Why Do Cats Bite Their Own Tails

If your cat is chewing on his tail more than is typical take a closer look and call a veterinarian.

Why do cats bite their own tails. In those cases it is better to fully examine their tail and make sure everything is ok. Motion triggers instinctive hunting behavior. Usually the youngster outgrows this type of behavior although some older cats will continue to play with their own tails from time to time. Kittens especially target their own or other cats tails during play.

If the mere act of licking doesn t do the trick freeing what s lodged in their claws while grooming healthy cats will sometimes bite gently on their toenails to get what s stuck out. However there are a few cases where chasing their own tail could be a medical cause if the cat detects discomfort or irritation from their tail. These include boredom stress separation anxiety and obsessive compulsive disorder. Cats make a lot of cute and silly antics.

When we see a cat cleaning its paws it may chew on its nails or around its paw pads to get rid of dirt litter or other debris. Excessive grooming can lead to hair loss and skin infections so see the vet to determine the cause and treat it. Here s an article about the cat s signals through their tail ears and eyes. Sudden changes to your home environment such as a new person in the home or a move can cause stress behavior such as tail chewing.

While your cat will occasionally gnaw on her tail while grooming herself frequently doing so isn t normal behavior. Cats normally groom their tails as they do the rest of their bodies. Carlo siracusa states for petmd. But maybe the reason why they keep their tail safe under or between their hind legs is because of their defensive feature on someone might step or pull their tails.

Cats will chase their tails if there is an infection and the tail is uncomfortable or if it is itchy from allergies. Regardless of its cause excessive tail biting can cause secondary infections. Chasing their own tail is definitely one of them. Feline hyperesthesia syndrome which is also known as rolling skin syndrome could be another medical cause whose initial symptom may be tail chasing.

Cats can also have a condition called hyperesthesia syndrome which is caused. Sometimes they chew their tails because they re itchy which isn t cause for concern. Another reason why you may see a cat chasing tail is due to medical problems especially those related to the tail and areas around it. Cats will chase their tails when experiencing tail injuries anal sac infections and skin related problems.

Several conditions can cause a cat to bite her own tail including medical issues and parasites.