My cat is indoor/outdoor, and two months ago, he got in a fight with another cat (not mine), and some of his fur got pulled off his tail, right near the base. I took him to the vet, got him tested (everything came back negative, thankfully), and while I was there, they treated him for fleas and recommended I treat him with Frontline, which I have been doing. Ever since he lost the fur on his tail, he won't leave it alone - he's always licking and biting it! I've had to take him back to the vet twice in the past month because it gets weepy and infected from him biting it all the time. They gave me antibiotics for him both times, and this last time, they drained the abcess and put stitches in and an E-collar on him. I've been keeping him inside, but I'm afraid to take the collar off, because I know that as soon as I do, he'll be biting his tail again. I've asked the vet several times what I can do to make him stop biting it, but they ignore my questions. Any ideas?
2007-10-16 04:35:43 · 8 answers · asked by Nacha Y 2 in Pets ➔ Cats
You know how scratches and scrapes start to itch after they start healing? Maybe that's what's going on with your kitty... I say leave the E-collar on until the area is completely healed, then see what happens... if it keeps up after that, ask the vet to run an allergy test on kitty.
2007-10-16 04:44:05 · answer #1 · answered by dj.hatchytt 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If it's okay for the wound, try bandaging it. I know a couple of dogs this has helped.
You might also consider giving the cat Rescue Remedy or even an anti-anxiety medication. At this point the behavior may be obsessive-compulsive, which requires some kind of medicinal help.
If all else fails, have the tail amputated. I know two or three cats who went through similar experiences and amputation was the only successful treatment.
2007-10-16 06:20:55 · answer #2 · answered by melissa k 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Keep the E collar on until he can leave his tail alone, and wait for it to heal. Vets shouldn't ignore you. In the meantime, I'd find a new vet to care for little bitty kitty.
2007-10-16 04:53:43 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yeah - ask another vet! Ignoring your questions is ridiculous, they don't deserve to have you as a client if they're going to behave that way.
I'm afraid it's unlikely that anyone on here is going to be able to give you useful advice, other than ask another vet, because we don't really know what's going on with your cat's tail - and there are no vets on here. Please seek a second opinion.
Chalice
2007-10-16 12:14:17 · answer #4 · answered by Chalice 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
find a new vet dear.. it might be that you should ask a new vet about tail bob-ing.. i know it sound cruel.. but after it is injured..
it tends to irritate the cat ..
My cat got his tail caught in a neighbors fence.. and ripped the hair and some skin off the tip.. my cat kept trying to bite it.. so we took him in and they bobbed it til he only had about 3 inches left.. after it healed .. the cat had no problems!
2007-10-16 04:51:07 · answer #5 · answered by jeselynn_81 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Either his tail still hurts or he is very bored. The best way to stop him doing that is pay attention to him and distract him with toys or string. He may soon forget about the pain and will heal quickly.
2007-10-16 04:46:00 · answer #6 · answered by kitsumiti 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
i would leave it on for a Little longer and just try to watch him to see if it is still bugging him and the only way its going to get better is if he doesn't bite it.
good luck !
2007-10-16 04:45:50 · answer #7 · answered by killer 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Try keeping your cat occupied with cat toys.
2007-10-16 04:46:15 · answer #8 · answered by Jimmy R 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