Feline hyperesthesia syndrome (FHS) is sometimes called "rolling skin syndrome," based on the predominant feature of the syndrome---the cat's crawling and twitching back skin when an FHS episode sets in. Animal specialists believe a type of seizure disorder causes the episodes, which strike Siamese cats more than other breed.
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Symptoms and Origins
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Symptoms of FHS include some or all of the following: dilated pupils; twitching of the tail; appearing annoyed with the tail; biting at the tip of the tail, sometimes to the point of mutilation; behavior that may change from loving to scared or depressed; sensitivity to touch around the tail; staring into space; persistent, loud meowing; dashing off madly and aimlessly around the house or yard; rippling skin on the back just above the tail.
Episodes last five minutes or more.
Veterinarians are uncertain what precipitates an episode. Possible causes include an unpleasant event or fur getting rubbed the wrong way. Animal specialists also have cited overvaccinating, low-quality diets and/or ingestion of preservatives and chemicals as possible origins.
Prevention/Treatment
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Prevention simply means enhancing the cat's dietary intake and nutrition and then changing its lifestyle. Part of that includes ruling out other health concerns as a source of the condition. This means running tests for thyroid, diabetes, cancer, liver or kidney disorders that may cause the episodes.
Prevention includes the promotion of a healthy lifestyle in your cat. Nutritional deficiencies play a roll in many health issues, so defining an optimal diet for the cat is important. A diet heavy on sugar and ingested chemicals hasn't helped humans, so it certainly wouldn't benefit cats displaying unusual behavior. A homemade diet that contains no artificial flavorings, colorings or "hidden" high-carbohydrate foods provides the best nutrition. When commercial cat food must do, become familiar with the ingredient labels and acquire a basic understanding of the protein-to-carbohydrate ratios for optimal feline diets.
Structuring the cat's meal times will help, if the cat doesn't already have you on a schedule. Unstable blood sugar levels caused by erratic feeding schedules could negatively affect cats suffering from hypoglycemia or diabetes, symptoms of which can sometimes mimic those of FHS.
Azmira Detoxifier
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Cats' level of sensitivity to the toxins in vaccines and other chemicals, such as those used for flea and tick control, is greater than in dogs. Cats will likely experience more side effects. Azmira detoxifier, a homeopathic remedy recommended for detoxification purposes, will help alleviate bad reactions to chemicals.
Nupro Supplementation
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Nupro, a holistic pet supplement for increasing nutrient intake, controlling dry skin, promoting hair growth, providing digestive enzymes and discouraging flea infestations, also aids detoxification. In addition to performing everything previously mentioned, Nupro also has properties that promote building energy, enhancing blood production, improving appetite, burning fat and controlling flatulence.
Calm &Relax
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Calm & Relax, a homeopathic preparation that assists in normalizing proper nervous system balance, acts as a daily tonic for high-strung or stressed cats.
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