I have a cat with hyperesthesia. He was a abandoned runt with a cleft palate, at 5 weeks of age. I nursed him to 4 months old, when he was big enough to undergo surgery to repair his cleft palate. He developed hyperesthesia at 1 year old. He has seizures where his nerves misfire, causing pain. He thinks someone is attacking him and runs wildly thru the house. He has been on Gabapentin for many years, which works well to stop these seizures. He is now 14, fat and happy.
I have a cat with hyperesthesia as well. We had no clue when we adopted her. She was between 1 and 2 when we brought her home. She’s probably around 5 now, and her episodes have become less frequent and less extreme. She still has them though. Usually we can tell one is about to start when we see her tailbone area start twitching. We hold her down and give her aggressive pets whenever we see this. It seems to calm her. I believe getting her on a healthy diet made a huge difference as well. It’s so sad seeing them freak out like that, but I’m glad she ended up in our home. I know a lot of people would just get rid of a cat with this condition. It takes patience and understanding. Always happy to hear of others who are taking care of their cats with this frustrating condition. They all deserve a chance!
@@moussegarbonzo8352 You are an amazing person. People don't understand these animals when something like this happens and when they see something they don't like, they return to the shelter. I am thankful you are patient and understanding to you're beautiful kitty.
@@onyxfay3800 I loved seeing this! I actually have 2 dogs that helps me. 1 is a samoyed that is literally my nurse. He has trained himself to be in total tune with what I need. Some things he does include making sure i get to bed on time, make sure i go outside when i have panic attacks he is glued to me and he kisses my tears away. My other dog is a special needs dog from the streets of romania, she has a huge scar from her eye down to her mouth so she kinda has half her face missing, it looks more "scary" than it is. When i first got her we went to a lot of specialists but in the end the only thing they could do was cosmetic and why go through that when all she needs is a lil wipe when she has eaten. Animals are just angels and we dont deserve them
My cat also was hallucinating…..after much testing ,trial and error. We found out he was having epileptic seizures. He is now under control , with a very small dose of phenobarbital…amazing how well it works 🤗he has been seizure free for two years ! 🎉
My late cat Bill had seizures. My ex-wife threw a muffin tin at the wall and scared her and she ran, slid into the wall and knocked herself out. Then the seizures started. So about once even two months, she would fall over, shake and eventually get up and seek revenge with whomever did this to her. Her blind sister Ted would hide, even before the seizure was over, as Mrs. Bill would usually suspect that Ted did it. Ted would open her favorite closet, enter, and then close the door. By middle age, Ted's eyes clouded with cataracts, which never seemed to bother her, as she would jump up on the furniture just like she did when she could see. She even managed to send a veterinarian to urgent care with a bite thru her finger nail. I warned her that Ted was a bad patient and she tried to treat her with an assistant.... My second bonded pair of kitties were Inky & Twiggy. Inky lost an eye to cancer but still was a terror. She would get excited if those tasty grey moths came inside and still was able to catch them with one eye. She would go ack ack ack if she saw them thru the window. She did the same when she saw the life flight helicopter at the hospital a block away.... Currently I just have Mrs. Jett who I adopted at 15, four years ago. My veterinarian requires me to sedate Mrs. Jett kitty before I bring her in because at 19 as she will savage them, piss or poop on them. She really hates that horrible woman sticks something in her butt... still
I have never heard of this diagnosis. I can't imagine living with these horrific symptoms!! Thank you for providing a loving home and a happy life for Lily!!
@@rridderbusch518 That's a silly blanket statement. Well, people get toxoplasma mostly from not washing their vegetables while not having a cat, and that's a fact. It's good to be cautious, say, simply wear a mask when cleaning the litter (breathing dust is not healthy anyways for anybody), and another thing to get people hysterical about it. A cat spreads toxoplasma once in her life and that happens IF-IF-IF! she has the parasite. But as always we have demonised cats about it, treating it like it's a 100% possibility, as if all cat has toxoplasma. Doctors (only by name in my book) advising people to throw the cats out of the house when the woman gets pregnant and people giving you a look when you have a baby and a cat. GET EDUCATED, NOT HYSTERICAL.
