Hyperkinesis in Cats

Cases of hyperkinesis will result in an increase in muscular activity and increased abnormal movements. This will manifest as brief bouts of odd behavior usually only lasting a few minutes. Twitching skin or muscles on the back are characteristic of both hyperkinesia and hyperesthesia. Your veterinarian will be able to clarify the condition based on cause and specific symptoms.

Hyperkinesis, hyperesthesia, rolling skin syndrome and twitchy cat disease are terms used interchangeably to describe similar conditions in cats characterized by abnormal movements and odd behavior. Hyperkinesis specifically describes a condition in which erratic muscle activity occurs. Hyperesthesia, however, describes a condition in which abnormal sensitivity is present, which may result in abnormal muscle movements (hyperkinesis). 

Hyperkinesia in cats is characterized by:

• Increase in muscle activity
• Muscle twitching
• Increased heart rate
• Increased respiration
• Dilated pupils
• Seizures

Other symptoms of hyperkinesia/ hyperesthesia (increased muscle movement/increased sensitivity) include:

• Aggressive behavior
• Personality change
• Biting of tail, back and hind limbs
• Salivation
• Uncontrolled urination
• Excessive grooming
• Skin ripples or rolling skin (on back)
• Vocalization

True hyperkinesis (not also characterized by hyperesthesia) in cats is likely caused by a neurological or seizure disorder.

Hyperkinesia/ hyperesthesia symptoms can also be caused by:

• Behavioral problems
• Neurosis/nervous disorder
• Skin conditions, fleas, allergies, dermatitis, skin infections
• Environmental stress
• Food allergies

Cats of all ages are affected, although onset usually occurs in mature cats. Purebred cats, especially Siamese, tend to be more susceptible to exhibiting symptoms of hyperkinesia or hyperesthesia.

Other diseases that cause increased muscle activity and bizarre activity include poisoning (mercury) and rabies. 

A diagnosis of hyperkinesis in your cat will depend heavily on your description of the episodes to your veterinarian. If possible, take a video of your cat during one of their hyperkinesis episodes to show your veterinarian. 

Diagnosing hyperkinesis will also be largely based on elimination of other causes of muscle activity such as poisoning, hyperthyroidism, nutritional deficiency or allergy, pain from trauma or arthritis, nervous system trauma, or brain tumor. Blood and urine tests may be ordered to rule out other conditions and check your pet's general health and functioning. 

Hyperkinesis that appears largely due to hyperesthesia may be associated with a skin disease. Possible causes such as skin allergy, fleas, fungal infections, or mites that would result in increased sensitivity and movement should be ruled out.

A muscle biopsy to pinpoint muscle disease may be performed.

An MRI may be ordered by your veterinarian to identify neurological problems such as a seizure disorder. If a veterinary neurologist is available, your cat may be referred to them for diagnosis and treatment.

Treatment for hyperkinesis in cats depends on the primary cause and symptoms. Anti-seizure medication will be prescribed for hyperkinesis caused primarily by a seizure disorder.

Anti-anxiety medication may be used for neurotic or anxious cats with hyperkinesia/ hyperesthesia.

Neurological or muscle disease should be treated as appropriate.

Any secondary conditions such as bite wounds or scratches from hyperkinetic episodes should be treated as necessary.

Behavior modification, exercise or diet may also be recommended to improve this condition.

Your cat may be required to wear an Elizabethan collar to prevent self-biting until successful treatment is achieved. Complication from infections due to scratching may occur and your pet should be monitored for this and treated as necessary.

Continue anti-seizure or anti-anxiety medication as prescribed by your veterinarian.

Prognosis is usually good for hyperkinesia/hyperesthesia if your pet responds to treatment.

You should also eliminate environmental stressors and provide rest, good diet and exercise for your pet. Maintaining a schedule and feeding at regular intervals may be important. If boredom or lack of exercise were factors in your cat's condition, providing stimulation with cat trees, access to non-adversarial cats and playing with your cat may prove helpful.