my cat attacks her tail

Question
Deegie is a Siamese mix, approx 7 yrs old.  Several months ago she started growling and attacking her tail.  A trip to the vet ruled out any problem with the tail itself (xrays were taken).  Since the problem started when I changed her dry food to Iams, I switched back to Purina One, which she had been eating for years. Unfortunately this did not help much.  Then I started feeding her Fancy Feast wet food for her morning  meal, and dry in the evening only.  The growling did not stop but lessened.  But now it is worse again. Now she shrieks loudly (as only a Siamese can do), chases and bites at her tail.  This happens usually after meals, whether wet or dry (worse after dry, so I've stopped the dry altogether).  Do you think she can have an ulcer?  Any other ideas??  Thank you

Answer
Simchah -

Perhaps this is a behavioral problem.  Consult your veterinarian for meds that can help relieve her anxiety.  Cats often develop problems associated with stress (stress of any kind - good or bad) and Siamese cats are notorious for have behavioral problems.  

Did her doctor have her anal sacs checked? Anal sacs are two pockets in the anus that contain a fluid that empties when they have a bowel movement. If these pockets do not empty themselves, they will fill up and can cause considerable discomfort to the animal.  Because they are located in the anus, the animal cannot get to them and often will lick around the tail or anus.  Cats do not usually have impacted anal sacs, but it can happen.  

If all physical problems are ruled out and your cat does not have anything physically wrong with her, then there is a possibility that she may just be stressed for an unknown reason. Talk with your vet to review meds that can relieve her stress.

Best Regards,

Charlotte Sherrell, DVM