Last night I noticed that my cat's tail has a large knot in it. Right where the knot is, her tail falls limp. Instead of flicking back and forth like normal, it just kind of lies there. When she walks, the end of her tail just kind of sags. Is it possible that she's broken her tail? If so, is there anything her vet can do to fix it?
2006-08-29 08:52:34 · 15 answers · asked by Chelle 3 in Pets ➔ Cats
Yes, it's possible for the tail to be broken or disks could be swollen keeping the nerve impulses from the brain from reaching the affected part of the tail. Keep in mind that the tail is actually an extension of the cat's spine, and damage to the tail can be painful (if nerve damage has been done).
You need to get your cat to a veterinarian and have him x-ray it, so you can see what you're up against. If its swelling that causing the problem, it might correct itself; if the tail is broken your vet can advise you of what (if anything) needs to be done.
Keep in mind, too, that cats "communicate" with one another through tail positions and movement, so if your cat's tail is permanently damaged, it might not be an affective "communicator" anymore.
2006-08-29 09:21:30 · answer #1 · answered by Fetch 11 Humane Society 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Sounds broken. Some vets will cast tails if recent enough, or splint the tail so that when it heals, it will be generally straight. If left as is, the tail will probably be crooked all it's life. Depending on your kitty, you might want to consider pain killers. Take to the vet, infection may set in, and antibiotics would help for that. Worse case scenario, amputation may be warranted.
2006-08-29 08:58:33 · answer #2 · answered by engfoxhound1979 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Cats can have their tails get broken, through fighting, or getting it caught on something. You will want to take her to the vet for an exam, as a broken tail can affect the cats ability to go to the bathroom, clean themselves and also be able to walk correctly and comfortably with their two rear legs. You will probably want to make sure what is going on, just in case it is something else. If it is a break, most cats will heal in time, it generally takes about six months for the nerves to regenerate around the break. Some cats will need to have the tail amputated depending on the location of the break. Poor kitty, I have four kitties and one doggy and feel sick to my stomach if any of them don't feel well or have gotten hurt. One of my kitties who is half Siamese and half Bengal was abused as a kitten, along with her mother who I also rescued; but she has gone on to kitty heaven after I spoiled her, as I do with all of my fur babies. The abused kitty was caught with the tip of her tail in a door. I hug her and call her kink tail to this day. Luckily, it has not affected her at all; just looks a bit weird. Best of luck to you and your fur baby!
2006-08-29 09:11:43 · answer #3 · answered by Sue F 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Yes, of course, the tail is full of bones which can get broken.
The vet will amputate as much of the tail as he/she deems necessary. That will depend on how much the vet considers is viable tissue.
I have one cat that has no tail. She looks more like a bunny than a cat. She was born that way.
2006-08-29 09:10:02 · answer #4 · answered by old cat lady 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Yes, they can break their tail. The vet will probably want to amputate the broken part, the tail is not really a critical part and if the broken end is left alone, it will die and become more of a problem to her than anything. She will eventually not feel it anymore and then she will be snagging it all the time. I would take her in and get her looked at.
2006-08-29 08:57:21 · answer #5 · answered by d.eickholt 1 · 0⤊ 2⤋
Your cat should be seen by a vet to see if the tail has blood flow. If not it will have to be amuptated. If it has blood supply they will leave it. She may or may not have movement in the end. Some do and some have no feeling left.
2006-08-29 09:41:13 · answer #6 · answered by tlctreecare 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Of course a cat has bones in its tail. Over 10% of a cats bones are in its tail! Have brittany123096 and maureen never seen a cat in their lives before?
2006-08-29 09:09:30 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
yes, my kitty has the same problem as she was abused before we got her. The vet won't do anything about it unless it becomes infected then they would amputate her tail. It's just gotta hang there and look silly.
2006-08-29 08:56:01 · answer #8 · answered by tk_9702 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
It is probably broken. I don't know what the vet could do for it other than cut off the broken end.
2006-08-29 08:56:20 · answer #9 · answered by karen wonderful 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Yes, a cat can definitely break its tail! It has bones, just like in other parts of its body. Please take your kitty to a vet immediately!
2006-08-29 08:59:08 · answer #10 · answered by fpar1810 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