Cutting tail

My cat chases his tail and will catch it with his claws causing them to catch.  When he pulls away to unhook them it leads to him ripping it open.  This happens a few times a week!  I'm worried he is going to cause a deep cut that will become infected.  I asked my vet and she didn't really seem to know how to respond other then, "That's something new, I've never heard of that."  She did look at his tail and it was healing nicely.  Any thoughts or advice would be appreciated, thanks!

This doesn't sound very normal... maybe your cat has some type of neurological issue?? I would probably get a second opinion from another vet.

I also recommend getting a second opinion from another vet, as the one you went to didn't sound too interested much less knowledgable about the issue.

A friend of mine had a cat that would chronically attack his tail and one day attacked it so badly that part of it had to be amputated. That just made it worse, and he kept attacking it until there was nothing left put a stump. He had to eventually be put on a "calming" drug, but I can't remember the name of it. Something similar to "kitty Prozac" anyway. I don't say this all to scare you, but to make you aware that this could end up being a huge problem unless he is put on the proper medication now.

I would also try putting Soft Paws on your kitty's claws- they are soft gel/plastic coverings for claws that would prevent him from hooking his claws into his tail. We use them for one of my kitties (she is schizofrenic and we use them to protect our own hands). She has no problems extending or retracting her covered claws and does not even appear to notice they are on once we're done applying them.

Is he a Sphinx or something? Usually their fur protects their tail. I had one who loved to play with her tail, quite roughly sometimes, but she never hurt herself. Anyway, clipping his nails should help. Just trim the sharp tips off with nail clippers.