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Cat Training and Behavior (Domestic and Feral)/Why does my cat attcks her own back legs?

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Expert: Dear Tabbi - 3/29/2009


Question
Why does my cat attack her own back legs? I've had cats that chase and catch their owns tails in the past but my new kitten, well 5 months now, goes for her back legs, then ends up kicking herself in the face which makes her attack them more! Is she just playing strangely?

Answer
Faith,

It sounds like she may have fleas (it IS flea season)and she is getting flea bites.

If she is not spayed she may be coming into heat. If she is not, I would think about getting her done soon.

She may be bored also and is keeping herself amused. You may want to give her more toys, like toy stuffed mice to bat around, or ping pong balls. You may also want to think about getting her a kitty friend to play with and keep her company.

AND sometimes there is no rhyme or reason why a cat behaves the way it does and only the cat knows for sure why.

Tabbi

Cat Training and Behavior (Domestic and Feral)

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Dear Tabbi

Expertise

My expertise is in helping people understand their cat (or cats) and their behavior. Questions are welcome even if you don't have a cat....just a question about them. Hopefully my experience, suggestions, and comments will be of help to you...and your cat (or cats). Looking through my past responses to questions will give you additional information and/or answers too. Domestic Cats = cats (no matter what breed) who are tame or not wild, or abandoned cats who were pets that became wild, but can be tamed again. Ferals = cats who are born with one or more parents who were wild stray cats. They usually have had no interactions with people. They have an inbred distrust of humans and are difficult to socialize. They are skittish, hide, and are afraid of people. They take a lot of time and patience to work with them. A lot of kittens from shelters had a feral parent.

Experience

Since I was a child, over 45 years, I have been owned by a LOT of cats and kittens of almost every temperament, behavior, and personality. I have had experience with neurotic, disabled (including blind), stray, and 'problem child' cats and kittens. (A few normal cats too!) Plus all the things a lifetime of owning cats and research has taught me. I also have experience in feral cat behavior (which is different from domestic cats), and some experience with feral colonies that includes colony feeding and feral cat TNR (trap/neuter/release).

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