This cat is new to the area, none of us know it. It has only been seen this last day or so and I think today was the first time for Charlie. He is manic every few days, different things set him off and sometimes nothing. This week there has been the snow/frost, window cleaner, cat and now wind (he always goes off when it's windy). He has almost all the symptoms of hyperesthesia save for the chewing at his tail. His tail constantly twitches, his fur ripples, his pupils dilate, he is over receptive to touch and sound, he runs hither and thither like a madcat he is more vocal. I am going to discuss it further with the behaviourist as my vet doesn't seem to think it is hyperesthesia. One of the vets at the practice did suggest it as a vague possibility a while ago but it all sort of got pushed to one side. It will be good having a long home visit from a vet/behaviourist as time is always limited when you visit the vet isn't it? There's always loads waiting etc. Anyway he is calm right now, he has been on the desk for a cuddle and is all sweetness now he has worn himself out. It is certainly worrying. It comes on gradually sometimes and his behaviour has been much worse since he had his ear wash in terms of frequency. Hyperesthesia can be triggered by anaesthetic too. Apparently it can't be diagnosed outright, it has to come from ruling out other possibilities after tests. Why do I want to scream?