should go to the vet as soon as possible.
The feline hyperesthesia could be one of the causes, so you need to know its symptoms and treatment to find out how to deal with this disorder. Keep reading and discover on our site how to know if your cat has hyperesthesia.
What is feline hyperesthesia?
This is a syndrome that rarely affects cats, the product of an alteration of the neuromuscular system, which causes the fur on back ripples or lifts from shoulder area to tail. When this happens, the affected area becomes very sensitive, causing the cat to believe that someone is chasing him or something has gotten into his skin.
This disorder is very desperate for the feline, as it licks and bites itself to try to escape what it thinks is chasing it or harassing Hyperesthesia is manifested by episodes lasting several minutes,during which the cat presents a series of symptoms; when the episode ends, his behavior returns to normal.
Due to its characteristics, this disease receives various names, such as nervous cat syndrome and rippling skin syndrome, as opposed to others more technical such as neurodermatitis and neuritis.
What are the causes of feline hyperesthesia?
Research has not yet been able to determine for sure what triggers this strange syndrome. Some claim that in some breeds, such as Oriental cats, stress is capable of initiating this disorder, especially when it is caused by a constant state of nervousness, product of loud noises or an environment that is too tense.
Other studies affirm that it is related to epilepsy, since many cats, during episodes of hyperesthesia, also have convulsions. Both diseases have to do with a disturbance of the brain electrical impulses, so many support this theory.
Some skin diseases, such as those caused by flea bites, infections and nutritional deficiencies, may cause hyperesthesia. In addition, obsessive-compulsive disorder has also been observed in many of the felines that suffer from this disease, so it is believed that the appearance of one is related to the other.
Symptoms of feline hyperesthesia
The main symptom during episodes of hyperesthesia is that the cat begins to repetitively lick the back and tail area, even reaching to self-mutilate in order to fight against the unpleasant sensation. This is because the skin ripples.
It will try not only to bite, but also to attack his tail, since it does not recognize it as its own. If you try to pet his back during the episodes, he will show more sensitivity in the area, and may even adopt a hostile attitudetowards you.
Tics, loss of fur in places where the skin is raised and wounds are very common, especially from the bites that the feline makes to itself. During the episodes, it is also common for the cat to run and jump around the house in fear, as if something were chasing him, giving the sensation that he is hallucinating. He may vocalize loudly and his pupils dilate
How is the diagnosis made?
As this is a rare disease whose causes are not yet defined, the main diagnosis consists of Rule out other possible diseases The first thing is Observe if the cat's grooming habits have changed, becoming obsessive or causing injuries.
The next step is to take the kitty to the vet. There, he will do the necessary tests to rule out skin diseases, brain disorders, thyroid or eating problems, among others. Blood tests, x-rays, among other studies, will be necessary to determine if it is hyperesthesia or, on the contrary, if it is another problem.
Treatment of feline hyperesthesia
Unfortunately, There is no specific treatment for feline hyperesthesia. What is prescribed is to provide the feline with a calm and tranquil environment,reducing the chances of it experiencing nervousness. A relaxed place to sleep, the possibility of easy access to his food and his sanitary bed, without anyone or anything bothering him, will reduce the episodes.
Sometimes pain relieversmay be required, in addition to the medications needed to cure the possible wounds present on the skin. Similarly, a good diet and enough fresh water will provide the feline with all the nutrients it needs.
