What Makes Cats Chase Their Tails? Understanding This Behaviour

Living with a cat brings companionship and joy, making your house feel like a true home. Cats are affectionate pets that often amuse us with their playful antics, one of which includes chasing their tails.

While tail chasing is more commonly associated with dogs, many cats engage in this quirky behaviour too. This can be both entertaining and puzzling for cat owners, prompting questions about what drives this action and whether it’s something to worry about.

In this article, we explore five key reasons why cats chase their tails, as well as when this behaviour might signal an underlying issue that needs veterinary attention. Understanding these behaviours helps foster responsible pet ownership and ensures your feline friend lives a happy, healthy life.

1. Hunting Instincts and Play

Domestic cats possess powerful hunting instincts. They are often called "the perfect hunting mammal," designed to excel in stalking and capturing prey. Tail chasing can be an outlet for these innate predatory drives, especially during play.

By chasing their own tails, cats simulate the pursuit of prey, which provides mental stimulation and satisfaction. This playful behaviour is especially common in kittens and younger cats as they develop coordination and practice hunting skills.

Similar to how cats enjoy chasing toys or a laser pointer, tail chasing allows them to engage their natural instincts safely indoors.

2. Attraction to Movement

Cats have excellent vision that is finely tuned to detect movement, much more so than static objects. Their eyes are more responsive to small twitches or flicks, especially in lower light.

Your cat’s tail moving or twitching in their peripheral vision can catch their attention and trigger a chasing response. This movement fixation is linked to their hunting behaviour, encouraging them to investigate and interact with anything that moves rapidly, including their own tail.

3. Burning Excess Energy

Cats generally sleep long hours and expend energy in short, intense bursts. Tail chasing can be one way for an active cat to burn off some of that pent-up energy, particularly if they are indoor cats with less opportunity for natural exercise.

Encouraging regular play sessions and providing engaging toys can help meet your cat’s activity needs to reduce self-stimulating behaviours like tail chasing caused by boredom or excess energy.

4. Seeking Attention from You

Cats quickly learn behaviours that get a reaction from their humans. If your cat notices that chasing their tail entertains you or prompts interaction, they may repeat it more frequently to gain your attention or affection.

Being mindful of how you respond can help you manage when and how your cat expresses such playful behaviours.

5. When Tail Chasing May Signal a Problem

Although usually harmless and playful, tail chasing can occasionally indicate health or behavioural issues. Watch out for:

• Obsessive or repetitive tail chasing
• Signs of pain, discomfort, or skin irritation near the tail base (a common site for fleas)
• Changes in grooming habits, such as overgrooming or neglect
• Behavioural changes like hiding, aggression, or vocalisation

If you observe these signs, it’s important to consult a vet. Conditions such as flea infestations, allergies, infections, or neurological problems may be responsible and require professional treatment.

When to Seek Veterinary Advice

Consult your vet promptly if tail chasing is new, excessive, or accompanied by other symptoms like appetite changes, behavioural shifts, or signs of pain. Early intervention ensures your cat’s wellbeing and helps prevent worsening of any underlying issues.

Summary: Normal vs. Concerning Tail Chasing

By understanding your cat’s tail chasing behaviour, you can better meet their physical and emotional needs, ensuring a happy, healthy pet. Always promote responsible pet care and consult your vet whenever in doubt.