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Any suggestions for supplements/exercises to help my cat with hyperesthesia? She was recently diagnosed with a “mild” case. The vet said it didn’t seem severe enough for any medication. She has the classic symptoms of her back rippling/twitching, looking spooked and running around rapidly, hiding, and grooming her backside compulsively. She never seems to be in pain, but does seem rather irritated. If anyone has suggestions for how I can help her more, I’d appreciate it.

Any suggestions for supplements/exercises to help my cat with hyperesthesia? She was recently diagnosed with a “mild” case. The vet said it didn’t seem severe enough for any medication. She has the classic symptoms of her back rippling/twitching, looking spooked and running around rapidly, hiding, and grooming her backside compulsively. She never seems to be in pain, but does seem rather irritated. If anyone has suggestions for how I can help her more, I’d appreciate it.

Updated On January 28th, 2020

Pet's info: Cat | Domestic Longhair | Female | spayed | 1 year and 7 months old | 7.6 lbs

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Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

Veterinarian

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Regularly scheduled feeding times (feed her twice a day) and play periods, for example, may help keep an insecure cat relaxed and well exercised. And any type of physical activity that may irritate or overstimulate the cat—such as scratching its back—must certainly be avoided. Leave out a little catnip fo Luna, and change her toys regularly so she doesn't get bored with them. Put on music or a "cat video" when you have to be gone. Provide a perch for her so she can comfortably watch what’s going on outside as long as this isn’t a trigger for her. Provide scratching posts and structures to climb on. Finally, keep her schedule as regular as possible.

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