A cat’s tail is an extension of its spine, making it an important part of their anatomy. The bones in the tail (vertebrae) are larger at the base and become smaller toward the tip. Soft discs cushion the spaces between the vertebrae, providing flexibility. Tail muscles and nerves enable movement. This complex structure of bone, muscles, nerves, and blood vessels can easily be injured.
What are some common tail injuries, and what should I do about them?
Here are some of the most common feline tail injuries and how they should be treated.
Abrasion. Simple scrapes can happen when a cat flicks their tail against a sharp surface (like wire fencing) or catches it under something (like a rocking chair). If the hair is rubbed off and red skin is exposed, clean the area with mild soap and warm water. Apply antibiotic ointment and lightly bandage the tail with self-adhesive wrap instead of adhesive tape. To prevent cutting off blood flow, do not wrap the bandage too tightly. Change the bandage and reapply antibiotic ointment daily. Bitter apple spray or an Elizabethan collar (cone) may help stop their chewing at the bandage.
If there’s excessive bleeding, swelling, or the tissue changes color, take your cat to the veterinarian. If the skin and muscle damage are severe, medical treatment is necessary. Your cat may need antibiotics and pain medication for proper healing.
Laceration. More serious than simple abrasions, lacerations are deep cuts that expose muscle and bone. Some lacerations are self-inflicted by nervous or bored cats, or those with behavior issues. Tail biting can also stem from flea allergies or impacted glands. Infection is likely, especially with bite wounds, and some lacerations may need stitches. Wrap the tail in a towel to control bleeding while you transport your cat to the vet.
Tail lacerations are commonly caused when a cat gets caught in a car’s fan belt. During cold weather, many cats seek warmth in engines and can be injured when the car starts. To prevent this, bang on the hood and honk the horn before turning on the ignition.
Fracture. Like any bone, tail vertebrae can break. Cats often fracture their tails when hit by a vehicle, fall from a porch or bed, or get their tail slammed in a door. The location of the fracture determines how serious the injury is. If your cat is hit by a car or falls badly, take her to the vet for a full exam. Her tail might not be the only issue.
If the fracture is at the tip of the tail, it usually heals well on its own, though there might be a bump or kink at the fracture site. If the bones in the tail are crushed, part of the tail may need to be amputated. Fractures near the base are often more serious, involving nerve damage.
Nerve damage. The nerves in the tail are protected by the vertebrae but can be injured. Avulsion injuries happen when the tail is pulled hard enough to stretch or tear nerves, while breaks near the base may cut nerves entirely. Pull injuries can also damage nerves higher in the spine that control urination and defecation.
If nerves controlling urination and defecation are damaged, your cat may become incontinent. Nerve function might return over time, but some cats may never regain control. Nerve damage can also cause the tail to hang limply, making it impossible for the cat to move or lift it during a bowel movement. A secondary issue could be skin infections. If your cat cannot flick or move her tail and it hangs limply, see your vet.
While minor abrasions can be treated at home, many tail injuries need veterinary care. As a pet owner, your role is to assess and seek veterinary help when needed. Your vet can prescribe antibiotics and pain medication or perform surgery to fix the tail. With proper care, your cat will hopefully be moving her tail again soon.
