From our earliest interactions with cats, we've seen them as mystical, almost otherworldly creatures—either revered or suspected of being possessed. It's not hard to see why. Cats have this way of staring at you without blinking, as if they're seeing something invisible. They also tend to go from being calm to darting around the house for no apparent reason, or suddenly switch from peaceful to aggressive in a flash.
Some of these traits can become more intense in cats with Feline Hyperesthesia Syndrome, also known as FHS. Cats with this condition may exhibit bizarre behavior changes, hallucinate, and act as though they're in a manic or schizophrenic state, or even like they're "possessed."
Symptoms of Feline Hyperesthesia Syndrome (FHS)
Sudden bursts of bizarre overactivity or aggressive behavior.
Frantically grooming their sides or tail (which could lead to hair loss).
Tail swishing, tail chasing, or aggressively attacking their own tail.
Dilated pupils and odd staring.
Rippling or rolling skin along the back (this is why it's sometimes called "rolling skin syndrome").
Displaying obvious hallucinations—cats might appear to follow things that aren't there or react to invisible threats.
Moaning, crying, or loud meowing.
Extreme sensitivity to touch along the spine.
Sudden mood swings—for instance, going from affectionate to fierce in a heartbeat.
Any of these symptoms, or a combination of them, can turn into full-blown seizures, occurring frequently throughout the day, every day, or sometimes every few days.
Possible Causes
FHS often appears in adult cats for the first time. No one is entirely sure what causes FHS, but there are a few theories.
Some cats with FHS may experience grand mal seizures during or after these episodes, suggesting that the condition could be tied to abnormal electrical activity in brain areas that control emotions, grooming, or predatory behavior—essentially, partial epilepsy. The fact that some FHS-affected cats respond to anti-seizure therapy supports this idea.
FHS might also be a form of feline obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) related to grooming behavior, aggression, or concerns about safety. The seemingly compulsive nature of self-grooming and the positive response to anti-compulsive medication back this up.
Seizures can cause compulsive behavior (almost half of people with bulimia nervosa have abnormal brain wave activity). This theory connects the dots between these seemingly unrelated causes.
A stress-induced genetic tendency toward manic behavior might be at play. Certain breeds, particularly oriental ones, are more prone to FHS, and their symptoms often seem linked to stress.
Some studies suggest that affected cats might have pathological changes in the muscles along their spine, potentially causing local irritation, changes in sensitivity, or pain. This finding could offer a physiological reason for the symptoms.
While the exact cause of FHS remains a bit of a mystery, understanding these potential reasons can help you know what to look for if your cat begins showing unusual behavior. If you're concerned, it's always a good idea to consult with your veterinarian for a professional diagnosis and treatment plan.
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