Have you noticed a nervous cat? This is not always a warning sign, but it is important to be aware that in some cases this nervousness may be a reflection of feline hyperesthesia. This is a rare syndrome, but it can affect your four-legged friend for different reasons and is usually associated with behavioral changes. Because it is a more specific disease and few guardians are aware of it.know, the Paws of the House interviewed Carolina Bernardo, guardian of the cat Ricotinha who went through this problem, and veterinarian Luciana Lobo to clarify doubts about feline hyperesthesia syndrome.

Feline hyperesthesia: what is it and what causes this problem?

Feline hyperesthesia syndrome is not a very common problem, but it manifests itself in the cat with muscle spasms. According to Luciana, the root of the problem is often unknown, but it can have a behavioral, dermatological, neurological and orthopedic origin. "Possible causes are: factors in the environment that affect the hypothalamus and limbic system, hyperactive and nervous cats, dry skin,genetic causes, stress, skin parasites such as fleas, fungi and scabies, and even epilepsy," he says. Although it is a rare disease, there is a higher incidence of feline hyperesthesia in the Sacred Burmese, Himalayan and Abyssinian breeds.

Cat with muscle spasms: what are the main symptoms of feline hyperesthesia?

As rare as it is, it is always good to be aware of the signs of this disease so that the diagnosis can be made as soon as possible. This is because the disease can compromise the animal's entire quality of life. The cat with muscle spasms is the most common sign: according to the veterinarian, it occurs when the cat is still and suddenly jumps and bites its back as if it were being attacked. However, otherssymptoms that may also be indicative of feline hyperesthesia are:

- Nervousness

- Changes in behavior

- Wiggling its tail while trying to lick or bite it

- Runs around the house as if scared

- Ripples the skin of the back and becomes irritated if touched in the area

- May have convulsions and spasms

- Excessive licking of the lumbar region, anal region and tail

- Pupils dilate during seizures

- Unusual meows

- May suffer weight loss and even mutilate themselves

Feline hyperesthesia: check-up appointments help in diagnosis

Carolina Bernardo had already noticed the involuntary spasms on Ricota's back a while ago, but thought it was pure feline instinct. "She also never liked a lot of affection in the region of the back / near the tail and always bit me when I stroked there. But light bites, as if they were playing, so I never thought it was pain ", he says. During a check-up to find out how to deal with the problem."It was the first time I took her to a specialist feline clinic and it really makes a difference. As soon as we arrived, the vet noticed she was spasming and squeezed the area. Ricotinha reacted immediately, and then she told me about feline hyperesthesia."

How is feline hyperesthesia syndrome diagnosed?

According to veterinarian Luciana, as hyperesthesia has no definite cause, the diagnosis is usually made based on the symptoms presented by the cat associated with a series of tests, which will help to rule out other diseases. Physical, neurological, dermatological, hormonal, urine, blood and even a spine x-ray may be requested. With Ricotinha, the"She said that there are many cases in which the X-ray does not show anything, but medication is necessary - because it is a syndrome that can have several causes," says the guardian.

Feline hyperesthesia: is it possible to cure? Understand what can be done

Unfortunately, there is not exactly a cure for feline hyperesthesia syndrome. What can be done, in fact, is to seek to treat the causes of the disease, which are usually associated with a nervous or stressed cat. "The treatment consists of reducing the cat's anxiety and stress by creating a calm environment. The proper feeding, constant and proper cleaning of the litter boxes,In addition, investing in environmental enrichment can also be a good way to promote better quality of life for the feline. In more severe cases, it may be necessary to prescribe synthetic hormones and the use of controlled medications. Ricotinha, for example, started a treatment with medication manipulated twice a day, and"It's relatively quiet, apart from the normal stress of giving cats pills, but that's a practice I'm mastering well!".