Why Does My Cat Chase Its Own Tail? Let’s Find Out!

Does your kitten have you dizzy watching them spin in pursuit of their own tail? Wonder no more! There's often more than meets the eye for this behavior. Could it be a simple cat amusement, or should you be alarmed?

In this article, we'll guide you through the different types of tail-chasing behaviors in cats. From harmless fun to possible signs of distress or health issues - we'll help you decode what your furry friend might be trying to communicate.

Your pet's well-being is crucial, and understanding their behavior can make a world of difference!

Why Does My Cat Chase Its Own Tail?

Understanding Tail-Chasing: Is It Just Fun Or A Sign Of Trouble?

Here's the deal - tail-chasing in cats is not just a comedic act. It's an array of behaviors that, at times, might even warrant your concern.

Indeed, the sight of your kitten or cat entranced in a merry-go-round chase after their own tail can be quite amusing. However, as enchanting as it might seem, this peculiar conduct can sometimes hide more grave implications.

As a devoted cat owner, understanding the 'why' behind your feline's tail-chasing antics is crucial. It's not just about unraveling a feline mystery. It's about ensuring their physical and mental well-being. So, let's take a closer look at tail-chasing behavior, and discover what it truly means!

The Joy Of Tail-Chasing: A Furry Game Of Tag!

Believe it or not, your kitty's tail-chasing extravaganza might be a fun game! Picture this - your kitty comes with a built-in playmate, their fluffy tail!

Here's the secret - cats are natural-born hunters. Their play sessions, even those involving their tail, are a way to hone these innate hunting skills. It starts young, with kittens pouncing on anything that moves - or sometimes doesn't. This includes objects of varying sizes, and yes, their own tails too!

While this playful streak might mellow as your cat grows, some felines remain forever young at heart. Their playful spirit doesn't wane, and their tail continues to be an irresistible moving target.

In such cases, there's little cause for concern, just ensure that your own fingers don't get mistaken for the playful tail!

This is what typical playful tail chasing looks like:

When Tail-Chasing Turns Into A Concern: Recognizing Pain And Discomfort

However, not all tail-chasing is fun and games. Sometimes, it's a distress signal. When a cat is experiencing discomfort or pain, it tends to pay extra attention to the affected area. This could mean licking, scratching, biting, or in the case of tail troubles, chasing their tail.

So, if your cat suddenly seems fixated on its tail, it's time to consult your vet. The discomfort could be a result of various tail-related conditions, from an abscess to Stud's Tail Syndrome. Remember, your vigilant eye can make all the difference!

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When Stress Or Boredom Leads To A Tail-Chasing Ritual

Stress or boredom can also push your cat into a seemingly endless cycle of tail chasing. Some cats can even develop an obsession with their tails, showing excessive licking, biting, and chasing.

What's the first step if you suspect stress or boredom? Ensuring your cat's health. Any behavioral change might signal underlying medical issues. Even if you're convinced their tail is alright, a vet checkup is always a good idea to rule out other systemic conditions.

Once medical issues have been ruled out, try Six Strategies To Reduce Stress In Cats. It won't happen overnight, but once you find the right way to address the problem of stress, your cat will be less likely to attack its own tail.

If stress isn't the problem, boredom may be. Environmental enrichment is the key phrase here. Provide your cat with a more stimulating home environment where he or she can find forms of entertainment that do not involve the tail. You can find some great ideas in our article: Beating Boredom - What Indoor Cat Owners Need To Know.

The Tail-Chasing Mystery: Is it Playful or Something More?

Figuring out whether the tail chasing is just harmless playfulness or an actual problem isn't always easy. Here are a few questions to ask yourself:

Consider these questions to gain insights:

🐾 How old is your cat? Kittens engaging in tail-chasing is perfectly normal. Even in older cats, a playful nature or the tendency to chase objects may keep the occasional tail chase alive.

🐾 Has there been a recent change in behavior or frequency? Any sudden alterations could be a signal of an underlying medical issue or heightened stress levels. Trust your instincts and reach out to your vet if you sense something amiss.

🐾 What's the atmosphere during playtime? Is your cat relaxed and playful while chasing its tail? Is there gentle biting involved? Or does it escalate into growling, hissing, or aggression? While playfulness can sometimes spiral into overexcitement, signs of genuine aggression warrant further attention.

As always, if you're not sure, talk to us about it! Post about your tail-chasing cat in the cat behavior forums. Try to capture the behavior on video or in pictures and share those as well. It would help those of our members who are more experienced with cats to assess what's going on.

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Why Does My Cat Chase Its Own Tail?

