My cat yells, hisses at its tail, then runs away. What's wrong?

Hello Sudden behavior changes in cats can be due to changes in vision (cats can have issues with their retinas particularly), pain, neurological disease like seizures, tumors or infections, and other causes. A thorough exam of Schrodinger's eyes and all his systems could help locate the problem. I recommend having him evaluated by your veterinarian soon as some problems must be caught early for management to be successful.

Hi, thanks for using PetCoach! Can you talk him out of attacking his tail or is he "out of it"? If he is out of it I would worry he is having a seizure and I would recommend video taping it and showing your Vet. If you yelling or trying to play with him makes him stop then it may not be a seizure, it might be boredom. I would start playing with him more and providing environmental enrichment to his life. If he is older then I would get some blood work done and have his blood pressure checked. I am assuming your Vet checked him for pain and fleas. I wish you the best! https://indoorpet.osu.edu/sites/indoorpet/files/assets/documents/Herron10_EE_for_Indoor_Cats.pdf

Hello. My guess is Chips probably got into a fight with another cat & was bitten in the area around the base of his tail. This is incredibly painful & he needs to be treated for it. Antibiotics, pain medication & possible lancing the area ( if an abscess has already formed ) usually fix these kitties up pretty quickly. Please have him evaluated by your veterinarian as soon as possible & he will be feeling better very soon. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

Hi and thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Sorry to hear about Mister. I would assume from what you are describing that one of two things has happened. Mister either got into a fight with another cat/some wildlife or he has suffered some other trauma such as hit by car/other. I would advise taking Mister to your veterinarian. They can get a detailed history and do a thorough examination of the affected areas. Typically with fights, the hind end is involved since one cat is often running away from the other cat or animal that is attacking it. Of course bite wounds and scratches can occur anywhere on the body. Your vet can then discuss a sound treatment plan which could involve sedation/anesthesia, clip/clean wounds, drain placement, antibiotics, rabies booster, pain medicines, anti inflammatory medicines, etc. If you are not sure what happened, your vet will most likely advise a rabies booster shot (if no fever) in case this was a wild animal such as a raccoon, skunk, etc. Good luck with Mister.

This usually happens when there is something painful in the pelvis or lower spine. This can be due to arthritis in the area, nerve pinching, or infections around that area. In order to narrow-down the cause of this and get some good treatment, I recommend having her evaluated by a veterinarian sometime soon within the next week or so. I hope that helps and Askher gets better soon.

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Poor Oscar! I would make an appointment for Oscar at your Vet. Any behavioral change in an older pet warrants an exam. He could be painful (arthritis, injury), scared, have painful urination or constipation and any metabolic condition (kidney or liver problems, hyperthyroidism, diabetes). I hope this helps and I wish Oscar a speedy recovery!

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Poor guy! Your pictures are adorable! Even though he is an indoor cat, fleas can still get inside. Your description makes me think he is very itchy and cats can act crazy when they are itchy. I would take a fine tooth comb and comb him on his back by his tail. Then wipe the comb on a white wet paper towel. If you see black squiggly flecks that dissolve with water to bloody streaks that is flea poop. Obviously if you see adult fleas you have an answer. Check his skin for scabs. Another possibility is full anal glands. Those would need to be checked by a Vet. If he is eating and otherwise fine have him checked about the holiday. Good luck!