Rat Poison (Bromethalin-Based) in Dogs and Cats

Special Needs Cat's Excitement Over Tuna Treat Is Too Sweet To Resist

Phineas the orange cat isn't your typical kitty, though he can do just about anything the average cat can do. He has a neurological condition called cerebellar hypoplasia that makes him a bit wobblier (and more charming) than most felines. It causes him zero pain or discomfort, so it's just another trait to love about him!

In fact, his 'wobbly cat syndrome' is helping him gain popularity online. In a recent TikTok video from his account, @phineasthecat, he delights viewers with a priceless reaction over a tuna-flavored treat. He's just the happiest cat, and we can't get enough of him.

View the original article to see embedded media.

Just look at this cutie pie! Phineas--or 'Phin' as his family calls him--is such a joyful wobbly boy. No wonder he gets delicious tuna treats!

Commenter @becciqqqq asked, "does his wobble get more dramatic when he is excited?" OMG--good question! As one might expect, his emotional intensity does make it a bit harder to move his body so quickly. But, like his owner specified, it doesn't cause him any discomfort. If you ask me--it's pretty adorable!

Blue Pearl Vet explains that cerebellar hypoplasia occurs when a cat's cerebellum does not fully develop before birth. This can sometimes happen when a mother cat has feline panleukopenia virus (feline distemper), or it can occur with an unknown (or perhaps zero) cause. Aside from a lack of balance and sudden, jerky movements, this disorder does not harm cats at all. So next time you see one of Phin's hilarious videos, you'll know just what a happy cat he is.

Looking for more PetHelpful updates? Follow us on YouTube for more entertaining videos.

Or, share your own adorable pet by submitting a video, and sign up for our newsletter for the latest pet updates and tips.

READ THE COMMENTS

Restless Legs Syndrome Resource Center

8 million+ Physician Ratings & Reviews

Find Doctors and Dentists Near You

The location you tried did not return a result. Please enter a valid 5-digit Zip Code.

Search

Search

You can also search by physician, practice, or hospital name

What Is Precordial Catch Syndrome?

Precordial catch syndrome is a common cause of chest pain in older children and young adults. Precordial means 'in front of the heart,' which is where a person feels the pain.

While precordial catch syndrome, also known as Texidor's twitch, can be painful, it will usually go away on its own, and it leaves no lasting impact.

In this article, we look at the symptoms of precordial catch syndrome, along with why it occurs and what can be done to treat it.

Precordial catch syndrome normally occurs when a person is at rest, particularly if they are in a slouched position or if they are bending over.

People report feeling a sharp, stabbing or needle-like pain in the chest when breathing in. A person often feels the pain below the left nipple.

The pain, which has nothing to do with eating, usually only lasts for a short time. This can be between a couple of seconds and 3 minutes. It can happen just once or multiple times throughout the day.

Precordial catch syndrome is often made worse by deep breathing, but there is no tenderness in the area. It does not spread out to other areas of the chest, as pain caused by a heart attack would.

The severity of the pain varies between individuals. Some people experience a dull, annoying pain. Other people experience such intense pain that it can cause momentary vision loss or blurriness.

The pain, which tends to cover an area no bigger than one or two fingertips, completely goes away suddenly.

People with precordial catch syndrome experience no other symptoms or physical changes. They will not experience any paleness, flushing, or wheezing but may feel lightheaded from prolonged shallow breathing. Their pulse rate and rhythm remain normal.

Are there any complications?

Because it can hurt to breathe deeply, people with precordial catch syndrome tend to take shallow breaths, which can lead to light-headedness.

The nature of the pain can sometimes lead to anxiety, as people may think that it is a sign of a more serious cardiac condition, such as a heart attack. This can be made worse by unnecessary, extensive tests or referrals to cardiac specialists.

There is no obvious trigger for precordial catch syndrome. While the sudden onset of the pain may be scary, it is not caused by a heart attack or lung disease.

Experts think that the pain caused by precordial catch syndrome is caused by nerves getting pinched or irritated in the inner lining of the chest wall.

The symptoms come and go very suddenly, and they may start in the chest wall, ribs, or connective tissue.

Precordial catch syndrome can occur due to a growth spurt, bad posture, or an injury, such as a blow to the chest.

Who is at risk?

Precordial catch syndrome is most common in teenagers and young adults, but children as young as 6 years old can also experience it.

In rare cases, adults can also experience precordial catch syndrome.

Can it be prevented?

Precordial catch syndrome is sometimes caused by a growth spurt, which is not preventable.

Other causes, such as injury to the chest, can be avoided. Bad posture, including slouching, is a contributory factor, so standing or sitting straight may help prevent future episodes.

A doctor will rule out other, more serious causes of chest pain by taking a full medical history, assessing symptoms, and asking about any other health problems.

They will usually carry out a physical examination of the chest, looking for tenderness and listening to the heart and lungs.

Precordial catch syndrome is harmless and very common. In most cases, a doctor will not need to do any tests to diagnose it.

When should I see a doctor?

Someone who thinks they have precordial catch syndrome should seek medical attention if they have any underlying heart conditions, or if they develop other symptoms.

Anyone who experiences changes in the nature or frequency of the pain should visit a healthcare professional.

Precordial catch syndrome usually affects just children and teenagers, and most will outgrow it by the time they reach their 20s.

It is a harmless condition, and there are no significant side effects as a result of it occurring.

---