Accepted Answer

Hello..

First off....PLEASE no tylenol...very toxic for cats. Aspirin is not toxic, but will upset his GI tract.

Based on the information you have provided, I think I have narrowed it down to a few causes:

1) Trauma - Some how some way, this guy may have strained a muscle or bruised a muscle along his back. Your idea about using an anti-inflammatory is correct. I would recommend having your local veterinarian prescribe a safe non-steroid called metacam.
2) Steatitis - Usually I see this with heavy cats, but small cats can experience this too. Its basically inflammation of the fat tissue along the back. Metacam should he with this too.
3) Feline Hyperesthesia Syndrome (FHS)- This is a rare condition that in some ways is very similar to a seizure disorder. It appears to be more common in Siamese cats, but other cases have been reported. FHS usually appears between the ages of 1-4. Unfortunately, there is very little known about this disorder.

One article I read by Dr. Virga mentions this:
Feline hyperesthesia syndrome refers to a complex of behaviors which may include: (1) behaviors similar to those observed in estrous females (e.g., increased motor activity, rolling, crouching with elevation of the perineal region, vocalizations); (2) excessive licking, plucking, biting, and/or chewing, particularly at the tail, flank, anal, or lumbar areas; (3) rippling of the skin, muscle spasms, or twitches (especially dorsally), which may be accompanied by vocalization, running, jumping, possible hallucinations, or self-directed aggression. Affected cats tend to be difficult to distract from the behavior, or, if successfully distracted, remain so for only a short period of time.

Environmental and social stressors have been associated with this disorder. The cues or changes precipitating the behavior may be endogenous. Cats may present with clinical signs consistent with hyperesthesia without evidence of alopecic or other dermatologic lesions. Review of the behavioral history may further support a lack of excessive grooming. Such cases support the hypothesis that this complex of behaviors may represent a number of discretely different phenomena. While not currently discussed in the veterinary literature, based on clinical syndromes observed in human patients, it may be worthwhile to consider hallucinatory, rheumatologic, or neurogenic origins in future research.

4)Flea Allergy - The back is an especially sensitive region of the cat with respect to fleas (and in particular flea saliva). Using a good flea preventative such as Advantage or Frontline Plus will take care of this problem.

FYI, you can visit www.almostfreefleapproducts.com for your flea products. You can save 40 to 70%. Best deal I can find.

5) Last but not least...and most likely: Your intact young male cat has probably caught wind (if you will) of the pheromones of a female cat in heat (estrus). These pheromones are odorless to us and travel easily through open doors and windows. The easiest solution is to have your cat neutered. In the mean time you can try a product called Feliway. Its is a synthetic cat pheromone that relaxes cats.

I hope this answers your question. If not I am available for follow up questions.

Good Luck

Expert:	Dr. Todd Lawmaster
Pos. Feedback:	100.0 %
Accepts:	19
Answered:	12/18/2006

Veterinarian

DVM - Small Animal Medicine & Surgery; Certified - Ultrasound; B.S. Zoology