Why does my cat scratch the base of my tail?

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Missy Webber asked a question: Why does my cat scratch the base of my tail?
Asked By: Missy Webber
Date created: Tue, Oct 4, 2022 13:18 PM
Date updated: Fri, May 17, 2024 6:11 AM

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Video answer: Scratching the tail base - two types of cats

Scratching the tail base - two types of cats

Best answer to the question «Why does my cat scratch the base of my tail?»

That means that the area at the base of the cat’s tail is packed full of nerves, making it extra sensitive to the touch. Because there are so many nerves at the base of the cat’s tail, being scratched in that area can produce a powerful touch reaction.

Frequently Asked Questions

Those who are looking for an answer to the question «Why does my cat scratch the base of my tail?» often ask the following questions:

đŸ˜» Why does my cat scratch his buttocks?

These are highly sensitive and touching these nerve endings through the skin can cause all kinds of weird behavior. Some cats will have more sensitive nerve endings than others, which explains the varied response we may see when scratching this delicate area.

    đŸ˜» Why do cats like their tails scratching you?

    Yep, this is why cats will come up on their person when they are lying on the couch or in bed and turn their backs to you lay down with their tails near your face. They trust you totally and it’s a great compliment! As to the scratching at the base of the tail well not all cats do go crazy when you scratch them there.

    đŸ˜» Why does my cat scratch the back of my head?

    Similarly cats also majorly enjoy scratches on backs of their heads, another hard to reach spot. This is a neurological response that is very common in most cats (male or female, fixed or not fixed, experience or none). I don’t know why this is so, I just know that it is.

    Video answer: Cat Body Language Explained

    Cat Body Language Explained

    Your Answer

    We've handpicked 25 related questions for you, similar to «Why does my cat scratch the base of my tail?» so you can surely find the answer!

    Why does my cat scratch the base of his tail?
    The base of your cat’s tail is highly sensitive, probably because of all the nerves concentrated there. This makes the scratching feel like a tickle and is usually enjoyable, but too much scratching can be over-stimulating and even cause pain.
    Why does my cat scratch me with its tail?
    By raising its rear in the air when scratching the base of its tail, your cat could be trying to rub the scent glands found near its tail on you. By transferring the pheromones onto you, you can then help your feline spread these around your home. There’s nothing like a bit of teamwork!
    Why does my cat raise its butt when scratching its tail?
    The most likely reason your cat raises its butt when you scratch the base of its tail is that it enjoys it. Raising the butt can help bring the nerves closer to the surface, making the target easier to hit. Cats also tend to stand still when they do this, so you don’t need to chase after them.
    Where can I Scratch my Cat?
    The space at the base of your kitty’s tail is a prime scratching spot. Most cats will lift their tail up in the air and happily accept a good, fast scratch in the space behind it. These aren’t the only areas you can scratch your cat; however, they are the most commonly accepted places.

    Video answer: Butt Scratch Reflex Responses From BIG & small Cats | Lions Leopards Cheetahs Servals Caracals

    Butt Scratch Reflex Responses From BIG & small Cats | Lions Leopards Cheetahs Servals Caracals Why does my cat lick the base of his tail?
    In my experience, scratching the base of a cats tail Causes them to lick, what I surmise is that it may produce an itch in that area, or it may be the location of a particular nerve.
    Why does my cat like to be scratched on the back?
    Some cats also like having their back touched, so they may be trying to encourage you to scratch where they like it: on the base of their tail or the back of their head. Some cats really love their lower back and tail scratched.
    Why does my cat have a Greasy spot at the base?
    If your cat always seems to have a greasy spot at the base of his tail, it could be a chronic cat skin condition known as stud tail. The medical term for this condition is tail gland hyperplasia or supracaudal gland hyperplasia. The supracaudal gland is a specialized gland located at the base of the tail that secretes sebum,...
    Why does my male cat have a waxy tail?
    Commonly called “stud tail ” because it occurs primarily in intact, male cats, this condition actually has many names: The condition results from overactive sebaceous glands located near the base of the tail. Sebaceous glands are specialized glands that produce waxy or oily secretions used by the hair follicles.
    Why does my cat have a Greasy spot on his tail?
    An orange cat looking angry and showing his tail. Photography © olga_sweet | iStock / Getty Images Plus. If your cat always seems to have a greasy spot at the base of his tail, it could be a chronic cat skin condition known as stud tail. The medical term for this condition is tail gland hyperplasia or supracaudal gland hyperplasia.
    Why does my cat have a fluffy tail?
    Why does my cat’s tail puff up when he sees me? Cats sometimes make their tails puffy when they’re feeling especially happy and playful. It’s most often seen in kittens, but even older cats make the base of their tails look extra fluffy when they’re having fun. 


