oriental tail

my oriental which I've had since  he was a kitten is now around 1 and half yrs old. great friend, lap cat. started thrashing his whole tail from side to side and tried to bite it when he could catch it. I know sounds weird.  I took him to vet 3 times anti inflamatories, valium, and cat nip later no improvement.  No changes to environment, am at my wits end with him, freaking his companion cat out.  love him very much, eats ok drinks water and uses litter really well.  does not like cat nip plant.  any suggestions would be welcome.  thanks.
louisianabella

[PrettyKitty1]

Do you think he is probably anxious and stressed? You said there has not been changes in his environment, but how about you? Are you stressed? If you are, more than usual, this may be triggering this behavior. Also, make sure his cat companion isn't bullying him or he isn't bothered by the other cat's presence. Just trying to give you more ideas of where to look if you haven't tried it yet :)

Sometimes, a change in behavior is caused by a change in environment, construction noise near where you live, a stray wondering around, a stressed/pregnant/ill owner etc. Other times the cat's behavioral change is due to health problems. If after making sure there's really no change in environment, then you need to take him either back to the vet or seek a second opinion with another vet. There is always a reason that a cat is acting different, always. A cat doesn't just start doing something because it feels like it. If there is a change, the cat will act accordingly. So, it'd be good to look deeper into health related issues if you are 100% sure there is nothing making him anxious. There is even treatment for anxious kitties.

Also, I do not know if you're familiar with the breed's profile, but an Oriental cat is a very active cat and should always have something to keep it motivated and busy, especially an indoor fella. Do you think that perhaps he is bored? Have you tried playing more with him, or getting him a cat tunnel, or a cat tree? Maybe he just wants attention because he is bored.

I hope you resolve his issues. There has to be something that can change this behavior. Good Luck and please let us know how he is doing.

[louisianabella]

thanks your feedback. no bullying with younger feller.  will try cat tunnel etc. they both tear around like maniacs at times and look out who is in the way. it almost seems as if the tail has a life of its own and he is surprised when it begins flicking. am really thinking
about getting a second vet opinion.  what about cat mint?? good idea or not.
thank you again for your suggestions.

Louisianabella

[PrettyKitty1]

Catmint could be a good idea if kitty dislikes catnip. It basically has the same effect as catnip: stimulation of the pheromonic receptors.

Hmm...it sounds like it's more of an anxiety issue. He can be treated for this, but whether the treatment will be effective or not I'm not sure. I have heard of many success stories but the body always gets used to medication intake, resulting in causing no effect on kitty after some time. But, it happens with every illness or condition. Check with another vet see what the problem really is. He can have OCD. OCD in cats isn't common but it does exist.

But then again, a health problem may be present so you definitely need to see a vet.