Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hello again fellow cat lovers,

I've got a good mystery for you. My cat Rascal has been acting somewhat strangely off and on for the past couple of years. Now what he does, doesn't happen often, but every now and then, I'll find him looking very alert and high strung, during pauses between vigorously cleaning and biting at himself- so as to dig into his fur. He tends to run around when it happens as well, for example, he'll run a short way, then stop, as if waiting for something to bug him, and when it does, he'll bite at his back or lick the front of his leg, then he'll raise back up sharply, and if any person near him aknowledges the act or makes a movement, he'll run out of the room. It really is very strange. It's as if he doesn't want anyone near him. At first I presumed this behavior was the effect of some flea trouble, but I'm certain I'd be feeling the burden as well if it were, and this has been too ongoing for that. My mother thinks it might have to do with dry skin, but I'd still like some other opinions.

Thanks a lot.

- Lauren

Have you taken him to the vet to rule out allergies or skin rashes? I have an older cat who started pulling his fur out aggressively and then takes off when he's caught. He neveer really seem sto get any bald spots (but he sure coughs up a lot of hair balls!) and steroids helped for a month but you can't keep them on those for long. As long as he's not causing more harm through bleeding or scratching, it may be juust one of thoe "cat things". Cats get dementia as they age which could account for some strange behaviors. My cat stares at the wall for hours where there USED to be a doorway, but was walled up years ago...he even attacks the wall sometimes...I can't figure that one out.

Fur pulling and scratching can be caused by a multitude of problems ranging from dry skin like your mother says, to allergies, parasites, thyroid problems, and anxiety. A visit to the vet is definitely in order here to correctly diagnose and treat the problem.
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Smile, it will make them wonder what you are up to!

That is classic behavior for feline hyperesthesia syndrome. Does his skin ripple while he is sitting there? You didn't indicate that he is pulling hair out. Normally when cats are pulling hair, it is either parasites, allergies or tail mutilation (OCD). They don't run around at the same time. Hyperesthesia is actually painful...there is nothing you can do about it. It is the opposite of anesthesia...the cat feels everything. Like all nerve endings are on fire. It is usually not treated with any behavior medications. Just let him ride it out. Do not touch his back if it is rippling as that just adds to the sensory overload.