Expert: Becky - 12/5/2006

Question
Hi Becky, i have a question regarding my Siamese cat. He's 7 years old and not fully Siamese, but has many dominating features.  He has always been very social and active.  He had a habit of sucking on the tip of his tail anytime he was enjoying being pet or even if he was just happy around his company.  Lately he has stopped sucking on his tail, but seems to be paranoid of it and runs around the house all crazy thinking its following him. His social personality has died down and he likes to hide in our closets.  He was never like this and just in the last week its been getting worse.  i also noticed a couple weeks ago that the inner side (close to his bum) of the base of his tail had a bald patch.  It was toally raw, not bleeding, alopmost resembling a rug burn.  Its healing now, but im concerned if this is due to him being afraid of his tail.  Do you know what it is? and if so, do you know how it can be fixed?

Thanks,
Christine (if possible, could you reply to my e mail address?)

Answer
Hi Christine,
I'm sorry, but your email address is not provided to me,you would have to post it here for me to reply to it.
Honestly, I have no idea what is going on with your cat.  I have to admit, I had to laugh when you said he thinks his tail is chasing him!  But I know it's not funny to you, so I'm sorry.  It almost sounds like a psychological problem. If I were you,if this continues, I would take him to a Vet and see if they will give you a very mild sedative until he settles down.  The bald spot may be where he is biting himself.  I have not really had any experience with this, but I just know if it were me, I would take him and have him checked out, and see about getting something to calm him down, not enough to knock him out or anything as drastic as that, but just enough to calm him down.  I hope this helps.

God Bless,
Becky