Cat tails are amazing; they make cats look even more elegant. The way they wag and flick their tails is a grace beyond compare. Cats have tails for so many functions. First and foremost, they use their tails to keep their balance. Oh, and have you noticed that cats’ tails seem to have a life of their own? Well, I guess the next question that comes to mind would be why do cats chase their tails?
I mean, if he means something to them, why are they hunting him like he’s something to be hunted? How about we hunt the next few paragraphs and find out!
1st playing time
For cats, their tails could be another playmate. Since their tails move differently depending on their mood, this stimulates them. Their tails can move in almost any direction from slow to fast. Cats get excited about this and see their tails as a kind of interactive cat toy that moves on its own. A cat is a cat, it will always try to hold it, grab it, paw at it or even bite it. Yes, even if it’s their own.
2.mood meter
When a cat is overstimulated, their senses also tend to become hypersensitive. They are able to hear, feel and see almost every movement. And that includes the movement of their tail. Sometimes the overstimulation leads to almost aggressive behavior and can result in intense movements and reactions just to catch their own tail.
3. false identity
Some cats forget that their tail is part of their body and see it as prey to be caught. Some cats get annoyed with their tails, depending on their mood and the movement of their tails to match that mood. You will be amused to see your cat engage in a sort of wrestling match ala UFC style with their tail. Some days they lick it a lot and even groom it as if it were another cat.
4.instinct
Cats are hard-wired to chase and run. It is their instinct to do so. Generations of cats before them have done the same. Their tails just happen to be a convenient target to practice and test their hunting skills.
5 If it moves, it is probably alive!
Cats have a strong urge to move and are attracted to movement. Their tails, which move a lot, are no exception. For cats, movement means life, and life means prey, which means food. They will try with all their might to catch anything that moves, because they are programmed to chase almost anything that moves. This is a trait that has been passed down through generations of cats and makes them great hunters!
6.maybe they are bored
The next time you wonder why cats chase their tails, one possible explanation is that your cat may be a little bored and looking for something worthwhile to do.
7 A possible disease
Too much tail chasing could mean something other than play and confusion. Tail wagging in cats usually occurs at a certain age range, anything beyond that could be an indication of a behavioral issue. Here are possible conditions your cat could have:
- Skin allergy or food allergies – it could become itchy and unbearable, which is why they try to chase the tail
- Blocked anal glands – can be very uncomfortable, especially on the butt, so they want to get rid of these, not their tails!
- Worms – can be a nuisance, especially if they have a wriggling sensation in their bottom. Look out for hanging worms (usually tapeworms) in your cat’s bottom
- Fleas, ticks and parasite infestations – can give a cat one hell of an itchy nightmare. Your cat can go into a frenzy over too many of these creepy-crawlies
- Feline hyperesthesia or feline psychogenic alopecia – Let’s discuss this phenomenon in more detail. This complicated-sounding term is similar to obsessive-compulsive disorder in humans. Your cat runs around literally chasing everything that moves – and that includes her tail and even you. Her pupils dilate and she becomes hyperactive and aggressive towards her tail. She may even become overly fixated on chasing it.
