Feline Hyperesthesia: Why is My Maine Coon’s Skin Rippling?#

This is one of the strangest and most distressing conditions to witness. You are petting your Maine Coon. Suddenly, the skin on their lower back starts rippling or twitching violently. They spin around, eyes dilated, and viciously attack their own tail. Then, they sprint away as if being chased by ghosts.

This is Feline Hyperesthesia Syndrome (FHS), also known as “Rolling Skin Disease.” It is common in Siamese, Burmese, and yes—Maine Coons.

Signs it is FHS (and not just crazy cat energy)#

The Ripple: The hallmark sign. The muscles along the spine twitch visibly.
Self-Mutilation: They don’t just groom; they bite their tail or flanks, sometimes drawing blood.
The “Switch”: Their mood changes instantly from calm to manic.
Sensitivity: Touching their lower back triggers the episode.

A Maine Coon cat looking agitated and turning to bite its own back — If your cat's skin ripples and they attack their own tail, it might be Feline Hyperesthesia, not just 'zoomies'.

What Causes It?#

Vets are still debating this. It is generally considered a mix of:

Neurological: A form of seizure activity (misfiring nerves).
Dermatological: Severe allergy or dermatitis.
Behavioral: Extreme OCD or anxiety.

Rule Out the Basics First#

Before diagnosing FHS, you must rule out:

Fleas: Even one flea bite on the tail base can cause similar twitching in allergic cats. Treat everyone with Revolution Plus just to be safe.
Pain: Arthritis in the spine can cause sensitivity.

Treatment Options#

If it is FHS, it is manageable.

Gabapentin: A nerve pain medication that also calms anxiety. This is the frontline treatment.
Fluoxetine (Prozac): If it is compulsive/anxiety-driven.
Reduce Stress: FHS is often triggered by environmental stress. Keep the home calm.

Conclusion#

Do not punish your cat for “acting crazy” or biting you during an episode. They are in distress. They feel like bugs are crawling under their skin. Video the behavior, show your vet, and ask about a Gabapentin trial. It can give them their peace of mind back.

Resources & Further Reading#

Cornell Feline Health Center: Hyperesthesia Syndrome.
Veterinary Partner: Neurological vs. Behavioral causes of FHS.