My friend has a cat that eats its own tail. It's become so bad that the "bone" part of the tail is exposed, so she has wrapped the remainder of its tail with medical bandages and changes them regularly to prevent this from occurring at this time but would like a more preventative approach. She has two other cats, and there are no issues with the cats fighting or anything, so her question is as to why her one cat does this, and how to prevent it. The cat is very gentle and loving... any suggestions?

Some dogs do bite their tails, but Ive never heard of cats bitting their tails though.
First, this is my opinion, I'm no animal expert, I am a bit unexperienced, but I think I could help.

Since when does the cat 'eat' its tail? Was there any important event in the cats life before that? It could be that the cat isn't fed properly or something. Is this cat clean, maybe it could be a flea. But I think your friend should take the cat to a vet, to see if there is something wrong with the cat.

Do anyone play with the cat with a laser light, flash light or any orther type of battery operated toy. Some cats can not handle this type of play. Even toys that swings around the cats head and over its back end leading it in a tail chasing mode. If this is not the case, when the tail is healed try some bitter apple spray on the tail or some other non toxic spray. The pet store , walmart etc.. should have a few different types. Make sure it is safe for cats and their skin.

This could also be earmites and let me explain why... when cats sleep they usually curl their tails up around their head and if they have earmites this a perfect way to get to their tails and their back.. so they will bite that area because they are getting bitten... if no earmites are present then check to see if its anal glands are swollen or infected which could also cause this.. if that's not the problem it's a behavioral thing or some type of injury or maybe nerve damage... I am not a vet.but I do work for 2 so you do what you feel would be best for your cat...

If the cat has fleas, the fleas will sit on places including the tail and drive the cat nuts. Please take the cat to a vet, or at least call a vet for advice.

Thanks for all the advice. I will pass it along to my friend. Happy New Year to everyone!

Happy New Year!

I agree with Brenda. Get it to a vet soon because the tail being exposed like that is a breed ground for infection also. The cats has to be in some kind of pain too.

Yes take it to the vet right away! Anaerobic bacteria breed and fester wounds that open and covered under a bandage. Anytime your pet has an opened sore take it to the vet ASAP!