Accepted Answer

Hello Jane, and thanks for your question.

It's possible that your cat is biting/chewing his tail due to a skin irritation from external parasites, like fleas or mites, or he may have a type of dermatitis (skin infection) in that area. However, it's also possible that your cat has a condition called feline hyperesthesia, which is related to seizures and causes the cat's skin, especially on the back and tail, to become hypersensitive and makes the cat try to 'attack' his own tail.

If you've noticed the skin on your cat's back 'rippling' or twitching, this is another symptom of hyperesthesia.

http://www.petplace.com/cats/feline-hyperesthesia/page1.aspx

If your cat has none of these symptoms, except gnawing the tip of his tail, he most likely caused a bruise and the skin may be infected, so an in person evaluation by the vet would be a good next step. He may need antibiotics to prevent or treat an infection, and an anti-anxiety medication might also be prescribed, if he's obsessively-compulsively chewing his tail. You might also try a cat appeasing pheromone called Feliway/Comfort Zone for Cats, which comes in both a spray and plug-in diffuser. It's available at major pet supply stores, and also online. The diffuser resembles a plug-in air freshener, but has no scent to humans. Feliway helps to relax stressed or anxious cats, and is useful in a multitude of situations. For more information, please see: www.catfaeries.com/feliway.html

I hope all will be well with your cat.

Cher

Expert:	Jessesmom
Pos. Feedback:	99.7 %
Accepts:
Answered:	4/11/2009

Feline Specialist Health/Behavior

Feline Healthcare and Behavior Specialist 40+ years Experience