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My cat frequently twitches and howls, cannot walk normally, is incontinent, has puffed-up fur, refuses food and water, and is lethargic; X-ray and blood tests showed nothing. Could it be epilepsy?
Based on your description, the symptoms do not rule out epilepsy. Encephalitis or nerve damage could also cause them. Further tests such as MRI and CT are recommended.
Why Dogs Get Puffed-Up Fur (Raised Hackles)
When a dog is angry, scared, or thrilled, the fur along its back may stand up—a reaction called piloerection, or 'raised hackles.' The fur around the neck is special: it has a strong self-restoring ability, so even after a long episode, it returns to normal once the dog calms; other body areas lack this. Some breeds show it more, some less, and the extent varies—neck only, neck-to-rump, or tail. A special muscle attached to the follicles pumps air between hairs to create the effect, and it is involuntary, part of instinct. The purpose is to look bigger, like cats, porcupines, and pufferfish. You can even read a dog's mindset from the pattern: a narrow band from neck to tail means confidence (and a higher chance of initiating attack); three-quarters of the neck raised means insecurity; neck and tail raised but the middle calm means confusion—the best moment to build trust.
What does it mean when a cat holds its tail straight up?
A straight-up tail shows happy or secure feelings, a confident display; rubbing on your legs seeks play. But a raised tail with puffed fur means discomfort or fright and a defensive stance.
What happens when a kitten gets scared?
A scared kitten may hide and stare vigilantly, with puffed fur, trembling, dilated pupils, and fast breathing; it may scratch or bite if approached. Comfort it softly, give space, and see a vet for severe stress like vomiting.
How to Tell When Your Cat Is Angry
An angry cat is easy to read: narrowed pupils and flattened ears, raised whiskers and bared teeth with a low growl, arched back with puffed fur, a tail lashing side to side, and hissing. These signal an impending attack - give the cat space.
How to Avoid Conflict with Your Cat
Cats show clear warning signs before attacking—puffed fur, thrashing tail, airplane ears, hissing, and wide eyes. Give them space: avoid eye contact, back away, and don't punish. Rule out pain or illness with a vet check if aggression appears suddenly, and use food and calm handling to rebuild trust.
How does a Teddy (Poodle) show it is threatening someone?
A threatening Poodle frowns, bares teeth, and growls, or shows puffed fur and airplane ears. Some attack without warning from a crouch, so keep distance.
How does a cat show fear of its owner?
A fearful cat avoids the owner, hiding under sofa or bed or staying high. Approaching brings arched back, puffed fur, dilated pupils, even scratching and fleeing. Without trust it shows anxiety and hesitant eating.
What does a cat’s meowing mean?
Cats meow when hungry, bored, scared or unwell. Slow soft meows often mean boredom; frequent meows at you or the bowl mean hunger; loud meows with puffed fur mean fear; low continuous meows may mean illness.
What sounds does a cat make when angry?
An angry cat's sound is generally low-pitched. Mildly annoyed cats make low or unstable-frequency purrs; very angry, about-to-attack cats hiss. Other signs are puffed fur, arched back, and airplane ears. If ears flatten sideways, soothe the cat and stop annoying it to avoid being hurt.