Cat twitching?

hambonenflippy · Nov 29, 2016

My cat has what seems like feline hyperesthesia. It's not severe in the sense that he isn't harming himself, chewing on his skin, etc, but he is clearly uncomfortable and twitching, and jumping at imaginary things on his back

He had this for a short period of time over a year ago, and it went away on its own. It's a stressful time - we flew from NJ to our new home in CA a month ago, so things are still very different for him. We don't have a regular vet here yet, so I thought I'd ask for input here. I hate to see him so uncomfortable

mrsgreenjeens · Nov 30, 2016

I've known some people who can distract their cats when this starts happening. Playtime sometimes works as the distraction, or some good old fashion loving...scratches under the chin, that sort of thing.

Regular playtime helps relieve stress anyway, so during this time of extra stress it will be good for him anyway. Here's a thread about stress: http://www.thecatsite.com/a/six-surefire-strategies-to-reduce-stress-in-cats

farhaanah · Jan 4, 2018

Hello everyone, I am a very scared feline mother and need someones help. My cat 10 months old, was neutered about 16 days ago. He had never had a twitching/spasm issue. After getting neutered 9 days after, I noticed that he was twitching/uncontrollable muscle spasms and running around. I took him to the vet who prescribed him more pain killer medications known as buprenex. The pain killer medications did help but once it wheresout it would come back again. I again took him to the vet to figure out what is going on and the vet did x-rays and found nothing abnormal in the back/spinal area. The twitching looks like mini seizures. Happening from the lower back area to his legs, ears, and head. The doctor said to wait it out couple of weeks to see if it would go away on its own. He said it could be a numerous things more of a behavior issue such as hyperesthesia. He does often go to his site, which is now completely healed to lick it. Once he does that I notice the spasm happening again. The doctor has now prescribed Prednisolone. I don't know what to do and I'm very worried for him. He is eating, drinking water, and going to the bathroom normally. He has no issue with walking or jumping at the moment. If anyone has gone through this, please let me know. I would greatly appreciate it.

mrsgreenjeens · Jan 4, 2018

farhaanah said:
Hello everyone, I am a very scared feline mother and need someones help. My cat 10 months old, was neutered about 16 days ago. He had never had a twitching/spasm issue. After getting neutered 9 days after, I noticed that he was twitching/uncontrollable muscle spasms and running around. I took him to the vet who prescribed him more pain killer medications known as buprenex. The pain killer medications did help but once it wheresout it would come back again. I again took him to the vet to figure out what is going on and the vet did x-rays and found nothing abnormal in the back/spinal area. The twitching looks like mini seizures. Happening from the lower back area to his legs, ears, and head. The doctor said to wait it out couple of weeks to see if it would go away on its own. He said it could be a numerous things more of a behavior issue such as hyperesthesia. He does often go to his site, which is now completely healed to lick it. Once he does that I notice the spasm happening again. The doctor has now prescribed Prednisolone. I don't know what to do and I'm very worried for him. He is eating, drinking water, and going to the bathroom normally. He has no issue with walking or jumping at the moment. If anyone has gone through this, please let me know. I would greatly appreciate it.

Well, one thing I can say is that Feline Hyperthesia Syndrome is NOT a behavior issue, it is a true health issue, so I'm not sure what your Vet is talking about if they think it's a behavior issue and they mentioned hyperthesia in the same sentence :sigh:

.

if your little guy truly has FHS, but is not mutilating himself, then it may be a very mild case. Which is good! Or it could be something totally different. Licking the site where he was neutered sends up flags to me, but it's normally such an easy procedure that I don't know what the issue could be, especially since the Vet has already checked him since. Wish I had some answers for you, but I don't. So from what you describe, it's not just that his back "ripples" and then he runs around like a ghost is chasing him? Or he starts chewing on his tail because he doesn't recognize it as being part of himself? That's how I think of FHS. If he is indeed having some sort of seizures, hoping the Pred will help. If not, you may need to see a Cat Neurologist.

farhaanah · Jan 4, 2018

I’m sorry, that’s my bad. He said it could be a behavioral issue. I mentioned hyperesthesia to him after researching it online and he said it could be a possibility. I have noticed him licking/biting his tail as well. He is up to date on flee medication as well. I have noticed that he now has bad breath. I don’t know what’s the cause of these twitches, and it is very frustration and heartening to watch. One more thing, it is constant, like I mean nonstop of it. I have no idea if FHS is nonstop twitches or it comes and goes. For him, it would go away for 5-10 mins or a little bit more, then come back. I have noticed that when he licks down at his neutering site it happens more.

mrsgreenjeens · Jan 4, 2018

Has the Vet witnessed this happening? Since it's so often, I would hope they were able to see him in action.

I would say see what the Pred does for him, and if it doesn't help, either seek a 2nd opinion, or get a referral to a cat neurologist in case it really is a seizure. FHS is not usually non-stop.

What are you feeding him. Cats with FHS DO tend to do better with a very high quality, grain free diet, for some reason.

Cat twitching?

hambonenflippy

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mrsgreenjeens

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farhaanah

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farhaanah

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mrsgreenjeens

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