THE sight of a cat spinning in circles while chasing its tail is endearing and amusing to many owners. While it’s often harmless play, this behavior can sometimes indicate boredom, stress, or even more serious health problems. Tag24 presents six of the most common reasons why your cat might be chasing its tail.
1. Instinct for play
Cats are natural hunters, and anything that moves is potential prey for them – including their own tail. Kittens, who are just learning about the world and their own bodies, often don’t realize that their tail is part of them and see it as a fun toy. This behavior, driven by their instinct to play and hunt, is completely normal and not a cause for concern, unless it becomes compulsive.
2. Boredom and attention seeking
If your cat doesn’t get enough exercise or mental stimulation, they may start chasing their tail out of boredom. Sometimes cats learn that this behavior will get their owner’s attention, so they use it as a call to play. In addition to boredom, frustration or fear can also be triggers. In this case, provide your cat with more toys and activities, but be careful not to associate the change directly with tail chasing.
3. Injury
Sometimes it seems like a cat is chasing its tail, but it is actually trying to reach it to lick the wound. Cats instinctively clean injuries by licking to relieve pain. Carefully inspect your cat’s tail, and if you notice any injury, cut, or swelling, take her to the vet for an examination.
4. Allergies or parasites
Intense itching can cause a cat to bite and chase its tail. This can be caused by food or environmental allergies, or parasites such as fleas or mites. This behavior can lead to self-mutilation, where the cat scratches and causes wounds. If you notice redness, swelling, or hair loss, seek veterinary attention.
5. Obsessive-compulsive disorder
Like humans, cats can develop obsessive-compulsive disorder as a response to stress. In this case, tail chasing becomes an excessive and repetitive behavior that the cat cannot stop. It is crucial to identify the cause of the stress and, with the help of a professional, take appropriate measures to correct the behavior.
6. Diseases and neurological problems
In rare cases, certain diseases can also be the cause. One of them is feline hyperesthesia syndrome, a neurological disorder that causes a cat to become hypersensitive to touch, especially in the area of the back and base of the tail. Another possible problem is caudal gland hyperplasia, which causes inflammation and excessive sebum secretion. If you suspect that your cat is not feeling well, be sure to consult a veterinarian.
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