Why Does My Cat Get "Excited" When I Pat Its Butt? It Might Be Feline Hyperesthesia Syndrome!
Why Does My Cat Get "Excited" When I Pat Its Butt? It Might Be Feline Hyperesthesia Syndrome!
Many cat owners love to pat their cat's behinds, enjoying the sight of their feline companions closing their eyes and basking in the affection. However, not all cats enjoy being patted on the butt. Some cats may even exhibit abnormal behavior such as meowing, frantically licking themselves, drooling, or even more severe symptoms. So, why do cats seem to "get excited" when you pat their butts? What causes this "over-excitement"? And how can you tell the difference between the two?
Why does my cat wag its tail when I pat its butt?
Behavioral scientists speculate that cats have a high concentration of nerves in the area of their tail base, and rubbing or patting can cause varying degrees of pain. However, this "pain" isn't always a bad feeling. Just as we might find "tickling is comfortable" or "spiciness is enjoyable," these are the pleasures brought about by mild pain. For cats, this mild stimulation can also be very comfortable, like being tickled and responding with "Hahaha~ It's so itchy and comfortable."
However, different cats have different sensitivities to this light touch. Some cats enjoy this stimulation, while others find it uncomfortable, even leading to "running away" or "scratching you back." This phenomenon has also been observed in other small felid species, but "big cats" don't show obvious signs.
As for why most cats raise their tails when being patted on the butt, there are two current behavioral scientist speculations:
Releasing pheromones: Cats may raise their tails to release more "I trust you, bro~" pheromones in the presence of "someone who makes them feel comfortable."
Body memory: Behavioral scientists refer to the mating behavior of cats and speculate that this is a subconscious, habitual body memory. Estrus females may exhibit similar behaviors, but they will be accompanied by raised buttocks, pacing back and forth, and howling.
Don't Ignore FHS: Feline Hyperesthesia Syndrome
Beyond cats running away because of uncomfortable massage techniques, cat owners should pay attention to a feline disease called Feline Hyperesthesia Syndrome (FHS). As the name suggests, it's excessive sensitivity.
1. What are the common symptoms?
Cats may frantically lick their fur, drool, and meow in fear when touched on the back, especially near the tail base.
Their pupils may suddenly dilate and they may appear fearful or scared without any stimulation.
Their back skin or fur may twitch or spasm, possibly accompanied by howling and licking their fur.
They may experience emotional swings and suddenly attack (either the owner or themselves).
In addition, there are clinical statistics showing that FHS cats may also exhibit urination problems and localized hair loss, but this may also be related to spontaneous cystitis caused by stress and psychogenic alopecia.
2. What causes it?
Current research has yet to pinpoint the definitive cause of Feline Hyperesthesia Syndrome. The prevailing theory suggests a link to epilepsy, as some cases exhibit seizures, urinary incontinence, etc. during attacks, so anti-epileptic drugs are used for treatment.
Another theory suggests that FHS is related to stress and anxiety. Some cases exhibit licking during attacks, while others exhibit attacks during licking, so treatment focuses on reducing excessive licking caused by stress.
3. Suspected FHS, what to do?
There is no definitive "gold standard" for diagnosing Feline Hyperesthesia Syndrome. It is usually diagnosed by ruling out other possibilities and considering the history of the disease. Because cats, especially overweight cats, do not lick themselves frequently in the area of stimulation, in multi-cat households, if a cat fights whenever it licks its fur, it's important to consider whether it's "seizing power" or if there's a possibility of FHS. This can rule out FHS (because the area is not licked).
FHS usually develops before the age of 5. It's also important to rule out skin and neurological conditions in suspected FHS cases:
Skin conditions: Allergies, external parasites, and skin infections.
Neurological conditions: Epilepsy, spinal tumors or infections, brain injuries or tumors.
Localized pain: Muscle pain, bites, abscesses, or other organ diseases.
Potential tests include: skin examination, blood tests (complete blood count, biochemistry), virus tests, imaging studies (X-rays, ultrasound), and even biopsies.
4. How to care for your cat and reduce external triggers
Reduce the uncertainty and anxiety of your cat's basic needs. Allow your cat to escape or avoid unpleasant situations/things. Meet your cat's need for environmental exploration and socialization:
Stable feeding time (multiple meals are better, but if you can't guarantee feeding time, choose 2-3 fixed times for feeding). In multi-cat households, keep the feeding interval at least 1m apart. If all else fails, you can feed them in separate rooms to ensure that each cat has access to litter boxes and other resources without any stress.
Provide dedicated space for your cat, especially for shy, weak, or elderly cats.
Make environmental resources predictable for your cat (what time it can eat, what standards it needs to meet to get on the bed or in the bedroom, whether or not it can interact with people, let the cat decide).
Avoid frequent cleaning and removing cat-friendly markings from scratching posts, sofa cushions, blankets, etc., and you can also try using pheromones.
Meet your cat's exploration and play needs (an online veterinarian shared that in the early stages of the disease, playing with a toy can divert the cat's attention and alleviate symptoms).
Summary of Experience
Cats getting "excited" when patted on the butt may be because they enjoy mild stimulation or because they have Feline Hyperesthesia Syndrome. Cat owners should carefully observe their cat's behavior and rule out other possibilities in a timely manner. If you suspect your cat has FHS, consult a veterinarian promptly and follow their recommendations for treatment and care.
