Is your Sphynx cat chewing on its tail? While it may not look like a big deal yet, it can easily and quickly become one. It may have started as a habit, but it could turn into an open wound that gets infected or even end up in nerve damage that could need amputation. You would be surprised how serious this quirky habit can become.
The good news is that tail chewing is typically a symptom, but not usually the main problem. Below, we’ll dive into what could be causing your Sphynx cat to chew on its tail and how you can help them stop before it becomes a serious issue.
Health: When Pain or Discomfort Is the Issue
When your Sphynx cat obsessively chews on their tail all of a sudden, a vet visit should be the first step to rule out that it’s a health problem. Oftentimes, physical discomfort like allergies, irritation, or post-surgery pain can lead to your cat taking it out on their tail.
If the chewing persists, your vet may need to look for issues like parasites (fleas or mites), infected wounds, or even nerve pain. This can make the tail feel itchy or even tingly, which can prompt your hairless cat to chew on their tail, looking for relief. In rare cases, feline hyperesthesia syndrome (FHS) can cause sudden bursts of aggression or twitching, which often affect the tail or back area.
Your vet can assess your cat, rule out conditions, and suggest the best course of treatment before the behavior escalates.
Instinct: Natural Play That Gets Out of Hand
Sphynx cats are known for their playful and curious nature. They also have a lot of energy, which can lead them to chase their tail. While lightly playing with their tail may not be a bad thing, you should intervene if they become obsessive or too rough. You could try to distract them with puzzle feeders, wand toys, or short play sessions throughout the day. By redirecting them, you could prevent this from becoming a habit.
Stress: Anxiety Can Turn Inward
When changes occur at home or something like a loud noise brings anxiety for your Sphynx cat, it could lead them to take their stress out on their tails. There are many triggers that could cause anxiety for your cat, such as being left alone too long, over-grooming, bringing in a new pet into your home, boredom, etc.
To prevent your cat from becoming stressed, try to limit triggers the best you can. Make sure you're spending time bonding with your hairless baby and creating quiet spots for them throughout the home where they can have a safe place to escape to. If their anxiety is severe, they may need to be put on anti-anxiety medicine prescribed by the vet.
Ways You Can Help
One thing that can cause tail chewing is nutritional deficiencies in a cat's diet from processed canned and dried foods that lack essential nutrients. The added vitamins and minerals in processed foods are synthetic and lab-made. Even though they still contain vitamins, these kinds of vitamins don’t nourish the body the same way. Switching your cat over to a food that’s a healthy alternative or adding in a multivitamin, like Feline Complete™, could help.
To ease anxiety, you could try NERVOUS SYSTEM SUPPORT / Calming Remedy (nerve relax) or NERVOUS SYSTEM SUPPORT / Calming Remedy (tranquility formula). Both of these are natural and a great way to minimize anxiety, so they are overall more comfortable.
In Conclusion
If your Sphynx cat is chewing or attacking their tail, don’t ignore it. This could be their way of telling you that there are underlying issues going on. Regardless of the reasoning, doing what you can to keep them comfortable, preventing the issues from getting worse, and finding an effective solution or product that helps is the best way to keep your hairless baby happy and healthy.
With Love,
April Arguin A.S., C.P.N., M.P.H.
(aka) PetCoach-April
