Why Do Cats Bite Their Own Tails

Excessive biting and gnawing though can indicate a multitude of medical issues.

Why do cats bite their own tails. Motion triggers instinctive hunting behavior. Cats will chase their tails when experiencing tail injuries anal sac infections and skin related problems. Cats can also have a condition called hyperesthesia syndrome which is caused. 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. In those cases it is better to fully examine their tail and make sure everything is ok. Cats normally groom their tails as they do the rest of their bodies. These include boredom stress separation anxiety and obsessive compulsive disorder.

Sometimes they chew their tails because they re itchy which isn t cause for concern. Several conditions can cause a cat to bite her own tail including medical issues and parasites. 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. 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.

Feline hyperesthesia syndrome which is also known as rolling skin syndrome could be another medical cause whose initial symptom may be tail chasing. Usually the youngster outgrows this type of behavior although some older cats will continue to play with their own tails from time to time. Cats may also bite their tails for behavioral reasons. Excessive grooming can lead to hair loss and skin infections so see the vet to determine the cause and treat it.

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. Here s an article about the cat s signals through their tail ears and eyes. Kittens especially target their own or other cats tails during play. If your cat is chewing on his tail more than is typical take a closer look and call a veterinarian.

Cats will chase their tails if there is an infection and the tail is uncomfortable or if it is itchy from allergies. Cats make a lot of cute and silly antics. Chasing their own tail is definitely one of them. 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.

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.