Can Cats Outgrow Feline Hyperesthesia Syndrome?

CatChannel veterinary expert, Arnold Plotnick, DVM, explains symptoms and treatments for this cat health problem.

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Q: My 7 year old neutered male Siamese cat has feline hyperesthesia syndrome. Do you know any cats that have out grown this? He has had it for over two years.

A: Hyperesthesia syndrome, sometimes referred to as “rolling skin syndrome,” is a problem in cats that can cause twitching of the skin (especially around the base of the tail), vocalizing, excessive grooming, sudden jerking, and running around as if being chased. Affected cats can also self-mutilate, which can cause hair loss or severe skin irritation or injury. Siamese, Burmese, Himalayans and Abyssinians are the most commonly affected breeds.

I have had success controlling this problem in cats with anti-obsessional drugs, such as fluoxetine, and with anticonvulsant drugs such as phenobarbital. But I have not seen cats outgrow this behavior, and in the cases where I’ve tried to wean the cat off of their medication, or where the clients stopped giving the drugs on their own, the symptoms usually return. But, as long as you administer the medication, most cats’ symptoms remain well-controlled, and side effects of the long-term use of these drugs are minimal.

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Can Cats Outgrow Feline Hyperesthesia Syndrome?

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sylvi    International 1/20/2013 8:53:26 AM my cat suffered from hyperesthesia and she is fine now. First we took the collar of her neck, then we stopped feeding her yogurt which she loved. Try this and maybe add vitamin treats and hopefully your cat will also outgrow this terrible disease. No meds, no anti depressants. Jamie Roth    Ojai, CA 8/23/2012 8:18:10 PM I thought my cat had Hyperesthesia for many months. My cousin is a vet. She emailed me recently, after attending a large veterinary seminar, The information saved my cats life. It turns out that the veter. Community believes that Hyperesthesia may not even exist; that these symptoms are a result of ALLERGIES. It turns out, she was right. My cat, Bodhi had a flea allergy. It was giving her seizures, skin rolling etc. After treating her with Advantage the seizures nd skin rolling STOPPED. She is now a healthy, happy cat again. It is nothing less than a miracle and I am soooo grateful. Veronica    Yonkers, NY 6/4/2010 2:39:50 AM I have a 1 year old cat who, out of no where, began racing around the room like crazy and licking the base of her tail. She seems so uncomfortable and in actual pain because of this and only finds comfort if laying close to me or under a blanket. She has always been a hyperactive cat but that was just part of her charm to me. I find myself laying awake with her to sooth her when she has an episode. I actually felt a sharp pain in my side when she jerked her back, as if I was shocked, has anyone else experienced this? It is very concerning and I feel like something needs to be done immediately. Any other information would really help. Amanda    Pittsburg, TX 2/7/2010 1:38:31 AM I've been wondering if they will outgrow it as well. My cat started showing these behaviors almost two years ago but my vet chalked it up to my cat was just mean. Finally a few days ago I couldn't take it anymore and demanded she listen to me. She prescribed valium and I'm hoping that it will help. His behavior is just getting worse and in addition to hurting me he has started hurting himself. Thank you for adressing the issue on your site!