What is wrong with my cat?

Question

I just got a new kitten and she chews on her tail. She will sit and chew and lick it for hours. I'm worried she will chew the hair off the end of her tail. Is this normal or is something wrong?

Answer 1

It sounds like anxiety. She probably misses her siblings and mother. Be sure to give her extra attention and cuddles and she will probably stop soon. Good luck.

Answer 2

She is probably just chewing the fur on the end of her tail cats do that when they get knots or mats or sometime they just do that like they were "chasing the tail" and she might have caught it and is then playing with it. I would still suggest though to get her checked out by a vet just in case it is something more serious. Do not groom the cat until you know what you need and how to groom properly, you should ask your vet.

Answer 3

I recommend you call the vet and ask them. You need to keep an eye on the tail, incase the kitten creates a sore on the tail. Does the kitten does anything else (e.g hisses, growls or meows)? The kitten may be a little nervous with being in new surroundings. Give her/him a few days and see if it stops, if it does not stop let the vet know. One rule, I rather be safe than sorry.

Best of luck!

Answer 4

Course it's not normal, tails aren't suppose to be chewed off!

Have you flea treated her properly, i.e with stuff from a vets? Has she been for her first check up yet? Vaccinated, wormed?

Chalice

Answer 5

This is completely normal for a kitten in a new place it is just nervous. If it continues once the kitten is used to its new home i suggest going to a vet. u can also try
http://www.ask.com
I hope this was helpful
also for any other questions on cats contact me and e-mail me at [e-mail]

Answer 6

I once had a stray cat who licked one spot on his fur bald because of anxiety. We helped him get over this habit by applying a really gross tasting (but not poisonous) product to the area. We got it in a spray bottle at the pet supply store.

Answer 7

I've had a two year old siamese play with her own tail in the way you are describing.

She is probably just bored. Perhaps she needs some toys.

Answer 8

i know this is long and i got a little carried away...but i just love cats and love to help! so here goes!

how old is the kitten? under 7-8 weeks - if she still has that fluffy wide eye newborn look then she is too young to be away from the mom and is trying to suckle, (or it may be a parasite--i'll get to that) if mom is no longer available, you can get special 'milk' (NO cows milk or baby formula--ask the pet store clerk for special kitten formula-- ) at pet store and a tiny bottle with a nipple to feed her, or give her back to the mom till she is older--else this will cause anxiety and all kinds of psychological problems if she is too young yet. if she is older, give her much more attention and play more with her, and take her to the vet to check for any kind of skin ailment on the tail. if she is 'lonely' get another kitten because i have learned two cats are much better than one and just as easy to care for. if they do not get along at first do not worry, they soon will. have someone else introduce the new cat into the house (not you) so there is no rivalry. shots and spay/neuter procedure at around 6 months old, no later) are a must! also, use 'revolution for cats' (from a vet only) or something similar to address fleas and other parasites. all kittens are born with worms so you need to take care of that as well. i am a 'cat whisperer' of sorts, and i find that most problems with cats are caused by:

-poor health (ALWAYS check with a vet first it may be irritation from flea bites or any number of skin ailments or other health concerns),
check for fleas-look at the belly with a flash light in a dark room--you will be able to catch them scatter when the light is on them by surprise between the fur) or give her a gentle warm bath and check the bath basin for dead fleas. if she is very young call a vet for advice on this. no do it yourself remedies, cats are very sensitive to many things you would think would be safe!
-not enough attention

-being taken away from the mother too soon,

-big changes in daily routine,

-aggressive discipline (never hit or yell at a cat your hands and voice are instruments of love, not hurt and they don't understand this at all--use a spray bottle of water to divert unwanted actions like scratching good furniture etc.),

- loneliness

-dirty litterboxes and poor nutrition (go natual--don't feed your cat cheap kitty junk food--use google to research this)

these are the biggest triggers for poor cat behavior. did you get the kitten from a shelter or a pet store?
grooming and treating the kitten like the mother cat would if she were there is of great value. cuddle when she comes to sit by you. massage with your hand like the mother would use her tongue. (also, -getting alittle off topic) what looks like a biting behavior (like on your hand) is really play, just freeze and kitty will stop---but you will find the 'biting' is gentle if not say no in a stern voice to divert attention or get her to be more gentle. if he knows she is hurting you she will stop--the mother would let her know with a hiss or by walking away). massaging the scruff of the neck is good to calm the cat and stop biting that is too rough as well as the tail biting thing. take the loose skin at the back of the neck between the thumb and forefinger and rub like you are rubbing your fingers together. it works wonders on any cat i ever touched even the ones with less than model behavior---just wait till kitty comes to you. give her something that smells like you to sleep on when you are away--for comfort, she will like this.
also, she could be teething(cats lose baby teeth or 'milk teeth' up to 6 months old--they need something to teeth on)
i will check back to see if you have any more concerns!
good luck
from a cat lover( with well behaved cats) to the max!

Answer 9

It's probably anxiety. She's in a new enviornment, and misses her siblings and parents. Be sure to love, hug, and cuddle her!

Answer 10

i think it might be fleas or just a ant bite it can be any number of things