When I scratch his back at the base of his tail, he goes into an insane licking fit, like he has to lick things. My cat isn't the only one I've seen do this. Several have similar reactions when scratched in that particular area...but not all of them do it. Anyone have an idea why they act this way?
2006-11-22 10:59:17 · 16 answers · asked by Anonymous in Pets ➔ Cats
A few cats have very sensitive skin around their lower back and tail. Sometimes the skin is itchy, due to some kind of abnormal skin condition, although for most of these cats, the skin is perfectly normal. Cats who have an extreme reaction to a sensitive spot on their lower back may actually have a condition called Feline Hyperesthesia Syndrome. Siamese, Burmese, Himalayans and Abyssinians are especially prone to the condition, although any breed may be affected. The syndrome is characterized by twitching, rippling or rolling of the skin when the area is lightly touched. It’s nothing to be too concerned about, unless the condition worsens. In some cats, the skin is so sensitive that affected cats may spontaneously attack the skin around their tail and back. In these instances, anticonvulsants or psychoactive drugs may be necessary to control the condition.
2006-11-22 11:35:18 · answer #1 · answered by vetchick_1999 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
My cat Sara did this too. I suspect that you're stimulating a nerve that's sending a signal to the brain for the cat to lick, much like you can get a dog to move its leg if you scratch the dog in the right place.
2006-11-23 00:19:19 · answer #2 · answered by Ryan R 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It is a sensitive area. If he ever gets in an argument with another cat, you will notice that it is this area they go to bite for first. And it feels good to them unless they have been fighting and if you scratch it after the fight then they want to bite instead of lick . GOD BLESS YOU! sus04mc@yahoo.com
2006-11-22 19:35:46 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
A cat loves to be scratched here, some because of fleas. It's difficult for the cat to get its mouth that far back to bite and kill the flea or whatever makes it itch. In my 52 years all of my cats loved to be scratcthed there. It does not have to be fleas to cause this.
2006-11-22 20:08:22 · answer #4 · answered by redbass 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Aren't there certain parts on your body that, when touched or rubbed, feel better than others?
Or, aren't you very ticklish in some areas of your body than others?
Like, most people are ticklish under their arms... kind of like how most cats are very sensitive to being scratched at the base of their tail.
It's kind of the same idea.
2006-11-22 19:25:53 · answer #5 · answered by VetTech1016 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Unfortunately, my only guess is that its a reflex like the nerve that dogs have that if you scratch it their leg moves. The only reason i would think this is because cats scratch with their tounges.
2006-11-22 19:03:02 · answer #6 · answered by ? 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
cats like to have their backs scratched there. It's some kind of aphrodisiac for them
2006-11-22 19:01:21 · answer #7 · answered by Mary Smith 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
ha ha ha I know exactly what you are talking abut coz my cat does it too. I think it is neuro or nerve-ending condition in some cats that so far as anyone can tell, is neither fatal nor distressing to cats.
2006-11-22 19:51:36 · answer #8 · answered by Phoebhart 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
they like it it feels good. so they lick for more...its a reaction i guess, a bit like if we were touched in a nice place
we would respond too
2006-11-22 19:02:05 · answer #9 · answered by rachie 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
im not sure about the licking, but my cat will 'scoot'... if he tries to walk, his back legs will become kinda paralyzed. then hell lay out and crawl on the floor on his side. its too funny, still not sure why.. i always wondered myself.
2006-11-23 01:58:45 · answer #10 · answered by amber 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