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Can Cats Have Tourettes – Here’s The Facts

Can Cats Have Tourettes – Here’s The Facts

Many cat owners can confirm that nothing is more entertaining than watching their cat perform their wacky antics. However, some cat owners show concern when they’re relaxing with their cat, and it suddenly begins twitching as though it has no control over its body. Is it possible that your cat has a condition such as Tourettes? Or something more serious? Can cats have Tourette’s?

No, cats can not suffer from Tourettes. However, they can suffer from Tourette-like symptoms due to other conditions. The most common condition that is typically overlooked due to its lack of knowledge and rarity is called Feline Hyperesthesia and is even nicknamed Twitchy Cat Disease. 

In this article, you’ll find all of the information you need regarding Feline Hyperesthesia and some other conditions that may cause Tourette-like symptoms. Now that you know that your cat can not have Tourette’s, continue reading to determine the cause of your cat’s twitching behavior. 

Why does my cat have Tourette’s?

Cats actually can not have Tourette’s. However, they can have Tourette-like symptoms caused by various conditions or diseases. Your cat may be twitching or showing tense repetitive behavior similar to Tourettes due to several different things, including itchy or dry skin, a flea allergy, or Feline Hyperesthesia (Twitchy Cat Disease).

What do Tourette-like symptoms look like in cats?

There are a lot of different symptoms that appear to resemble Tourettes in cats. However, these symptoms are Tourette-like symptoms that are caused by a variety of other diseases and conditions. The following list contains all Tourette-like behaviors in cats:

Excessive Grooming

For cats to keep themselves clean, they have to self-groom. Self-grooming is an essential part of your cat’s day-to-day life and keeps your cat looking fresh. However, excessive grooming can cause more harm than good and can indicate that your cat has a health condition such as Feline Hyperesthesia. Excessive grooming is a symptom that people often believe is caused by Tourettes, but it is simply one of the many Tourette-like symptoms that cats can portray.

Tail Chasing

Tail chasing is something you don’t see cats often do; it is more common to see this in dogs. However, if you see your cat doing this, it could be due to a variety of conditions, Feline Hyperesthesia being one of the conditions to which this behavior points.

Self-mutilation

Self-mutilation is not something to be taken lightly, and you should immediately take your cat to the vet. Self-mutilation is a Tourette-like symptom that is incredibly dangerous, and if you see it happening, you may think your cat is doing it because they have no control over their body. However, it is one of the more severe signs of Feline Hyperesthesia. It should be addressed immediately for proper treatment and care to relieve the symptoms that make your cat so itchy and uncomfortable.

Frantic Biting

Excessive biting of the feet and tail may make you believe your cat has Tourette’s. However, your cat is just portraying Tourette-like symptoms caused by a different condition, as Tourettes do not occur in cats. A flea infestation could cause excessive biting, so be sure you’re checking your cat for fleas and bringing it to the vet if infested. Excessive biting is also a sign of Feline Hyperesthesia. You should get your cat to the vet if you notice excessive biting, as it can be harmful to your cat.

Pain While Being Pet

If your cat is in visible pain or discomfort while you pet it, it may signify Feline Hyperesthesia.

Muscle spasms

Involuntary muscle spasms are the main symptom of Feline Hyperesthesia, so most people think their cat has Tourettes. However, there are no known cases of Tourettes in cats, and they often get diagnosed with feline Hyperesthesia after testing for it.

What is Feline Hyperesthesia?

Most of the Tourette-like symptoms that cats portray are due to Feline Hyperesthesia, also known as Twitchy Cat Disease. This disease is typically characterized as a seizure disorder but can also be characterized as an obsessive-compulsive disorder. Due to its rarity, Feline Hyperesthesia often gets misdiagnosed because not all information about the disease is known. This disease does not typically occur before the age of two.

What causes feline Hyperesthesia?

The cause has yet to be determined, but two different theories are believed to cause Feline Hyperesthesia. Some believe nerve issues cause the disorder due to a pinched disk in the spine or seizure-like activity. While others think it has nothing to do with nerve problems and is an OCD-like behavior.

What are the treatment options for feline Hyperesthesia?

Your veterinarian will start by testing for everything else, including other skin conditions, since this is such a rare disorder. Once they’ve all been ruled out, they’ll begin to make your cat as comfortable as possible to manage the discomfort and ticks. There is no cure for Feline Hyperesthesia, so your vet will do their best to manage your cat’s symptoms.

Why is my cat twitching?

Feline Hyperesthesia can be a cause of twitching. However, twitching can also be caused by bodily pain and skin conditions. Parasite infestations and allergies are also causes of cat twitching. If your cat is experiencing twitching, take them to the vet to be appropriately evaluated and treated. 

Can cats have facial ticks?

Yes, they can. However, more often than not, facial ticks are considered partial seizures. If your cat is experiencing drooling, facial twitching, excessive focalization, growling, or abnormal head/ neck movements, you should bring your cat to the vet to be properly diagnosed and treated.

What does a cat tremor look like?

Tremors are repetitive muscle movements where the muscle tightens in one position, then relaxes and tightens again. This movement can be quick or can last for several minutes. To rule out seizures or partial seizures, you should bring your cat to the vet.

Why does my cat’s fur ripple?

Rippling of the skin and fur could be caused by a few things, one of which is Pansteatitis. Pansteatitis is a condition caused by an excessive amount of unsaturated fatty acids and a lack of Vitamin E in your cat’s diet. Another reason for this could be brain trauma. Cats with rippling skin and fur followed by seizures, signs of brain infections, and a tumor should be brought to the vet immediately for a proper check-up. The most common and likely the least concerning is flea allergies, which can cause your cat’s skin to crawl and cause Tourette-like symptoms. They will be quickly and almost obsessively biting themselves or scratching themselves for relief.

Conclusion

Although cats can not be diagnosed with Tourette’s, they can have Tourette-like symptoms brought on by other conditions. Although Feline Hyperesthesia is not well known due to its rarity, it is one of the diseases your cat may have if experiencing Tourette-like symptoms. If your cat is experiencing muscle tremors resembling Tourettes, make an appointment with your cat’s vet as soon as possible because Tourette-like symptoms could be a sign of Feline Hyperesthesia, partial seizures, and even brain trauma.