what do your do?

Question

with a cat that pulls out his own back hair or hisses and gowls at his own tail, and please dont say shoot it and its not nessesarily a take it to the vet problem either.

well weve been using fronline all sumer so it isnt fleas and the only place he pulls it out is his back. he does only seem to do it when he annoyed or i find that his food dish is empty. I think hes just nuts. but very kind to everyone but himself and his tail, lol.

it does seem like an anger control problem, and he is feed off the floor, so the dog dosent eat all the his food. and normally his bowl is full or half full. im getting really sick of waking to fluffs of cat hair all over my couch and carpet. He also brings every sock and anything else white that he can and drags it into the livingroom, I think he is just nuts

Answer 1

Hi Rhonda...there's a possibility your kitty could be suffering from a behavioural condtion called Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) or also Feline Hyperesthesia Syndrome (FHS). Many of the symptoms you are describing seems to parallel the disorders. If this is a possibility consider locating a feline behaviourist who also is a vet in your region to see what options you can consider before resorting to medication (anti-depressants) in order to treat. Some cats can benefit from short-term medication treatment with behaviour modification techniques.

Here are a few websites on Feline OCD & Feline Hyperesthesia Syndrome (FHS):
http://www.petplace.com/cats/feline-hyperesthesia/page1.aspx
http://www.merckvetmanual.com/mvm/index.jsp?cfile=htm/bc/140222.htm
http://www.purelypets.com/articles/felinehyperesthesia.htm
http://www.paws-and-effect.com/pawsandeffect8.html
http://www.geocities.com/pndtpa/glossary/feline-hyperesthesia.htm

Answer 2

I think it is a case of mis-directed anger or frustration. Are there other cats or dogs in your home? Does your cat see other cats in the neighborhood? He might think that other animals are getting into his food bowl and his territory and this sort of thing can make some cats rip-roaring mad. Try feeding him from off the floor - I mean, get a small table upon which you can put your cat's food bowl and water and let him eat there. Otherwise, feed him in some place he can see is secure form other animals.

Answer 3

The cat is nuts

Answer 4

I would guess that he, she has a severe skin condition, or possibly fleas, otherwise totaly insane and should be commited for pshyciatric evaluation!

Answer 5

Maybe your cat has an allergy. Ask your vet.

Answer 6

Just let it be. It is only being itself. Unless it is trying to kill itself it should be fine.