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Cat's skin twitching and tail growling: Is it Feline Hyperesthesia?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Mixed Breed | Female | unspayed | 1 year and 11 months old | 10.8 lbs

My cat's skin towards the back has been twitching from time to time since I got her (just a couple of twitches a day) and it seems like excitement/irritation triggers it so I wasn't worried. Recently she started having these random "episodes" of hissing and growling at it's back end, primarily it's tail. She's eating well and has tons of energy. According to the vet there's nothing wrong physically, but I'm worried it could be FHS, does it get worse over time? And what can I do to treat her?

3 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Linda G, MS, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on November 7th, 2019

Hello. You do describe the condition known as Feline Hyperesthesia Syndrome. The fact that you describe her episodes as getting a bit worse does point to an escalating problem, but the prognosis for this condition is very variable. There are treatments, but we must first be very sure there are no underlying triggers such as a food or flea allergy. A hypoallergenic food trial along with diligent flea control is required, even if Daizy is strictly indoors. If the episodes are not too bad & are tolerable to you & Daizy, then I would not jump into seizure medications or anxiolytics/antidepressants that are sometimes needed for the more severely affected cats. There has been some response by cats when treated with supplements such as acetyl-L-carnitine, coenzyme Q10 riboflavin & Vit E. Your vet can help with these, but if you should try them, you need to supplement for at least a month to see if they are beneficial. Good luck & thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

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    Answered By Christie Long, DVM

    Veterinarian, Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist

    Published on June 2nd, 2018

    You should know that Feline Hyperesthesia Syndrome is a very rare disease, but if this is what Lightning has it can be very difficult to treat. You said she doesn't have fleas, however most of the time this is in fact the culprit; so much so that it warrants treating for fleas even if you don't see any. Also, some of these cats actually have an allergy to their food, so it's worth trying a hypoallergenic diet trial.

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    Answered By Andrea M. Brodie, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on June 25th, 2018

    It is quite likely the flea infestation that is causing this. However, if after you get rid of the fleas your cat is still having these "jump" reactions you should take her to your vet for an exam to rule out Feline Hyperesthesia Syndrome and similar conditions.

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