During these episodes, affected cats can be extremely difficult to distract from their behaviour, and often appear to be absent-minded or in a trance-like state.

Cats affected by the condition may display a variable number of clinical signs based on the underlying cause.

[1][2][3][4][5][6] Additionally, hallucinations and behaviour similar to oestrus, commonly referred to as heat, have been observed and were reported in the first article on the syndrome in 1980.

[2][6] The second theory proposes that the syndrome is a seizure disorder, and that episodes of vocalisation, wild running, jumping, uncontrolled urination, and tail-chasing are instances of epileptic activity.

[1][2][3][4][8][10] This theory is supported by reports of cats showing signs of epileptic seizures after an attack, with dilated pupils and dazed and absent behaviour.

[6] In regards to the early theories, some consider tail mutilation to be associated with neuropathic pain rather than a direct clinical sign of feline hyperesthesia syndrome.

[2] It is notable when considering this theory, that some cats have been known to obsessively lick the base of their tail, rather than scratching or biting, which may suggest they're not feeling pain or pruritus, but rather an overwhelming compulsive motivation.

The lack of pathophysiological knowledge requires the syndrome to be diagnosed by eliminating other possible causes of clinical signs.

[1][4] This is a time-consuming and often expensive process that most pet-owners opt-out of, choosing instead to treat the behaviours and signs with a variety of therapeutic trials without a definitive diagnosis.

This includes skin disorders that cause pruritus such as allergies, fungal infections, parasites and dermatitis; spinal problems such as arthritis, pinched nerves and slipped discs; and forebrain issues that may lead to phantom pains.

Information on a cat's tendency towards obsessive compulsive disorders, anxiety, fear, and over-attachment to its owner is highly advantageous for diagnosis and treatment.

[1][2][3][4][5] It is much less likely that a cat that is under a year old and has not reached maturity has the syndrome rather than an alternate ailment that may be causing similar clinical signs.

[1][2][4] Likewise, if a cat belongs to either the Abyssinian, Burmese, Himalayan or Siamese breeds, then feline hyperesthesia syndrome should be considered a lot more carefully as a cause of any possible clinical signs.

Treatment options often involve a significant trial-and-error phase to figure out what will work for the individual affected cat.

[4] Generally, the first step to treating the syndrome is to eliminate or reduce environmental factors that may cause outbreaks, stress, or anxiety.