Sometimes cats exhibit certain behaviors that might surprise us. to surpriseto amuse or worry, depending on the type. When our friend feels like to bite one's own tail He may have started doing it for several reasons; some more serious than others.
As their caregivers, regardless of the cause, we will have to pay attention Because it could be that he's trying to tell us something. So, if you're wondering why does my cat bite its tail, we invite you to continue reading this article  .
Parasites
It is usually the most common. The fleas, ticksAs well as mites and liceThey are parasites that look for a place where the cat does not have easy access, but while they find it they can travel practically the entire body of the animal, and the base of the tail is usually a safe passage.
In many cats, especially those that have flea bite allergya single parasite can trigger a very intense itching in the tail and back area. This causes the cat to lick, scratch, and eventually... bite down hard They can even pull out fur, cause scabs, or even bleeding wounds. Sometimes owners don't see fleas because the cat grooms itself so much, but the skin damage remains.
So, in spring and summer, and even if it doesn't go outside, It is very important that we put some insecticide to preventWhether it's pipettes, collars, or sprays, a good preventative protocol should be consistently maintained. regular all year round In temperate or warm climates, and to be reinforced during hotter periods. We can also take this opportunity to give them medication for intestinal worms, always with the advice of a veterinarian, to protect their health.
In addition to external parasites, it is important to rule out others skin problems that are accompanied by itching in the tail area, such as the so-called stallion's tail (hyperplasia of the supracaudal gland, more common in unneutered males), some bacterial or fungal infections, and the presence of Mites that affect that area. The veterinarian may perform skin scrapings, allergy tests, or cultures to arrive at a more precise diagnosis.
Boredom and / or stress
A cat that spends a lot of time alone and / or doing nothing, or that has a new partner who does not quite like it, It's an animal that's going to feel frustrated.sad and depressed. In addition to exhibiting unwanted behaviors, such as attacking even when not being touched or relieving themselves outside the litter box, they may also develop biting one's tail and other body parts to the point of causing injuries.
In feline ethology it is known that the chronic boredom, the lack of environmental enrichment and a high level of anxiety or fear can trigger compulsive behaviors and self-mutilation. Biting its tail can become a kind of "release valve" when the cat cannot directly confront the stimulus that causes it stress, such as a change of address, the arrival of another pet, shouting in the house, or noises that people barely perceive.
Sometimes this behavior begins as a innocent gameThe cat chases its tail as if it were moving prey. This is very common in young cats and is usually normal as long as the animal doesn't hurt itself or seem obsessed. The problem arises when the game becomes increasingly intense, the cat loses control, and ends up biting each other so hard who pulls out hair or causes deep wounds.
There are also cats that discover that if they bite their tail, get attention from their caregivers: food, affection, or having a door opened for them. Unwittingly, we can reinforce this behavior if we react with food or excessive direct attention every time they hurt themselves. Therefore, it's important to offer them quality care when he is calm and redirect him towards play or other activities when he starts to focus on his tail.
To avoid this, what we must do is make sure your needs (both physical and mental) are coveredTherefore, we should spend as much time as possible with him, playing, showing him affection, and of course, making sure he eats and drinks enough. A good enrichment plan includes scratching posts, high places, hiding spots, interactive toys, daily hunting play sessions, predictable routines, and, if necessary, the support of a veterinarian. feline ethologist that designs specific guidelines for behavior modification.
Disease
In addition to what we have seen so far, we must also bear in mind that it can bite its tail due to a disease such as arthritisallergies or problems in the ano-genital areaConditions such as inflammation of the anal sacs, wounds, tail fractures, skin infections, or even neurological diseases can cause pain, tingling, or hypersensitivity that the cat tries to relieve by biting itself.
In some cases, the so-called feline hyperesthesia syndromeThis condition, in which some cats exhibit heightened sensitivity in the area of ​​their back and the base of their tail, can cause the skin on their back to appear rippled or wriggling. The cat may stare at its tail, chase it abruptly, bite itself, suddenly run away, or react aggressively when that area is touched. This condition should be evaluated by a veterinarian, as it may be related to pain, intense stress, or neurological disorders.
Another possibility is that there is a previous injury on the tail (bites from other animals, falls, bumps, getting caught in doors) that the cat instinctively tries to lick and clean. If left unchecked, this licking becomes excessive chewing, worsening the damage and increasing the risk of infection, leading to more pain and a greater urge to bite the area.
If we have ruled out the previous causes, we will have to take him to the vet so that they can tell us exactly what's wrong and how to treat it so that the animal gets better or, at least, can have a good quality of life. The veterinarian will examine the tail, skin, anal sacs, and joints, and, if deemed necessary, order tests, X-rays, or other examinations. Depending on the cause, the treatment may include pain medicationanti-inflammatories, antibiotics, allergy drugs, dietary changes or even behavioral therapy and, in specific cases, sedatives or anxiolytics.
As we can see, there are several reasons why a cat might bite its tail. For its own good, it will be very important find out why it has started to exhibit this behavior. Observing when it happens (while playing, when alone, after a move, during warmer weather, after certain meals), the intensity of the bites, and the condition of the tail skin will greatly help the veterinarian and ethologist to get to the root of the problem. Acting as soon as possible prevents the behavior from becoming habitual and the cat from ending up with serious injuries or even mutilation of the tailand allows you to enjoy a much calmer and healthier life.