Why does he chew his tail

Tail-chewing in cats is definitely worth paying attention to — it's not typical grooming behavior, and there are a few common reasons it happens.

Possible reasons Cliffhanger might be chewing his tail:

• Skin irritation or itchiness. Fleas are a very common culprit, even if you can't easily spot them. A single flea bite can trigger intense itching, especially near the base of the tail. Allergies — to food or something in the environment — can also cause itchy skin.
• Pain or discomfort. Sometimes cats chew or bite at a spot that hurts, not just one that itches. An injury, a small wound, or even an internal issue can cause a cat to focus on a particular area.
• Compulsive behavior. Cats can develop repetitive behaviors when they're stressed, bored, or anxious. This is sometimes called psychogenic alopecia (meaning hair loss driven by the mind rather than a physical cause). It's more common than people realize.
• Nerve-related sensitivity. Some cats experience a condition where the skin on their back or tail feels hypersensitive or twitchy — this can lead to sudden biting or chasing of the tail.
• Parasites or infection. Mites, ringworm (a fungal infection, despite the name), or a small wound that's become infected can all make a specific spot uncomfortable enough to chew.

Things you can do at home right now:

• Take a close look at the tail — part the fur and check for redness, scabs, hair loss, bumps, or anything that looks like tiny black specks (a sign of fleas).
• Note when it happens — is it random, or tied to a specific time of day, activity, or stressor?
• Check whether the fur on the tail looks thinner or patchy compared to the rest of his coat.
• Keep a quick log of how often it's happening and whether it seems to be getting more frequent.

Since Cliffhanger's age is unknown, it's a little harder to guess what's most likely — younger cats tend toward parasites and play-related behavior, while older cats can be more prone to pain-related causes.

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When to see your vet:

Please make an appointment soon — ideally within the next few days — if you notice any of the following:

• Visible wounds, raw skin, or bleeding on the tail
• Hair loss or bald patches
• The behavior is happening frequently or seems to be getting worse
• He seems uncomfortable, restless, or "off" in other ways
• You've noticed it happening for more than a week or two

Even without those signs, tail-chewing that's happening regularly is worth a vet visit. A vet can rule out parasites, skin conditions, and pain quickly, and give Cliffhanger some relief.