    Video answer: Hilarious Cat Back Scratches

    Hilarious Cat Back Scratches Why is my cat limping at the base of his tail?
    If your cat is injured at the tail base, they may have trouble moving their back legs. They could also lose some control over their bladder or bowel movements. If your cat has a limp tail or any of these signs, seek immediate veterinary care.
    Why is my Cats tail waxy at the base?
    Stud Tail. If your cat's hair loss is accompanied by the development of a waxy, moist patch near the base of his tail, then he may be suffering from a condition called stud tail. This disorder, technically called feline tail gland hyperplasia, is the result of a dysfunction in the sebaceous gland.
    Why do female cats scratch at the base of their tails?
    In fact, you may notice that female cats will act more strangely when scratched at the base of their tails than males, and this is partially related to how cats have sex. When a male tomcat mounts a female from behind ready to mate, the male’s body position hits the female’s sensitive nerves found at the base of her tail.
    Why does my cat have a Mohawk on his tail?
    When a cat feels threatened, the fur may also stand up in a ridge along the spine, sometimes ending in a puff of erect fur at the base of the tail. I have observed my own cat display this “kitty mohawk” while he was at the vet’s office, clearly a response to his fear or anxiety.
    Why does my cat have scratches on his tail?
    Other than a scratch from pests infestation, your feline’s tail can attract wounds through several other methods. The skin of your cat can be compromised under ulceration, abnormal reactions to drugs, burns and scalds, scratches resulting from fights and bacterial infections.
    Why does my cat’s tail swish around when lying down?
    If a cat’s tail is swishing around widely while they’re lying down, it’s a sign that they may be a bit frustrated. Petting them now could result in an unhappy scratch or your cat fleeing from the scene.
    Is it okay to touch your cat’s tail?
    Moreso, according to research, if your cat is ok with you touching them and especially stroking the base of their tail, then you must have a very close relationship and mutual trust. For some cats, the base of the tail is also a spot they can’t always easily reach so when we scratch them there, it may come as a great relief.
    Why does my cat have a bald spot on his neck?
    You may notice your cat chewing around the base of the tail, leaving bald spots behind. Fleas may also hang out on the face, so your cat may scratch at its face frequently, leaving bald spots on the neck and chin. Fleas can be hard to spot on cats and they are pros at hiding, but there are a few things to look for.
    Why does my cat have pain at base of tail?
    Here are a couple of possible causes that you should consider if your cat has pain at base of tail . If you don't know, hyperesthesia in cats is a rather bizarre disorder that affects cats of all ages. The skin of cats with hyperesthesia tends to become very sensitive which on occasion makes the felines behave quite erratically.
    Why can’t cats reach their tails?
    Well, they can reach their backs pretty easily, but those other areas are harder to clean or scratch for themselves. The same goes for the base of their tails. Felines can reach this spot, but not as well as other areas. More importantly, there’s a large concentration of nerve endings in that tail base area. That means it’s sensitive.
    Why does my cat have a bump on her tail?
    Cat Tail Conditions and Diseases. It's a vulnerable piece of equipment, always trailing her, making it prone to injury such as getting caught in doors or being stepped on. Tail trauma is fairly common in cats, and occasionally a cat may develop stud tail, a skin disease at the base of the tail.
    Why is my cat Itchy at the base of his tail?
    Cats who are itchy on the back half of the body, especially near the base of the tail, represent a classic case of flea infestation. Your veterinarian will visually inspect the skin and fur, often using a flea comb to check for flea dirt.
    Why is my dogs tail waxy at the base?
    The condition results from overactive sebaceous glands located near the base of the tail. Sebaceous glands are specialized glands that produce waxy or oily secretions used by the hair follicles. In normal amounts, the oils keep the hair soft and flexible, but excessive sebum can result in waxy, oily accumulations.
    Why is my Cats tail Itchy and hard to stand?
    Stud tail occurs when these glands secrete an excess amount of Sebum, accumulating at the tail’s base. When these oils combine with the tail’s hair, they cause a weird itchy sensation that your cat can’t stand. It may also end up in an infection.
    Why does my cat rub his face on my face?
    Cats have scent glands around their cheeks, chin, top of their head, and base of their tail. These scent glands contain pheromones. When cats rub their face or tail against humans, other animals, or household items, they are leaving behind this pheromone that they can identify. Rubbing behavior is learned and passed down from mother to kitten.

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    I created the biggest cat scratch post đŸ± Furry Tails