Originally Posted by Ali82

Hi Libralass, I have refrained from posting on here previously because it sounded like Kizzi's problems were only when eating and I assumed that it was more likely to do with this. I'm not sure what help I can be either because we still haven't been able to get to the bottom of my cats problems who suffers from similar.

Firstly whilst FHS has been mentioned, it's worth noting that hyperesthesia almost always has a physical cause. The twitching you describe could well be itch related. Is she flead and have you checked her thoroughly for fleas, ear mites etc? Did the vets examine her skin? As daft as it sounds has anything changed recently in the house like new carpets? Changed food? etc

My cat whom we got from a rescue centre 6 months ago has similar symptoms (back twitching, ear twitching, scaring herself and running off etc) except she has them 80-90% of the time she is awake. In addition she also constantly attacks and mutilates her tail. She seems worst when excited i.e when playing, eating, we first get home etc.

We have seen numerous vets and had countless tests done and we are still no closer to finding out what is causing her problems. The first thought was stress but a pet behaviourist we saw didn't think this was the case and she was tried on anti depressants which didn't help at all. The current thinking is that it is either caused by allergies, a neurological problem or some kind of OCD, our vet has consulted with a specialist neurologist who has recommended trying her on Phenobarbitol (an anti seizure drug used to treat epilepsy etc) before any further invasive tests are undertaken. However, after a sensible discussion with the vet a couple of weeks ago we decided that as her symptoms weren't getting any worse, rather than masking the problem with drugs we would try and get to the bottom of them and we are currently undertaking a food elimination trial to rule out food allergies.

I have done a massive amount of reading on the types of symptoms your cat is experiencing and it appears that they quite non specific, often they come and go and the cause is never established.

It is certainly worth getting an opinion from a second vet, and getting them to give her a thorough physical examination to rule out anything obvious particularly if the symptoms are progressing.

I'll keep you updated if we manage to find the cause of my girls problems.

Originally Posted by LibraLass

Thanks Ali for taking the time to write such a detailed reply

Did you try Feliaway spray for calming, and then ZYLKENE tablets for stress?

I don't think its a food related problem. She is eating her favourite tinned food Gourmet Solitare Beef and Tomato x 2 small tins a day, with poached fish for lunch (yes, spolit) she's always had this and continues to enjoy it and eats it all up, but at the moment it takes 3 or so attempts to clear the bowl as she runs off twitching.

Yes the vet did check for ear mites, and fleas - none.

please keep in touch,

Sue

Originally Posted by jenny armour

well if anyone is interested when sonni first had his problem he suggested an mri scan but because by then i had dropped the insurance he said there was no point if i cant afford it, but another vet did say later that there is no guarantee anything would show up.
i hope for your sake that is doesnt get too bad like my sonni's has. my vet now gives him an anti inflammatory injection every three months to help with the scratching which has helped to a degree and he also has his claws kept short as he was making his head bleed, otherwise there is nothing else they can do.
i am not sure though if sonni does have this

Originally Posted by Ali82

Yes she has had a feliway diffuser plugged in permanently since we got her and we did try Zylkene and later Amitriptyline for stress, I'm fairly certain this isn't the cause in my girl although it was the vets suspicion to start with so I guess it can cause such a reaction. If you do want to try Zylkene I have some left over that I'd be happy to send you just drop me a pm

Don't rule out the possibility of a food allergy (or any allergy for that matter), does it look as though some of Kizzi's actions could be itch related? Allergies often develop over time so even if her food hasn't changed that's not to say it isn't the cause.

Hope Kizzi's feeling better soon

Originally Posted by Ali82

I just had a search on some of your posts about Sonni, i'm glad he's still doing well even with his problems. Do the vets think the virus caused some kind of swelling or damage within the brain? Did he have the same problems before his ear operation?
The vets have also considered an MRI scan and tap for my girl but they aren't sure her problems are neurological so we considered it prudent to rule out allergiesetc before putting her through the stresses this would entail.