@@rridderbusch518 - And just as important, do not handle raw meat that has not been frozen below 0 degrees for a few days or eat raw/rare meat or seafood. Sources of toxo in humans include contaminated soil, too. People with intact immune symptoms usually handle the parasite well. However, those most at risk are fetuses and immune-compromised people (chemotherapy, organ transplant recipient, born with or acquired an immune deficiency). The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) in the USA has a good page on toxoplasmosis.
I absolutely love that we’re at a point where we can even meet animals where they’re at. I grew up different & almost no one met me where I was at, & it caused me so much self doubt & insecurity, but as fcked as this world is in 2024, things like greater understanding of brain differences, neurodivergence, mental illness, etc., has evolved so much. So that now even animals are being offered that consideration. I also love that conditions that used to mean a recommendation of euthanasia, are now seen as something to treat and work with. I have to focus on these small (in the grand scheme of things) positives, but at the same time, small changes can make a world of difference for the person or animal it effects.
An excellent point. And these widespread advancements in science, medicine, awareness and compassion are not small at all! There are a lot of things to be worried and angry about, but there are also a lot of really wonderful things that have improved by LEAGUES even within only one generation. Idk, maybe I'm biased, but I like to think these advancements in compassionate care are due to the scientific method working like it's supposed to combined with the love that humans have for one another and for their fellow living beings. Our species can be violent and cruel, but it can also be very caring and compassionate. It's complicated, but it's important to celebrate the good things and find kindred spirits so that we can keep the fire alive and keep fighting to make the world a better place 💜
@@Sleipnirseight People seem to have become a bit more compassionate over the years. Lately they seem to be quickly sliding backwards. I say this as a disabled American of European & Native American ancestry. When I was young the racism was sickening. By the time I was old enough to drink I had been arrested & detained about two dozen times. I started buying several drivers side tail light lenses for my car at the salvage yard, that way after the cop broke my tail light with their flashlight I could quickly fix it with a screw driver. As often racist cops would break the tail light so they could claim they had "probable cause". If they gave me an excuse for their behavior it was something racial like "your kind is known for drunk driving"... While things got better, more recently they got worse. I really could do without the Hate from MAGA Hatters because they view the existence of someone like me as "contamination of the great white race". Racist name calling, two cars trashed, having a handgun pointed at me, being assaulted, being called a "God Damned Halfbreed" or a "Deport yourself to Mexico you Mother Fucking Sp-word" as that is more of an an insult, because I don't look like our Latino brothers and sisters. And always "it's only a civil matter" and "you should move" from our Police... And yet often they still seem to love their dog, just not other people who happen to be different. After I prevented two dogs from running loose into a busy street and instead of thanking me, their human tried to bash my head in. But that damned MAGA Hat somehow gives them licence to be racist, violent and abusive.... That is why I prefer my cat friends to most humans. Currently I only have Mrs. Jett as at nineteen, she is too old for a new companion. I adopted her from a local veterinarian clinic when she was 15. She is also a bit greedy with my company, so I will wait till she goes home to adopt another pair of bonded litter-mates... My first pair of kittens were Mrs. Bill and Mrs. Ted. My friends, Karen & Steve had an appointment to get Sid, their cat "fixed" when during her first heat, when Lance, a friend of theirs accidentally let her out. So white Steven & Lance were yelling at Sid to come off the apartment roof while she was busy with a series of neighborhood Toms, I smoked a bowl with Karen and agreed to adopt the females of the litter... Mrs. Bill developed epilepsy while young and Mrs. Ted developed cataracts at middle age and went blind. But they were fine as they were and lived to kitty old age.... When Bill had to be put to sleep because of cancer, I adopted Mrs. Inky & Mrs. Twiggy, also litter-mates. As Mrs. Ted had never been alone, and started having serious anxiety when no one was home. Blind as she was, Mrs. Ted made it clear to Mrs. Inky & Twiggy who was boss with a few well placed wacks on the head. But her anxiety about being alone went away and would even share the sofa with Mrs. Inky & Twiggy. While Mrs. Inky lost an eye to cancer and Mrs. Twiggy occasionally needed subcutaneous fluid added because of renal disease they lived to kitty old age...
I have a depth perception deficiency so totally understand. You described it perfectly. It certainly is an everyday challenge. I'm glad she has you to understand what it means for her.
