Features

• Feline hyperesthesia syndrome can cause excessive grooming.Image by Flickr.com, courtesy of Reg Mckenna
  
  Cats suffering from FHS might display a rippling of the skin on the back, twitching of the tail and ears, hyperactivity including running, spinning, vocalizing, excessive grooming and biting at the tail. Many appear to hallucinate.
  
  

Causes

• Treatment for rolling back disease in cats could include stress relief and vitamins.Image by Flickr.com, courtesy of Alessandro Valli
  
  While there is no known cause for FHS, its symptoms can be triggered by petting, stress, changes, boredom, introduction of a new pet and pain.
  
  

Botox

• Botulinum (Botox) is a toxin that paralyzes muscles. Injecting Botox into a cat's back may ease symptoms of twitching. However, this may not be the safest option. Researchers at the University of Calgary in Canada found that when cats are injected with Botox, the toxin easily spreads into neighboring muscles, weakening the entire area.
  
  

Stress

• Rolling back disease can be caused by stress and create further anxiety. Therefore, the first line of treatment should be stress reduction by the use of daily play time. Feline stress relievers like Feliway are also commercially available. Acupuncture decreases pain and improves circulation.
  
  

Vitamins

• Vitamin supplements should be considered. Vitamin D is essential for proper muscle and nerve growth and function. A deficiency can cause muscle pain and weakness. The best source of vitamin D for cats is fish oils.