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11 comments on “Why Does My Cat Chase Its Own Tail? Let’s Find Out!

tarasgirl06 November 29, 2018
1 bruce 1 said:
Oh man, our hyperesthesia cat does all the "bad" stuff and none of the good. When he flares up, he gets completely weird acting. He'll stare at our knees/shins and kind of "look through them" and then let out a scream and turn and attack his tail. If he's in the before, during, or after part of an attack, when we walk in the room this super friendly cat will slink off at a fast trot, turn, and hiss. 99% of the time he's so loving, but during attacks, it's like we're living with a wild animal. Few nights ago he did this and left bloody splats on the wall, then turned on another cat and attacked her. When he starts in attacking himself, isolation in a quiet (silent) dark room helps. This is not the typical "cat is chasing her tail, isn't that cute" stuff. If it happens, you'll know!!! Odds are most cats chasing their tails are being silly and cute, but if it becomes a case of aggression and blood shed/self mutilation, please call your vet ASAP. I wouldn't wish this on my worst enemy.
Though Baby Su (my current avatar) never harmed herself or anyone else during her hyperesthesia phase, I know all too well how frightening it is, and I empathize so much with you, @1 bruce 1.
BestCatMom November 29, 2018
1 bruce 1 said:
Oh man, our hyperesthesia cat does all the "bad" stuff and none of the good. When he flares up, he gets completely weird acting. He'll stare at our knees/shins and kind of "look through them" and then let out a scream and turn and attack his tail. If he's in the before, during, or after part of an attack, when we walk in the room this super friendly cat will slink off at a fast trot, turn, and hiss. 99% of the time he's so loving, but during attacks, it's like we're living with a wild animal. Few nights ago he did this and left bloody splats on the wall, then turned on another cat and attacked her. When he starts in attacking himself, isolation in a quiet (silent) dark room helps. This is not the typical "cat is chasing her tail, isn't that cute" stuff. If it happens, you'll know!!! Odds are most cats chasing their tails are being silly and cute, but if it becomes a case of aggression and blood shed/self mutilation, please call your vet ASAP. I wouldn't wish this on my worst enemy.
I remember my cat hitting my knees when I would eat food at a table. But what tourcher have you gone through. That’s so sad for both you and your pets.
BestCatMom November 29, 2018
Why would you ever want this to stop, it’s so adorable. I wish my cats would chase there tails again. I remember walking downstairs to just see them spinning to their hearts content. Those were the days. ☺️ But definitely good tips though.
Brettlaw August 28, 2018
hello BestReplica
dustydiamond1 August 20, 2018
1 bruce 1 said:
Oh man, our hyperesthesia cat does all the "bad" stuff and none of the good. When he flares up, he gets completely weird acting. He'll stare at our knees/shins and kind of "look through them" and then let out a scream and turn and attack his tail. If he's in the before, during, or after part of an attack, when we walk in the room this super friendly cat will slink off at a fast trot, turn, and hiss. 99% of the time he's so loving, but during attacks, it's like we're living with a wild animal. Few nights ago he did this and left bloody splats on the wall, then turned on another cat and attacked her. When he starts in attacking himself, isolation in a quiet (silent) dark room helps. This is not the typical "cat is chasing her tail, isn't that cute" stuff. If it happens, you'll know!!! Odds are most cats chasing their tails are being silly and cute, but if it becomes a case of aggression and blood shed/self mutilation, please call your vet ASAP. I wouldn't wish this on my worst enemy.
oh! your poor baby! And poor you too!
1 bruce 1 August 20, 2018
Oh man, our hyperesthesia cat does all the "bad" stuff and none of the good. When he flares up, he gets completely weird acting. He'll stare at our knees/shins and kind of "look through them" and then let out a scream and turn and attack his tail. If he's in the before, during, or after part of an attack, when we walk in the room this super friendly cat will slink off at a fast trot, turn, and hiss. 99% of the time he's so loving, but during attacks, it's like we're living with a wild animal. Few nights ago he did this and left bloody splats on the wall, then turned on another cat and attacked her. When he starts in attacking himself, isolation in a quiet (silent) dark room helps. This is not the typical "cat is chasing her tail, isn't that cute" stuff. If it happens, you'll know!!! Odds are most cats chasing their tails are being silly and cute, but if it becomes a case of aggression and blood shed/self mutilation, please call your vet ASAP. I wouldn't wish this on my worst enemy.
Wolfsbane August 2, 2018
My older cat will chase his tail as long as nobody but me is in the room with me, he runs all over the places and acts like a complete goof. He's done this since he was a kitten.
Annimation July 31, 2018
Cats just love to chase anything that catches their eye, even their own tail.
tarasgirl06 July 23, 2018
Thanks for yet another informative article. Tail chasing can certainly expend pent-up energy and in a kitten, this is very desirable. Our Baby Su, however, developed a short-lived obsession with chasing her tail that also morphed into hissing at, and even biting, it! Fortunately this did not last long and I know of no cause for it, but am so relieved it did not turn into this: Why does my cat hiss at her tail?
misty8723 July 23, 2018
Cricket was just chasing her tail - while sitting on top of the cat tree! She can be a very silly kitty.
dustydiamond1 July 21, 2018
:lol2: Gypsy will occasionally chase her tail. It's hilarious:crackup: I have videos & photos but the photos are blurry and I don't know how to load the videos :(

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