My kitten keeps biting her tail, and it's turning gray. What's wrong?

He could have pain in his tail from a skin wound or fracture that is causing him to traumatize his tail. He might also have feline hyperesthesia syndrome, a likely neurologic disease that can result in self trauma. I’d recommend having your vet examine him to see if there is any evidence of other diseases and to discuss starting medication if needed.

Hello! It's hard to say for sure, but generally speaking, I wouldn't be too worried, if the tail isn't sore, or itchy. Shaving was a great idea, for 2 reasons. 1) Because now you can keep an eye on the area to be sure it isn't getting worse and 2) Air can now get at the skin to help it to heal. If the area looks sore, or is itchy, I would suggest having her checked out by your vet. If everything seems pretty comfortable, it would be likely okay for you to keep an eye on this at home. Best of luck with Munchkin!

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Poor Ketkat! The most common reason for chewing the back or the tail is fleas. Use a fine tooth comb and brush above her hips and down the tail. If you catch an adult flea in the comb you have an answer. If you don't, use a wet white tissue or paper towel to remove the fur and debris from the comb. If you see black squiggly flecks that when wet look like blood streaks that indicates flea poop. I would recommend a good flea preventative like the Serest collar, Bravecto for Comfortis. be sure that ALL animals in the house are treated. Other possibilities are skin allergies from the environment or food and cats can over groom from anxiety or behavioral reasons. If you do not find fleas I would take her to the Vet for a diagnosis so you can get her feeling better. I wish you all the best!

Thank you for submitting your question regarding Chester. I recommend that he sees his veterinarian. He should be checked for a traumatic wound to the tail or even a small mass that it is irritating him. If this is not the case, he could have a neurologic condition that makes the tail tingle or painful. His veterinarian will likely prescribe treatment based on his exam findings. I hope this information helps!

I am so sorry to hear that Ginger has such a significant injury. You are completely correct that he needs to see a veterinarian as soon as possible to ensure he has the best chance at healing as well as ensure his pain is treated. I would be most suspicious of trauma in his case, although an exam may reveal further information. Your vet will likely want to see if there is any broken bones or nerve damage, as well as see how extensive the wound is. S/he will also want to make sure any infection is treated appropriately and his pain is under control. Depending on what they find during the exam, they may recommend conservative wound management or further therapy like amputation. Your vet will want to hear any questions or concerns (including financial considerations) that you may have! I hope this helps and Ginger gets better soon!!

It would be hard to say. If your vet can't find any health issues, I would see if there is another trigger - time of day, location, specific events that happen (are you putting down food first? Could there be a critter in the wall?) or if something new has happened (new person, new pet, etc). This may help you pinpoint a cause which you can then use to adjust behavior as needed.

Depending on the amount of damage to the skin, the hair may or may not grow back. I do recommend consulting a vet to get the cat started on medications. The type will depend on the suspected cause of the hyperesthesia. A good-quality flea preventative, probiotic, and joint supplement should be used in addition to pain medications and/or medications for anxiety. Laser therapy and acupuncture can also aid in healing of the skin, hair growth, and pain.