As pet parents, we sometimes take the behavior of our cats' curious appendage, the tail, for granted. For instance, while we'll quickly notice if our cat is limping, we don't necessarily notice when something is wrong with their tail. Learn how to recognize a broken cat tail and other common cat tail injuries.

Do cats have bones in their tails?

Yes, cats have bones in their tails—in fact, 10 percent of your cat's bones are in the tail. The tail is an extension of the spine, so these bones are vertebrae. Bones, muscles, and nerves in the tail play an important role in your cat's movement, balance, bowel control, and more. On a different note, your cat's tail language is an essential form of expression with humans and other animals.

What does a broken cat tail look like?

Can cats break their tails? Since cats have bones in their tails, it stands to reason that they can fracture them. A broken cat tail can result from numerous incidents, from life-threatening occurrences like getting hit by a car to innocuous events like falling off a bed. You might also see a broken cat tail because the tail got shut in a door, or was pulled too hard by a rowdy child. (Ouch!)

So, how do you spot a broken cat tail? It could be as simple as your cat's tail drooping down. A tail that is limp or held low to the ground is a sure sign that your cat is pained, fearful, or both.

Additional symptoms that accompany a broken cat tail may include:

  • Inability to wag the tail
  • Inability to move the back legs
  • Loss of bladder or bowel control

Get to a veterinarian right away if you notice any of these symptoms in your cat.

Treatment for a broken cat tail

Depending on where the fracture occurred, many tails heal on their own within a few months. A broken tail tip may have a kink or a bump in it afterward, but won't require additional treatment. Fractures located closer to the base of the tail are usually more serious, resulting in nerve damage. Finally, crushed vertebrae or degloving will likely require surgery. Depending on the severity and location of the injury, the tail may need to be amputated. Your vet will determine if this is necessary with an exam and X-rays.

The good news: Even if your cat's tail must be amputated, he or she isn't likely to be all that affected by the partial loss of this appendage. (After all, bobtail cats do just fine with short tails!)

Other common cat tail injuries

If your cat goes outside, tail injuries will become more likely. In addition to the hazards posed by traffic and exposure, your cat may come in contact with other animals and pests that can cause cat tail injuries. We recommend having a cat first aid kit in the house with bandages, tools, pest care, wound care, medications, and more.

Abrasions

Scrapes and scratches on your cat's tail usually don't warrant a trip to the vet. If you see a minor abrasion where hair is rubbed off and red skin is exposed, just clean the area with mild soap and water or sterile saline wound wash. (Do not use hydrogen peroxide.) Then apply antibiotic ointment and a self-adhesive bandage—just be sure not to wrap too tightly. If you notice your cat licking, scratching, or biting the injured area, you may need to apply a cat e-collar.

Any abrasion that has excessive swelling or bleeding is best checked out by your veterinarian.

Bite wounds

One of the most common cat tail injuries is a bite wound, whether caused by another animal or self-inflicted. In the case of the latter, flea dermatitis, food allergies, or stress are likely the cause.

Bite wounds on the tail can easily become infected—be on the lookout for signs like redness, heat, pain, and inflammation. It's better to err on the side of safety and take your cat to the vet if you notice bite wounds on the tail (or elsewhere on the body). If the wound is bleeding heavily, wrap it in a towel while you transport your cat to the vet. The vet may need to flush out the wound, apply sutures, or even perform surgery. At-home treatment may include antibiotics and pain medication.

Self-mutilation

We already mentioned that bite wounds on the tail can sometimes be self-inflicted, often due to skin disorders such as flea infestations, fungal infections, or mite infestations. These sorts of infections are treated with vet-approved topical medications, shampoos, injections, and more.

Less common are self-inflicted cat tail injuries caused by a disorder called feline hyperesthesia syndrome (FHS), also known as twitch-skin syndrome, rippling skin disease, or rolling skin syndrome. Veterinarians usually characterize FHS as a seizure disorder or an obsessive-compulsive condition. Most episodes begin when you touch or scratch the cat's lower back region. Your cat may go from dozing peacefully to scratching, biting, or licking at their back, flank area, or tail all in the space of 20 or 30 seconds. FHS can be difficult to diagnose, but it can be treated with anti-seizure medication like gabapentin and/or anti-anxiety medication like Prozac.

Cat tail injuries are more common than you'd think. While some injuries are minor and will heal on their own, many require the attention of a vet. Now that you know how to spot a broken cat tail, you can act right away when you notice something is off about your furry family member.

Embrace a better life with cats with a self-cleaning litter box.

Source:

  • VCA Hospitals

Cover photo by Jason Leung on Unsplash

orange tabby cat backside and tail crouched on a fence - how to spot a broken cat tail and other common cat tail injuries

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