First reported in 1980 by J. Tuttle in a scientific article, feline hyperesthesia syndrome, also known as rolling skin disease, is a complex and poorly understood syndrome that can affect domestic cats of any age, breed, and sex. The syndrome may also be referred to as feline hyperaesthesia syndrome, apparent neuritis, atypical neurodermatitis, psychomotor epilepsy, pruritic dermatitis of Siamese, rolling skin syndrome, and twitchy cat disease. The syndrome usually appears in cats after they've reached maturity, with most cases first arising in cats between one and five years old. The condition is most commonly identified by frantic scratching, biting or grooming of the lumbar area, generally at the base of the tail, and a rippling or rolling of the dorsal (anatomy) lumbar skin. These clinical signs usually appear in a distinct episode, with cats returning to normal afterwards. 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. Overall, the prognosis for the syndrome is good, so long as the syndrome does not result in excessive self-aggression and self-mutilation that may lead to infection. Clinical Signs Feline hyperesthesia syndrome affects the endocrine system, nervous system, neuromuscular system, and exocrine system. Cats affected by the condition may display a variable number of clinical signs based on the underlying cause. Clinical signs include aggression towards people; aggression towards animals; self-aggression; dilated pupils; salivation; vocalisation; uncontrolled urination; excessive grooming, particularly of the lumbar region; tail chasing; tail mutilation, caused by scratching and biting of the lumbar region and tail; frantic running and jumping; and a rippling or rolling of the skin in the dorsal lumbar area. 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. Clinical signs will generally present themselves in brief episodes of one to two minutes. After such episode, the cat will generally return to its normal behaviour. These episodes can occur multiple times per day or per week, and may be triggered by endogenous or exogenous stimuli. The rolling of the dorsal, lumbar region of skin is instigated by the skeletal muscle (cutaneous trunci). This muscle is located directly under the skin and is hyperresponsive when scratched, which thereby causes the rippling effect. It has been noted, however, that the rolling of the skin, among other