The Veterinary Cannabis Society was recently approached by a pet parent whose cat suffers from Feline Hyperesthesia Syndrome.
Said the owner, “I am wondering if there has been any research on the effects of cannabis for cats with feline hyperesthesia syndrome. Since this syndrome is not very common, I imagine actual field studies are limited, if any. I have a 14-pound 9-year-old male cat who spends 80% of his life in a cone, had his tail amputated, and is on gabapentin and phenobarbital. The drugs are not helping his syndrome, and I believe or hope maybe cannabis and/or mushrooms would be better suited to manage his condition.”
While the Veterinary Cannabis Society cannot provide clinical medical advice, our board members enjoy discussing such topics. Here are our thoughts, purely for entertainment purposes.
Please book an appointment with one of the veterinarians listed in our directory for personalized care for specific cases.
Dr. Sandra Bruckner:
“I’m actually treating a cat with skin rolling (which is one of the symptoms associated with Feline Hyperesthesia Syndrome). I can’t yet say definitively whether the CBD-dominant product is truly helping in this specific case.
However, just considering the theory, CBD could potentially have a positive effect due to the following:
- Analgesic effects: CBD interacts with the endocannabinoid system (ECS), which plays a role in pain modulation. Since FHS may be linked to neuropathic pain, CBD might help reduce pain signals through modulation of CB1 and CB2 receptors as well as TRPV1 channels.
- Anxiolytic effects: Many cats with FHS exhibit signs of stress or anxiety. CBD is known for its calming effects, which may help mitigate triggers such as environmental changes, loud noises, or social tension.
- Muscle relaxation & anticonvulsant properties: Some FHS cases present with seizure-like activity. CBD has demonstrated anticonvulsant effects in studies, although it hasn’t yet been specifically examined in relation to FHS.
- Behavioral regulation: CBD may help stabilize behavioral patterns – e.g., by improving sleep, reducing irritability, and supporting emotional homeostasis.
That being said, it might be worth considering cannabinoids as an option, especially in cases where conventional medications don’t provide sufficient relief.”
Dr. Elena Battaglia:
“I’ve had a certain amount of cases that got better with a formulation with high CBD-CBDA-CBG content. Normally, I don’t have to use cannabis.”
Dr. Trina Hazzah:
“I have had a few cases of phantom limb pain and other neurological pain disorders that seem to respond well to cannabis.”
Please reach out to the Veterinary Cannabis Society if your cat has felt the benefits of cannabis or adjacent therapies for the treatment of feline hyperesthesia syndrome. We’d love to share your anecdotal story!
