Help! My Rescue is Biting Her Tail! (Vet Answered)
This question has been answered by a vet
Veterinarian & Animal Behaviorist
With nearly two decades in veterinary medicine, Dr. Paola brings hands-on experience across multiple species. A graduate of the University of Guadalajara, she specializes in preventive care, animal welfare, and positive reinforcement training.
The Question
“Dear Dr. Paola,
Help please. I have a 12-year-old spayed shorthair cat, Minnie. The problem: she is biting her tail (not playing!). I took her to our vet (who only does routine vaccines and low-key stuff as she is nearly retired). She expressed Minnie’s anal glands. One side was solid, and the other side was somewhat liquid. Seemed to express quite a lot. We all thought that was the problem, but it didn’t make any improvement. Any suggestions or ideas on which direction we should go now? I appreciate your time.”
– Connie
Quick Info about Minnie
Hi Connie,
Thank you for taking the time to describe what’s going on with Minnie. It’s clear how much you care about her, and I can tell you’re doing your best to get to the bottom of this. Tail biting, especially in a senior cat like Minnie, is a behavior that deserves close attention, particularly when it’s not playful and seems more like a reaction to discomfort or irritation.
You were absolutely right to address her anal glands first, especially since one side was impacted with solid material. Anal gland issues in cats are less common than in dogs, but when they do occur, they can cause significant discomfort and even lead to behaviors like tail biting or scooting. It’s important to know that these problems can be recurrent, especially if the underlying cause such as inflammation, abnormal consistency of the stool or the gland contents, or chronic irritation hasn’t fully resolved. Sometimes, even after expression, the glands can refill quickly or remain uncomfortable, which might explain why Minnie hasn’t improved.
That said, if she’s still persistently biting at her tail, it’s possible that there’s more at play than just her anal glands. In older cats like Minnie, we also consider other possibilities like spinal arthritis, nerve irritation, or feline hyperesthesia syndrome, which can make the tail and lower back feel twitchy, painful, or hypersensitive. These conditions can mimic or overlap with gland issues, so it’s important to take a broader look. A full-service vet who can evaluate her neurologically and orthopedically may be the next best step. They may also recommend diagnostic imaging such as X-rays to rule out spinal issues, or possibly blood work to check for systemic causes of discomfort. In the meantime, keeping a close eye on whether Minnie seems more reactive to touch near her lower back or tail base, or if the biting seems triggered by specific movements, can offer helpful clues to your vet. If possible, try to also record the behavior in a video which will provide illustrative information. You’re clearly very attentive and dedicated to her comfort, and she’s lucky to have you in her corner.
Good luck,
– Dr. Paola