Tail-chasing

Question
Our 3-year old chases her tail...much like a dog. At first we thought she was playing, and often it looks that way. But when she catches it she will sometimes lick or bite it, yowling angrily. She almost appears to be attacking it! I have examined the tail for parasites or sores. Nothing. Could it be a nerve problem?  She is not due for a checkup until August. Do you have any ideas, or do I need to get her to the vet sooner?

Answer
Priscilla,

This is certainly an interesting situation!  As you know, most cats that chase their tails are kittens just having fun, or cats also just having fun.  However, it would make sense that if something is bothering the cat in that area (perianal area, or even the tail itself), then the cat would chase it to try and alleviate the problem.  

You say you've checked the tail for sores or parasites, and you've not seen anything.  No fleas?  Lice?  How does the tail feel?  Do you feel any broken bones, or anything out of the ordinary?  That would be my next suggestion is to slowly and carefully run your hand along the entire tail to see if you feel anything bumpy, ridgey, anything sticking out, or even any spot or area you touch that may cause your cat to cry or respond in such a way that tells you she felt something.  If you don't feel anything unusual, and your cat doesn't cry or growl or respond in any way to you holding and rubbing and touching the tail, then I would next look to the perianal area.  Lift her tail to see if you notice any fleas or anything under her tail.  Are there any sores there; any red areas?  Is she having diarrhea, or constipation?  Does she cry or growl or respond unusually to your pushing or touching in that area?  

If you notice nothing out of the ordinary, wait until her next BM.  Look at her stool to see if you see any white dots in there, or any white segments, or even anything moving or wriggling around.  Those would be worms, which can cause a cat to be uncomfortable, and could certainly cause her to exhibit the tail chasing.  

If everything appears normal, I would take her to the vet.  Obviously something is bothering her, and it may be something internal, of which you will never be able to tell what it is.  Your vet may need to do some labwork or get a stool sample, or even get an ultrasound.  Or, she could simply be playing.  The other thing I just thought of that is much more concerning is some sort of neurological problem.  If she has an inner ear problem, labyrinthitis, or any middle ear disorder, that could cause her to be chasing her tail.  She could also have other neurological problems that can only be dx'd with more sophisticated diagnostic equipment.  If she indeed does have a neurological disorder, she is most likely not chasing her tail, but what she's doing is a direct effect of whatever disorder she has, and is a symptom of something else.  While it appears she is simply chasing her tail, it may be more sinister than that.

I would make an appt with your vet to bring her in and see what your vet has to say.  Let me know what happens!

Savannah