Cat Chasing tail

by Heather
(Bowen Island, British Columbia)

My 7 year old female orange cat has recently started to chase her tail. At first we thaought this we cute. Then she started to hiss at her tail and then started growling at herself. She always looks hehind her as if something is following her (An invisible friend or foe, we thought). Now the behaviour seems to be escalating and she is now sounding like she's in the middle of a cat fight. Her tail twitches and the furs stands up when she does this. This wierd, worrisome behaviour does NOT continue all the time. At other times - sjhe's perfefctly sweet and loving as always. I took her to the vet last week twice. He could find no physical problems and was unable to offer much help. Her anal glands were full and he relieved them - but it hasn't mitigated her on again off again tail chasing/growling. Is she going crazy? Is this behaviour something to worry about?
Please help, it seems to be getting worse. Have you ever heard of this?
Thank you so much,
Heather Hodson

Answer by Kate
i will be honest with you and say i haven't come across this before. I would have said that perhaps their was some sort of irritant on her tail but it the vet can't find anything then it may be a neurological thing. All i can say is that as long as you know she is not suffering and is eating etc well then i wouldn't worry too much.
Perhaps other visitors have come across this before and can give some insight into this issue.