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Cats chasing their tails is an adorable yet puzzling behavior that many cat owners have witnessed. As your feline friend twirls around in circles trying to catch the tip of their tail, you likely wonder what compelled them to perform this funny dance. There are several possible reasons why cats engage in this mysterious tail chasing.
Instinctual Behavior
The most basic explanation is that tail chasing stems from simple feline instinct. Cats are natural hunters, and when they spot movement out of the corner of their eye, their prey drive kicks in automatically. Their tail triggers this reaction when it catches their attention by swishing. A cat may mistakenly identify their tail as potential prey to stalk and pursue due to innate hunting behavior programmed into them. It appears as though they are merely playing an impromptu game of chase-the-tail by themselves.
Sign of Illness
While the sight of a cat spinning in circles trying to bite its tail can seem amusing, this behavior may also signal an underlying medical condition in some cases. For example, a cat could have a neurological disorder, eyesight problem, or be experiencing dementia which impairs their perception and causes them to attack their tail.
Compulsive disorders resulting in abnormal repetitive behaviors related to stress or anxiety can also manifest in the form of tail chasing. So, if your cat excessively chases its tail, a veterinary exam is advisable to rule out health issues.
Boredom and Stress Relief
Many healthy cats chase their tails simply as a way to beat boredom or relieve stress. Indoor cats lacking stimulation and physical activity can spin and bite at their tails for play and exercise. The action becomes a kind of game they create to amuse themselves when alone without other outlets.
This compulsive tail behavior may provide comfort and distraction from anxiety just like grooming or sucking on fabrics for some cats. So, felines who live solitary or sedentary lifestyles often chase tails to fill time or reduce stress levels.
Attention-Seeking Tactic
While cats have a rather undeserved reputation for being aloof or indifferent to their humans, your beloved feline housemate may chase after their tail as a bid to get your attention. This odd dance captures their person's eye, causing them to stop what they are doing and interact with the energetic kitty.
Once the cat has effectively diverted your gaze their way, they may promptly cease the silly tail antics and approach you to demand treat, playtime or affection. So, in some cases, a cat twirling around after its tail can just be an exaggerated ploy to say "hey, don't ignore me!"
Marking Territory
Part of understanding cat behavior is being aware of their penchant for marking territory with scent glands located in various parts of their body. This includes the anal glands, face, paws, and at the base of the tail. When a cat chases its tail in circles, it is essentially marking the area with the scent from these glands, claiming it as theirs.
So, if you bring a new cat into the home or move your cat to a new house, increased tail chasing may just mean they are marking their domain. As they become adjusted and confident owners of their space, this territorial tail spinning normally decreases.
Prey Chase Practice
Another concept is that cats chase tails to hone their impressive hunting skills for chasing speedy prey like mice, bugs, birds and snakes. Twirling around in pursuit of their constantly moving tail challenges them to outmaneuver something right in front of them at close quarters.
It provides an easy target to practice sharp reflexes, rapid turns, quick pouncing and leaping through the air while attempting to grab the fast-moving tail. So cats may view tail chasing as a productive way to reinforce their magnificent acrobatic talents and reactions.
While we humans do not have twitchy irresistible tails, we probably possess similar unconquerable compulsions found in all creatures bound by the eternally mysterious workings of nature and genetics. So, we should not judge the cat too harshly for chasing its tail, and instead just enjoy the entertaining show!