Many cat owners love to pat their cat's behinds, enjoying the sight of their feline companions closing their eyes and basking in the affection. However, not all cats enjoy being patted on the butt. Some cats may even exhibit abnormal behavior such as meowing, frantically licking themselves, drooling, or even more severe symptoms. So, why do cats seem to "get excited" when you pat their butts? What causes this "over-excitement"? And how can you tell the difference between the two?
Why does my cat wag its tail when I pat its butt?
Behavioral scientists speculate that cats have a high concentration of nerves in the area of their tail base, and rubbing or patting can cause varying degrees of pain. However, this "pain" isn't always a bad feeling. Just as we might find "tickling is comfortable" or "spiciness is enjoyable," these are the pleasures brought about by mild pain. For cats, this mild stimulation can also be very comfortable, like being tickled and responding with "Hahaha~ It's so itchy and comfortable."
However, different cats have different sensitivities to this light touch. Some cats enjoy this stimulation, while others find it uncomfortable, even leading to "running away" or "scratching you back." This phenomenon has also been observed in other small felid species, but "big cats" don't show obvious signs.
As for why most cats raise their tails when being patted on the butt, there are two current behavioral scientist speculations:
Releasing pheromones: Cats may raise their tails to release more "I trust you, bro~" pheromones in the presence of "someone who makes them feel comfortable."
Body memory: Behavioral scientists refer to the mating behavior of cats and speculate that this is a subconscious, habitual body memory. Estrus females may exhibit similar behaviors, but they will be accompanied by raised buttocks, pacing back and forth, and howling.
Don't Ignore FHS: Feline Hyperesthesia Syndrome
Beyond cats running away because of uncomfortable massage techniques, cat owners should pay attention to a feline disease called Feline Hyperesthesia Syndrome (FHS). As the name suggests, it's excessive sensitivity.
1. What are the common symptoms?
Cats may frantically lick their fur, drool, and meow in fear when touched on the back, especially near the tail base.
Their pupils may suddenly dilate and they may appear fearful or scared without any stimulation.
Their back skin or fur may twitch or spasm, possibly accompanied by howling and licking their fur.
They may experience emotional swings and suddenly attack (either the owner or themselves).
In addition, there are clinical statistics showing that FHS cats may also exhibit urination problems and localized hair loss, but this may also be related to spontaneous cystitis caused by stress and psychogenic alopecia.
2. What causes it?
Current research has yet to pinpoint the definitive cause of Feline Hyperesthesia Syndrome. The prevailing theory suggests a link to epilepsy, as some cases exhibit seizures, urinary incontinence, etc. during attacks, so anti-epileptic drugs are used for treatment.
Another theory suggests that FHS is related to stress and anxiety. Some cases exhibit licking during attacks, while others exhibit attacks during licking, so treatment focuses on reducing excessive licking caused by stress.
3. Suspected FHS, what to do?
There is no definitive "gold standard" for diagnosing Feline Hyperesthesia Syndrome. It is usually diagnosed by ruling out other possibilities and considering the history of the disease. Because cats, especially overweight cats, do not lick themselves frequently in the area of stimulation, in multi-cat households, if a cat fights whenever it licks its fur, it's important to consider whether it's "seizing power" or if there's a possibility of FHS. This can rule out FHS (because the area is not licked).
FHS usually develops before the age of 5. It's also important to rule out skin and neurological conditions in suspected FHS cases:
Skin conditions: Allergies, external parasites, and skin infections.
Neurological conditions: Epilepsy, spinal tumors or infections, brain injuries or tumors.
Localized pain: Muscle pain, bites, abscesses, or other organ diseases.
Potential tests include: skin examination, blood tests (complete blood count, biochemistry), virus tests, imaging studies (X-rays, ultrasound), and even biopsies.
4. How to care for your cat and reduce external triggers
Reduce the uncertainty and anxiety of your cat's basic needs. Allow your cat to escape or avoid unpleasant situations/things. Meet your cat's need for environmental exploration and socialization:
Stable feeding time (multiple meals are better, but if you can't guarantee feeding time, choose 2-3 fixed times for feeding). In multi-cat households, keep the feeding interval at least 1m apart. If all else fails, you can feed them in separate rooms to ensure that each cat has access to litter boxes and other resources without any stress.
Provide dedicated space for your cat, especially for shy, weak, or elderly cats.
Make environmental resources predictable for your cat (what time it can eat, what standards it needs to meet to get on the bed or in the bedroom, whether or not it can interact with people, let the cat decide).
Avoid frequent cleaning and removing cat-friendly markings from scratching posts, sofa cushions, blankets, etc., and you can also try using pheromones.
Meet your cat's exploration and play needs (an online veterinarian shared that in the early stages of the disease, playing with a toy can divert the cat's attention and alleviate symptoms).
Summary of Experience
Cats getting "excited" when patted on the butt may be because they enjoy mild stimulation or because they have Feline Hyperesthesia Syndrome. Cat owners should carefully observe their cat's behavior and rule out other possibilities in a timely manner. If you suspect your cat has FHS, consult a veterinarian promptly and follow their recommendations for treatment and care.
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