The causes of<unk>  are highly disputed, largely due to the unknown pathophysiology of the syndrome and the variation in responses to different treatment methods. There are three main theories on the cause of the syndrome, as outlined below: The first theory suggests<unk>  is a behavioural disorder, which is caused by either behavioural displacement or stress factors. Stress increases the release of Alpha-Melanocyte-alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone and causes increased grooming and endorphin production. Behavioural displacement would occur when a cat experiences an overwhelming impulse to complete two or more unrelated behaviours simultaneously, this may lead to the cat completing a third and often unrelated activity, such as grooming. If this displacement behaviour continues for a prolonged period, it may result in the cat developing a compulsive behaviour disorder that would no longer be reliant on the original competing behavioural motivations. Excessive grooming and self-mutilation are recognised signs of obsessive compulsive disorder, leading credence to the overall idea that the syndrome is a behavioural disorder, but also supporting the third main theory that is mentioned later. It has been noted that affected cats tend to be dominating rather than submissive, some research argues that<unk>  is a form of conflict displacement, rather than just a form of general behavioural displacement, wherein the affected cat acts out thwarted territorial disputes on its own body. The overall theory that<unk>  is a behavioural disorder is disputed on the basis of the variability of responses within affected cats to behaviour modification and psychoactive drugs, as a purely behavioural syndrome would be expected to enter remission after the application of the aforementioned therapeutic treatments. The second theory proposes that the syndrome is a seizure disorder, and that episodes of vocalisation, wild running, jumping, uncontrolled urination, and tail-chasing are instances of epileptic activity. This theory is supported by reports of cats showing signs of epileptic seizures after an attack, with dilated pupils and dazed and absent behaviour. Use of antiepileptic drugs achieves a partial response in some affected cats, however, affected cats generally rely on a mixture of therapeutic treatments to combat all clinical signs. This theory is disputed on account of there being variable responses within affected cats to the antiepileptic drugs used for treatment and a lack of known neurological cause with no evidence having been found to demonstrate intracranial or extracranial causes of epilepsy. The final theory, of the three main theories, is that the syndrome is not a distinct entity, but a conglomerate of unique behaviours caused by a variety of environmental and behavioural factors. This theory is supported by the variability of clinical signs within affected cats, with many of the clinical signs being present within other<unk>  disorders including dermatological, behavioural, orthopaedic and neurological disorders. Further support of this theory is provided by the mixed response to a wide range of therapeutic treatment. Overall, however, a consensus on the validity of this theory has not yet been reached. Currently, it is unknown whether there is any genetic link to the disease. Although any age, breed, or sex of cat can develop<unk> , it has been noted that Abyssinian, Burmese, Himalayan and Siamese breeds appear to have an increased risk of developing the disease, therefore there is the possibility of a genetic link. It has also been observed that injury could be a predisposing factor of<unk> . However, because injuries affect cats in numerous ways; increasing their stress and anxiety as well as affecting their physical well-being, this knowledge does not settle the debate on whether the condition is behavioural, epileptic or an umbrella term for several underlying conditions. In regards to the early theories, some consider tail mutilation to be associated with neuropathic pain rather than a direct clinical sign of<unk> . This would be the case if<unk>  causes allodynia, a painful reaction to stimuli that should otherwise not cause pain, or alloknesis, where stimuli cause a pruriceptive sensation, commonly known as an itch, where the stimuli otherwise would not. It is notable when considering this theory, that some cats have been known to obsessively lick the base of their tail, rather than scratching or biting, which may suggest they're not feeling pain or pruritus, but rather an overwhelming compulsive motivation. It has, however, been hypothesised that due to itch and pain receptors sharing peripheral and central nervous system pathways, that underlying pain may result in the excessive grooming described. Regardless of whether an affected cat demonstrates grooming or self-mutilating behaviours, they all tend to run around frantically following the completion of the activity.
Feline hyperesthesia syndrome
Post-vasectomy pain syndrome
Postorgasmic illness syndrome
Syndrome of subjective doubles
Nociplastic pain
Shone's syndrome
Horner's syndrome
Vitreous touch syndrome