Get

In Your Inbox

Catster is reader-supported. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you. Learn more.

Can Cats Have Tics? Vet-Verified Signs, Causes, Treatment & More

white cat wave his paws

Have you ever noticed your cat twitching uncontrollably or showing some type of repetitive behavior, such as excessive grooming, tail chasing, or frantic biting? Such a display may point to a neurological issue, and to some, these the signs may appear similar to Tourette syndrome (TS), which is characterized by “tics.” However, despite the signs being similar, cats do not develop Tourette’s, but they can develop other conditions with similar appearing behaviors such as feline hyperesthesia syndrome. Eerily similar, let’s explore this condition so you know the signs to watch for should your cat suddenly display concerning behavior.

divider 1 paws

What Is Feline Hyperesthesia Syndrome?

Feline hyperesthesia syndrome (FHS), also known as “twitchy cat syndrome” or “rolling skin disease,” is a condition a cat can develop that’s similar to having nervous tics. The condition generally involves involuntary muscle contractions and associated changes in behavior. The condition is not widely understood, but fingers point to an underlying neurological, psychological, or dermatological issue.

Before FHS can be diagnosed, other similar conditions must be ruled out.

cat scratching ear
Image Credit: fotovictoria, Shutterstock

What Are the Signs of Feline Hyperesthesia Syndrome?

Typically, a cat with FHS may display intermittent episodes or bursts of signs related to the condition, lasting 20 to 30 seconds at a time. To better understand FHS, here are signs to watch for that could correlate to this syndrome:

  • Twitching of the skin on the lower back, either after touching the area or for no apparent reason
  • Dilated pupils
  • Excessive meowing or other noises
  • Brief bursts of jumping or running (similar to being startled)
  • Tail chasing
  • Licking and/or biting hind paws, tail, rear, or lower back

divider 1 paws

Is Feline Hyperesthesia Syndrome Genetic?

FHS can occur in any cat. At this time, there is no evidence of a genetic link to FHS; however, some cat breeds tend to be more prone to develop the condition, such as the Siamese, Persian, Abyssinian, and Burmese. The condition is more common in younger cats, with signs appearing in the first few years of life. Most cats diagnosed are under 7 years of age.

tuxedo-domestic-shorthair-cat-with-large-dilated-pupils
Image By: Mary Swift, Shutterstock

What Causes Feline Hyperesthesia Syndrome?

Despite the fact that no one knows for sure what causes FHS, the causes are generally considered either dermatological (skin issues), neurological (nervous system), or psychological. These types of issues could consist of allergies or an immune system problem, seizures or neuropathy, or even obsessive-compulsive disorders.

Another cause could potentially be food hypersensitivity. A recent study showed that one cat’s symptoms disappeared after going on a hydrolyzed protein diet, which is essentially proteins in food that have been broken down to a size too small for the immune system to recognize. Protein is a common culprit of food allergies in cats and dogs, and traditional cat food contains proteins of normal size, which could trigger allergic reactions.

How Is Feline Hyperesthesia Syndrome Diagnosed?

Before FHS can be diagnosed, a veterinarian will look for other causes of the sensitivity, such as  arthritis, allergies, and parasites.

Medication trials may also be administered, such as medications targeting itchiness and pain. An evaluation for a neurological condition may also be performed, including a complete blood panel, X-rays, and even a CT scan or MRI.

If you need to speak with a vet but can't get to one, head over to PangoVet. It's an online service where you can talk to a vet online and get the advice you need for your pet — all at an affordable price!

PangoVet_Mention-in-Content for PangoVet2 save money

Can Anxiety Cause Nervous Tics in Cats?

Anxiety and stress can bring about signs similar to tics, such as over-grooming, pacing, and excessive meowing. Anxiety in cats can occur in stressful situations, like if you’ve made a move into a new home or added a new human or other pet to the mix. Even the loss of a loved one can cause anxiety in cats. Other signs of stress involve going potty outside the litter box and hiding.

How Is Feline Hyperesthesia Syndrome Treated?

Cats with FHS can often find relief with treatment, and the condition can be managed to give a cat a good quality of life. However, a cat may never be cured of the condition. Specifically, the type of treatment administered depends on the signs.

Corticosteroids have been known to help improve skin inflammation and decrease sensitivity, and omega-3 fatty acids may be suggested to add to your cat’s diet. Gabapentin is used to treat seizures in cats, and the drug also aids in managing pain from over-sensitive nerves. Behavior modification drugs may also be prescribed, such as fluoxetine and clomipramine.

Ensuring your cat has plenty of toys for mental stimulation can also help distract your cat from compulsive grooming, and establishing a daily routine can help relieve anxiety, which adds to FHS signs.

divider 1 paws

Final Thoughts

It’s imperative to take your cat in for an examination if they display any signs described in this article. Though the treatment varies depending on signs, your cat can generally find relief and live a normal life with medications. Remember that “tic” signs may not be FHS, but it’s essential to have your cat examined to get to the root of the problem.


