Anyone every had their pet's tail amputated? Good or bad results?

Question

My cat has a tail-chasing disorder, her medications aren't working very well, just making her tired. She still goes crazy for a good part of the day. EVERYDAY. Yes I'm going to talk to my vet before I make a decision.

Ok people, there is such a thing as Hyperesthesia (tail-chasing) and my cat has it. She chases her tail constantly, bites it, hisses, slams her tail and herself into any object around her, knocks things over, screams like she's fighting with another cat, and when it really bothers her, she tries to attack me. Believe me, amputation is still my last resort, but medications for this condition will only suppress her behavior, so she will sleep more. But when she's not sleeping, she attacks herself. When I play with her, sometimes she will continue to go after her tail at the same time. She's almost 2yrs old and i don't want her to have a painful life. She would have a 50-50 chance with surgery, either she will lead a more peaceful life, or she may still have the urge to attack herself. Please understand my situation.

Answer 1

Don't do that! It's not her tail that has the problem, it's her brain. Leave her alone and let her play. Try different drug therapy.

Answer 2

Well, anytime you're getting rid of something there will be a loss of some type. Your cat has a tail for a reason, it's not just to annoy you (which apparently is easy if you're thinking of cutting off your cat's tail just because it chases it).

What do you mean by "I'm going to talk to my vet before I make a decision," ??? Wouldn't your vet be the one doing the amputation? If you're implying you would do the amputation yourself you're nuts. No credible vet would approve of a tail amputation for cosmetic (or crazy owner) reasons.

Answer 3

My four dogs all had their tails amputated because the good-for-nothing American Kennel Club has this asinine idea that schnauzers should have their tails amputated, so all breeders do it soon after birth. I guess they are healthy anyway, but I think they want their tails. Animals use their tails to communicate.

My guess is, rather than curing your cat's problem, amputating her tail will just make her go crazy in some different way.

Answer 4

It would probably do little harm to the cat, but it may not cure the problem. I had a chinchilla that had to have a leg amputated, it lived a normal life after that. talk to you vet, as the meds are not working, also do you have toys for the cat to play with? this could take its mind off its tail, it could just be bored and have nothing else to play with.

Answer 5

My old cat developed a tumor near the end of his tail and part of his tail ended up being removed. I was afraid it would really impact his balance or movement but he bounced right back like a champ. It was only a bit of the tail though.

Good luck with your cat!

Answer 6

Well, for dogs it is fine. If your cat is not very old, she could adapt to not having a tail. Normally, cats use their tails to balance. But with a bit of getting used to, your cat might be better off.

Answer 7

Are you kidding me??? Why not be a responsible pet owner instead and spend time with your cat and distract it to play with something else.
DON'T AMPUTATE!!!!
If you bite your nails should you amputate your fingers? Come on...

Answer 8

umm that is a stupid reason for you to get your cat's tail amputated and mean too . If it wants to chase its tail let it .

Answer 9

I know with a dog, it is fine. It is a big surgery and as with any surgery, things can go wrong. Just make sure you go to a good vet and don not do it at home like these crazy people do w/ pit bulls. Good Luck

Answer 10

My cat monkey got hit by a car. it only broke her tail so we went to the vet and they cut it off. it actually went well! she looks cute now! if you need to amputate it, go for it! it will be ok!