My late cat Inky lost an eye to cancer. She would do her "ack ack ack" at the window when she saw those tasty grey moths, a bird or even the life flight helicopter at the hospital a block away. But she did just fine with one eye. My late cat Mrs. Ted went blind from cataracts at middle age and she was just fine... I lost my depth perception in a near fatal car accident caused by a drunk driver. I regained some of it back with surgery but I don't rely on it when driving. So I know how you feel...
I have schizoaffective disorder, and this video touched me to my CORE… one of the things I live with is hallucinations. I wish everybody was as loving and understanding of my needs, as you are of Lil’s. 😭 Such a beautiful family… thank you for posting this.
I have two special needs cats. One has seizures (controlled with medications) and has severe brain damage after a massive stroke. She shows affection in unique ways and isn't her old self anymore, but we still love her for who she is as well as who she was (her personality completely changed with the stroke). She doesn't purr or make biscuits anymore but she still gives head butts and nose kisses and follows us around everywhere, but growls at us now when she becomes overstimulated to let us know she needs her space. We make sure that her quality of life remains good. We couldn't love her more if she was our own child. Our other special needs cat has hyperesthesia as well as major skin issues and requires haircuts and occasional baths. She's a longhaired Manx who can't groom herself well enough since her skin is so sensitive. She is the most affectionate cat I have ever met though. She has the most frantic biscuits and kisses and purrs so hard she can hardly breathe lol. She's beyond adorable. It's so wonderful to see how each animal is unique, and is special in their own way, whether their needs are special or not. I love this channel; it always makes me smile! 😻
Lily is precious ❤ Thank you for taking her in and understanding her ❤ My Julie nearly died of Toxoplasmosis when she was a tiny kitten after eating one of the adult cats poop. She's not hugely affected by it thankfully. We always say what she lacks in IQ & "normal" catlikeness she makes up for in EQ & affection. We love her very much ❤❤❤
You are also one of a kind. Thank you for caring for this wonderful cat. Having severe ocd since i was a child, i can sympathize this cat. I have my quirks. I can see by the look on your face how much you love her. I have had 3 special needs cats and they are a joy.
I adopted a guy who had been traumatized with a laser pointer that acted like this. It took 6 months of behavior training to overcome. We went on to have an amazing 15 years together.😊 Mango, i miss you so much, RIP buddy
I am so glad that people like you have taken in a cat who so many people would misunderstand. My baby has feline hyperesthesia syndrome in the way that it causes severe lower back spasms. She's on gabapentin, still has them, but they're quick periodic episodes instead of prolonged, hour long episodes. I adopted her when she was three, and while she had a few minor signs that made me suspicious she had the condition, the long episodes didn't start until she was four and a half. However, I know she was with a family before I adopted her that had children. I was told they had a sudden move where they couldn't bring her (I suspect a huge military move, but that's just my speculation). She also shows a lot of tendencies that make me very confident she was smacked as punishment for misbehavior by the male figure in the family (as I can confirm, she is delightfully mischievous 😊). I cannot fathom this little girl developing feline hyperesthesia syndrome with that family, and I am confident they would not have taken good care to work with symptoms, especially as they had their children to prioritize. she also has a tendency to have a short fuse for petting that touches her lower back, and I can imagine a child getting bit or scratched by her, as well as the male figure punishing her more for that. I just dread to think what her life would've been like with that family, and I'm so glad they had to leave her behind and let her into my life. She's one of my best friends and a soulmate, and her health and happiness comes first to me. I also have no children or other pets, so she has my full attention and love.
im so glad she has you! its horrible the apparent "punishments" she faced, but im glad she has you as a safe space. sometimes, pets having to be rehomed are blessings in disguise. it turns out for the best for those babies. ❤
As a pet owner you just don't know what is going on when it comes to neurological disorders. Not many Vets are well-versed in this area. When my dog was getting old she would act like she was seeing ghosts and freak out. I just took her out on long walks until the calmed down. I just suspected it was due to aging, but I really have no idea. Very stressful for both of us.
Totally agree! We are so lucky to have veterinary neurologists where we are and were able to get Lily the care she needed. Your pup is lucky to have you!