Featured Image Credit: Orhan Cam, Shutterstock

How useful was this post?

Click on a star to rate (you can leave written feedback after clicking submit)

Help us improve Catster for pet parents!

Your feedback really matters.

What did you like about this post? Also how can we improve it?

Join the conversation

Leave a Reply

You’re very welcome to leave a comment or question. Please know that all comments must meet our community guidelines, and your email address will NOT be published. Let’s have a positive and constructive conversation.

Talk With A Vet Online

Peace of mind,
anywhere, anytime

Affordable vet advice

Tremors in Cats: Our Vet Discusses Signs, Causes & Treatment

While the jitterbug may have been a popular swing dance among humans, it’s important to remember that cats don’t normally jitter, the dance...

Scared Tabby cat trying to hide

Why Is My Cat Chasing Their Tail? 8 Vet-Approved Reasons

It’s normal to see a dog chasing their tail, but do cats chase their tails as well? While many kittens and adult cats...

curled cat's tail close up

Neurological Disorders in Cats: Our Vet Explains Signs, Causes & Treatments

It’s really scary when our pets become ill, particularly when they’re not acting like their normal selves. Often, one of the first signs...

Two veterinarians holding down a Persian cat at the exam table

Parkinson’s in Cats (Wolff-Parkinson-White Syndrome): Our Vet Explains Prevention, Signs & Treatment

If you’re familiar with Parkinson’s disease in humans, you might have asked yourself if cats can get Parkinson’s. There is a rare condition...

Hispanic woman working in modern vet clinic talking to bengal cats owner

More related

Hispanic woman working in modern vet clinic talking to bengal cats owner

Parkinson’s in Cats (Wolff-Parkinson-White Syndrome): Our Vet Explains Prevention, Signs & Treatment

If you’re familiar with Parkinson’s disease in humans, you might have asked yourself if cats can get Parkinson’s. There is a rare condition...

skinny cat on the litter tray

Pandora’s Syndrome in Cats: Causes, Signs & Treatment (Vet Answer)

Have you ever been stressed for a long time, and as a result of this had a bad skin break out or picked...

vet nurse holding down the cat on the table in the clinic

IBS In Cats: Our Vet Explains Causes, Signs & Treatments

Irritable bowel syndrome—the name alone is enough to make you feel uncomfortable. Even if you’ve been fortunate enough to never experience the pain,...

Tabby cat with cerebellar hypoplasia

Cerebellar Hypoplasia in Cats: Our Vet Explains the Causes, Signs & Treatments

Cerebellar hypoplasia is a neurologic disease that occurs when a cat’s cerebellum is underdeveloped. This happens in utero and permanently affects a cat’s...

Keep reading

Is It Possible to Transmit Ringworm from Cats to Humans? Vet-Verified Info & Care Tips

Nobody wants to deal with a fungal infection, especially when it is on your cat. Treating your cat’s ringworm can be a pain, but did you know it can put you at risk if you aren’t careful? That’s right; your...

Ringworm lesion in cat

8 Vet-Verified Ways to Be an Eco-Friendly Cat Owner in 2024

Owning a pet takes a lot out on the environment. After all, our pets have needs too, and these needs require resources that we must take from the environment. Therefore, if you want to live in balance with the planet...

cat playing with owner

Can Cats Eat Liver? Vet-Approved Nutrition Facts

Liver is packed full of vitamins A and B and contains other essential minerals. In small quantities, it is not only safe for cats to eat liver, but it is considered good for them. However, the vitamin content in liver...

Can Cats Eat Liver

Can Cats Eat Clams? Vet-Approved Nutritional Facts & FAQ

If you’ve ever been enjoying a fancy surf and turf dinner only to look up and spot your cat eyeing you hungrily from a nearby counter, you might wonder if it’s safe to share some of your refined meal selection...

Can Cats Eat Clams

Cat Blood Types: How to Find Out (Vet-Approved Guide)

If you’ve ever given blood before or had surgery, you probably know your blood type. Humans have four blood groups—A, B, AB, and O. These groups can be Rh positive or negative, which means you can have one of eight...

vet sampling cat's blood

Can Cats Eat Dragon Fruit? Vet-Reviewed Facts & FAQ

Also known as the pitaya or the strawberry pear, dragon fruit is a delicious fruit that grows on the Hylocereus cactus. While most popular in Southeast Asia, this fruit has been growing in popularity worldwide in recent years. You’ve probably...

Can Cats Eat Dragon Fruit

How to Tell if My Cat Needs Their Glands Expressed? 6 Vet-Verified Signs

As a cat owner, you need to make sure your beloved friend is healthy, and sometimes that means dealing with bodily functions that aren’t so pleasant. Cats have two anal sacs that help them mark their territory. The sacs are...

Cat sitting on a vet metal table

Why Do Cats Like Ice Cubes? 6 Interesting Reasons

If you give ice cubes to your cats, you may be surprised by how much they like playing with them, nibbling on them, and chasing them around. There are many theories as to why cats like ice cubes. Some people...

Gray persian cat is licking ice to cool off