Question:
ok so my cat is about 15 years old has been an outdoor cat his whole life and been healthy. he has been thru a lot of stuff including 2 broken legs one when he was about 2 and another about 1.5 years ago. both rear legs. he is a big cat at about 25 pounds and has been in to many fights to number. always lovable and very talkative, even to strangers.
so the problem that he is having is a reoccurring fight, one that is always creeping up behind him, and one that he will never win. its a fight with his tail and it's really starting to worry me. he has scabs on his tail from it, and when it happens it sounds like there is something he is fighting. so this must be old age and senility setting in but i need help as to what i can do to prevent it. this is very sad to me because chance is my baby and i love him a lot
heres a few pics of chance to see the old tom cat that a lot of people love

Answer:
I don't think you can really prevent it, unless you keep him indoors. My cats get in fights outside too, but they work together as a team so my cats aren't hurt usually, except a minor scab. But you have to watch for absesses, 2 of my cats have had them from fighting... gross and not fun.
My Cats:
Spooky:Black/M:12 Yr
Tootle-loo:Black&White/F:11 Yr
Binx:Grey/M:9 Yr
Gizmo:White Tabby/F: 6 Yr
Dusty:Grey/F: 5 Yr
Angel:Black&White/F: 5 Yr
Drizzit:Orange/M: 3 Yr
Timon:Brown Tabby/M: 2 Yr
Duchess:Calico/F: 2 Yr
Answer:
thanks but if you read my post closer you will see that the fight is with himself. he is going senile and attacking his tail.
as for the fights outside, i never worry about those because he is tough as nails and can take a lick. but when he attacks his tail there is no possible way of wining.
Answer:
Maybe you could try to divert his attention to something else, like a toy on a string.
I don't know if there is a medication to treat senility in cats. That's worth looking into.
I'm not sure if cats can benefit from things like omega 3 fish oil or gingko biloba. Some of their metabolic pathways are different than ours. Check with a vet that specializes in kitties.
cats leave pawprints on your heart
Answer:
I recall reading a post someone wrote about where their cat also attacked their tail. I think that person had to have their kitty's tail amputated because the attacks were so bad and the damage so severe.
This may be something you would want to speak with your vet about. Can cats take a calming med like Valium, like dogs do?
Heidi
I have the ability of single-minded determination and focu... Hey look, a cat!
Answer:
yeah my wife keeps bringing that up(clipping his tail) but i don't want to have to do that to the old guy.
Answer:
I would suggest a trip to the vet to ensure all medical reasons are ruled out first. The vet may also have some suggestions for stopping the behavior.
As I was typing I thought of a possible deterrent...put bitter apple on his tail.
But I would still start with the vet visit...
Always remembering Onyx & Callie May
Answer:
Just keep your cat inside your home.
_____________________
Henry
Vauxhall Monaro Brochure
Answer:
Beautiful kitty! How cute. Yep, vet visit.

Answer:
Yes, what a beautiful cat!
Although it's possible, I would not assume it's sanility. He isn't that old! I second a trip to the vet to rule out a medical issue. His tail may be bothering him. Fleas, skin problem, nerve problem...whatever it is, I'd try for a firm diagnosis. It may be very easily remedied.
Good luck.
Answer:
He's gorgeous
I agree with a vet visit. As Nanook mentioned, there could be any number of causes that should be looked into. Good luck and let us know how it goes!
Owned by Pepper and Pumpkin RIP Snickers 8/22/00 -- 11/28/06
http://www.theanimalrescuesite.com/

Answer:
He is a handsome kitty.
There could be some sort of nerve damage from a past fight or some other medical reason his tail is bothering him.
cats leave pawprints on your heart