It’s called canine cognitive dysfunction, it’s a diagnosis and it’s not something vets don’t understand. I’m not sure where you’re getting that information. Dogs with this condition are often medicated for anxiety and to stimulate hunger and should be watched for a sharp decline in quality of life as their brain is eaten away. It’s dementia, but in dogs. Any vet should know that…
“I wish I could see through her eyes” was a great ending. It’s been the key to communicating and building trust with my cats and dogs. And I love and cherish the ways I’ve learned- and continue to learn- to communicate with each of them.
I am so glad there are still a few people left who take care of such special needs animals. It takes a lot of money, time, and effort... and love. Thank you, everyone who adopts animals, especially special needs ones.
Such a beautiful story, she seems like such a lovable kitty. I'm 52, 6'7" 320lbs, I love cats, they are so smart and so fun to just watch. I have owned 27 cats my life time and I have taught them to do everything from fetch to tricks like shake and roll over and many more, I even had one that would bring me my paper and a beer when I asked. God bless you for taking this cat and caring for her.
Toxoplasmosis is actually incredibly common. 30,000,000 Americans are infected and most don’t even know it. In most cases, it does literally nothing to you or your pets. It’s very rare that it ever causes even the most benign symptoms. If you have a cat, you probably have it, and that’s not an issue at all.
What a great and educational story. I did not know that cats could have a condition like this. Praise to you and your family! Thank you for teaching, and thank you for your story!
Poor baby ! I never knew about this condition. Thank goodness you got her checked out. Other people may have kept returning her to the shelter or worse.
Shes a window shopper... look but *don't touch is a *great* way to describe cats. Not ALL cats BUT, some cats. Not all cats are created to fit a mold. Be kind to yourself, you pets and each other ❤... pass it on!
Thank you very much for adopting this precious little soul and sharing her touching story. Lily is a very preetty cat and looks like she is thriving in her loving home, despite having those conditions that you talked about in the videeo. I wish you many years of happiness with your very special girl. ♥♥
I also have a heart for special needs animals and they just want love and affection and they want a place to fit in at.Just like normal animals. Thank you for adopting this beautiful fur baby. ❤❤❤
^^; i can't lie, as a neurodivergent person with my own mental... quirks, let's say, this one got me. i'm so so glad this sweet, special girl has found the exact right home for her
Generally speaking, cats basically see things differently than humans, to begin with. Lily's condition amplifies that difference to a much higher level of interesting. Being with a mom/family who relate to her anomolies is a real gift for all concerned. Happiness abounds.
Thank you for taking care of her. And also for really getting me interested in how these neurological manifestations of the disease occur. Have a cat and so it’s just good to be aware of illnesses, hereditary or acquired, that cats might have.
I had a cat that obviously saw things that weren’t there. Often. But not constantly. He was pretty calm about it. Very laid back cat. But we often saw him looking at things when nothing was there.
She's so pretty!! These videos are really interesting because most people probably would never have guessed (including me) that animals can have hallucinations or conditions that are similar to what some people have
I got an ex-stray a cat that had a milder version of something like this. He used to go into a kind of trance, especially when he would watch steam rising from a cup. If you removed the cup after a few seconds he would not notice, just keep staring. Sometimes he would just go into his trance anyway, and keel over sideways where he sat, eyes still open. Or he would start walking and then falter, looking around himself, confused. Sometimes he would walk or even run head-on straight into things, yet the vet said his eyes reacted normally.
I have a cat whose mother may have had toxoplasmosis while she was pregnant. His eyes are essentially nonfunctional and his third eyelid is drawn up very far on one of them. He also had seizures, but thankfully we were able to get that under control with medication. Despite his disabilities he's a super chill, friendly cat and even demands (supervised) outdoor time so he can walk around and smell things in the yard or chase bugs.
I have had a totally blind cat and a cat that lost one eye to cancer. They don't need to be able to see to be an indoor car. But then they are adapted to hunt in total darkness. My blind cat did manage to bite a veterinarian through her finger nail as she made the mistake of ignoring what I said about Mrs. Ted not liking veterinarians. So she made the mistake of treating her without an assistant....
🤧 aww she's super gorgeous, bless you for adopting her and giving her a terrific forever home with fur siblings. Cracking good video thanks for sharing 🖤😎👍
