TL;DR: Growling at the tail often indicates pain, allergies, or Feline Hyperesthesia Syndrome and requires a vet visit within 48 hours, though any straining to urinate is a life-threatening emergency.
Why is my male cat growling, hissing, or striking at his own tail?
- Localized pain or intense itching
- Feline Hyperesthesia Syndrome (FHS), which causes skin rippling or twitching
- Impacted anal glands
- Flea allergy dermatitis
- A hidden injury to the base of the tail
Is it an emergency if my cat is attacking his own rear end?
- Medium Urgency: Schedule a veterinary appointment within 24 to 48 hours if your cat is in significant discomfort.
- Critical Emergency: Seek immediate care if your male cat is straining to urinate, spending excessive time in the litter box, or crying out while attempting to go.
How can capturing video and photos of this behavior help my veterinarian?
- Allows the vet to see the behavior at home without the stress of the clinic environment.
- Helps the doctor evaluate the frequency, intensity, and specific triggers of the episodes.
- Assists in differentiating between dermatological issues and neurological ones for a more accurate diagnosis.
Clinical Context (Merck Veterinary Manual)
Growling at the tail or rear in male cats may indicate feline lower urinary tract disease (FLUTD) or urethral obstruction. Urolithiasis, where stones lodge in the urethra, is a common cause, with matrix-crystalline plugs often obstructing near the urethral orifice. Clinical signs of partial obstruction include stranguria (painful urination) and blood-tinged urine, while complete obstruction can present with tenesmus, tail twitching, weight shifting, inappetence, and depression. Physical examination should include assessment of the genitalia.
Chapter: Reproduction, Preventative Medicine
Source: The Merck Veterinary Manual, 11th Edition (Page 2220)