A cat with an injured tail is often in pain, frustrated, and needs help. A cat’s tail is an extension of the spine and is used primarily for balance and communication. If your cat doesn’t seem to be using her tail the way she normally does, seek veterinary guidance.
Cats have three main types of tail dysfunction: trauma, hyperesthesia, and stud tail.
Trauma
Trauma is the most common, resulting from injuries like getting a tail caught in a door, being grabbed by a predator during pursuit, or being struck by an automobile. Frostbite or dry gangrene can also damage a cat’s tail.
A simple tail fracture may heal by itself or with the help of a lightweight splint if your cat will tolerate it, but that doesn’t mean you should take a wait-and-see approach. Instead, contact your veterinarian. If the tail doesn’t heal properly after attempted veterinary intervention, it may need to be amputated.
A tail-pull, or “avulsion,” injury refers to cases in which the nerve roots at the end of the spinal cord were damaged and, possibly, a pelvic fracture as well.
These cats usually have a flaccid tail with no response to touch or pain. Damage may include the nerves that control the bladder and rectal sphincters, resulting in urinary and fecal incontinence.
With incontinence issues, expressing the bladder gently to encourage tone in the bladder muscles and monitoring for constipation may be required. Medications to address urinary retention by promoting contraction of the bladder and relaxation of the urethra may be recommended.
If your cat has deep pain in an affected tail, she will commonly regain the ability to urinate on her own in a month’s time. If pain sensation is not intact, that indicates more severe nerve damage, reducing the cat’s chance of regaining normal continence to about 40%.
A degloving injury occurs when the cat’s tail gets caught in something, such as a car engine or tire or a closing door. In many of these cases, the nerves are left intact, but the skin is peeled back from the tail, hence the term “degloving.” Since blood vessels are disrupted, if not destroyed, it can be difficult for these areas to heal. Again, amputation of the tail may be recommended.
Hyperesthesia
Hyperesthesia can be frustrating. This is a neurologic problem that manifests as sensitivity on the back and often right at the base of the tail. Siamese, Abyssinian, Burmese, and Persian cats may be genetically predisposed to this problem.
When you’re petting an affected cat and you reach this area, a strong reaction may occur. It could be hissing, swatting, or trying to bite. Some cats will flee. Theories abound about why this occurs, ranging from an obsessive-compulsive disorder to a form of seizures triggered by touching that area.
Most cats show episodic bouts of this syndrome, which can last up to 30 seconds. Episodes tend to start with rippling or twitching of the skin on the back, along with dilated pupils. The cat might then jump up and run wildly, chase and bite at her tail, or meow loudly. The syndrome is often noticed in older kittens, with most affected cats being diagnosed by 7 years of age.
It is important to rule out physical causes, such as pain due to a bulging disc in that area. Allergies and flea infestations can cause similar signs. Osteoarthritis pain may be centered there as well. Obesity can be a contributing factor as well.
Treatment may include gabapentin (a medication aimed at neurologic pain) or injections of various pain numbing medications at the location. Behavior modifying drugs may also be tried. Minimizing stress is important in the management of this condition.
Stud Tail
As indicated by the name, stud tail is most common in intact male cats, but it can also occur in neutered males, spayed females, and intact females.
Basically, the sebaceous glands located at the base of the tail and on the tail become overactive. Not surprisingly, the onset of this problem often occurs at puberty. The excess oil clogs the pores in the skin, which results in greasy or discolored fur and blackheads in the skin of the tail. The affected area may become swollen and may have hair loss. Over time, the skin in this area may become infected, making it red, painful, and covered in pus.
Some cats will simply have a bald area on their tails and not require any care. Treatment for mild cases is usually topical, and routine cleaning with an anti-seborrheic shampoo can manage mild cases. Careful consultation and follow-up with your veterinarian, however, is essential.
If your cat is chubby, making it difficult for him to groom and keep this area clean, talk to your veterinarian about a safe weight-loss plan. Obesity in cats is an increasing problem.
For more severe cases, your cat may need antibiotics and a cone to keep him from continuing to irritate the area. Neutering may help in some cases of stud tail in intact male cats, but isn’t a guarantee.
