Feline Hyperesthesia Syndrome

Feline hyperesthesia syndrome describes a pattern in which a cat shows episodes of unusual sensitivity along the back, often accompanied by rippling skin, sudden behavioural changes, and sometimes frantic grooming or movement. The episodes tend to be brief and can appear without obvious trigger, though some cats show them more often during particular times of day or in certain situations. Owners often describe their cat suddenly acting as though something is crawling on the skin, licking or biting at the lower back or tail, or running and vocalising in ways that seem out of character. Between episodes, the cat may appear entirely normal. The pattern can overlap with other medical and behavioural conditions, and the underlying cause in any individual cat is not always clear. This page explores the signals that may be observed, the mechanisms that have been proposed or identified in different cases, the investigations that can help distinguish between possibilities, and the range of approaches that exist depending on what is found.