Is my cat psychotic/bipolar or is he just being a cat?
Urgency:Need to know
Category: Health & Wellness
For: cats
Asked by: Hollie H. (hollieholmes) 10 months ago
Henry is about 3 to 5 years old, we think. He was found abandoned on a military base so he may have lived outdoors for a long time without any claws (he was declawed and fixed when PAWS rescued him). Though he is a very mellow and sweet cat, he has these random outbursts of what look like energy. But when I observe them closer he seems terrofied of something, runs in circles around the house, hissing and something nobody else can see. His veternarian said he didn't have ear bugs and was healthy, though she mentioned something about epilepsy...he does seem to attack his foot at times. What's wrong with my Henry? Is this normal cat behavior, or does it sound more like a seizure-related illness? I ask, because it looks like he gets angry at his left, back leg and bites it because it keeps thumping or hurts him...Any ideas, cat owners?
Answers from Zootooers
Answered by: shannon r. (sruck82) 10 months ago
My cat did this actually but was attacking her back. it was actually her back was twitching and she would attack that happened so bad she ran into the wall. I work at a vet and the vet there said she had Feline Hyperesthesia Syndrome also called twitchy cat syndrome. she was to be put on meds depending on the severity. she only had a mild case so she was put on antidepressants. if it was a worse case the other option was phenobarbital which is also used for seizures.
Answered by: Rachel (Savvyupgirl) 10 months ago
My cat has outbursts of energy as well and he has a tendency to attach the couch cushions. However, he doesn't hiss. He does attack his feet sometimes. How long have you had Henry? Is it possible that he is still adjusting to his new home? Also, does he have any really interactive toys that might use up some of his energy? My cat loved the a mouse that squeaked when he batted it; too bad the dog chewed it up.
Answered by: Sarah J. (orangetwins) 10 months ago
It sound very possible. He could just be traumatized from living outside in an environment like the base. There had to be lots of weird noises and animals around that he didn't understand. There is really no way to know what happened to him before you got him. I would say if you vet can't come up with anything seriously medically wrong with him I wouldn't worry too much. Sometimes cats are just really weird!
Answered by: Beth A. (Lizza) 10 months ago
Very interesting..I inherited a kitten who had been thrown against a wall, she ended up having seizures and could be violent. At other times she was sweet and loving. I don't know that this will help but sounded a little similar. Good luck
