This article was co-authored by Natalie Punt, DVM and by wikiHow staff writer, Janice Tieperman. Dr. Natalie Punt is a Veterinarian and the Founder and CEO of mPet- a smart phone app for pet owners to store, manage and transfer their pets medical records and health information. She specializes in small animal emergency and general medicine and veterinary practice economics. Dr. Punt holds a BS in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology from The University of California, Davis, an MS in Biochemistry from The University at Buffalo, and a DVM from Western University of Health Sciences.
There are 9 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page.
This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources.
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Cat tail fractures can happen in the most ordinary yet unexpected ways, like closing a door too quickly or your cat taking a spill off the bed. If your cat recently had an accident involving their tail (falling off the bed, getting a door closed on them, etc.), it’s important to see your vet right away so they can diagnose the problem and come up with a proper treatment plan. We’ll give you a rundown on everything you need to know if your cat’s tail is broken, so you can be prepared when you meet with your vet.
How do you treat your cat’s broken tail at home?
Always take your cat to the vet if you’re concerned that their tail might be broken. A vet can properly diagnose the problem and give you specific treatment advice. A minor injury might require at-home rest or pain medication, while a severe tail injury might require surgery or amputation.
Steps
Expert Q&A
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QuestionWhat happens if a cat loses its tail?Pippa Elliott, MRCVSDr. Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in veterinary surgery and companion animal practice. She graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1987 with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. She has worked at the same animal clinic in her hometown for over 20 years.
VeterinarianCats use their tail for balance and to signal to each other. Cats do just fine after the loss of their tail, but it takes a little time for them to adapt and become more confident on their paws. -
QuestionDoes grabbing a cat by the tail hurt them?Pippa Elliott, MRCVSDr. Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in veterinary surgery and companion animal practice. She graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1987 with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. She has worked at the same animal clinic in her hometown for over 20 years.
VeterinarianYes, it does. Never grab a cat by the tail! Pulling on a cat's tail also pulls on the end of the spinal cord, which is where the nerves for the bladder and bowel come off the spine. Damage in this area leads to fecal and urinary incontinence, with obviously serious implications. -
QuestionCan you fix a cat's broken tail?Pippa Elliott, MRCVSDr. Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in veterinary surgery and companion animal practice. She graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1987 with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. She has worked at the same animal clinic in her hometown for over 20 years.
VeterinarianThe weak point in a cat's tail is the ligaments holding the line of small bones together. It is these ligaments that usually snap, leading to a kink in the tail. It's difficult (and usually not necessary) to fix the ligaments, so whilst the cat has a permanently bent tail this is something they can live with.
Tips
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It’s always best to be on the safe side when it comes to tail injuries. If you suspect your cat is hurt, don’t hesitate to call your vet.Thanks
Warnings
- Don’t give your cat any type of medication unless you’re told to do so by your vet.Thanks
Expert Interview
Thanks for reading our article! If you’d like to learn more about pet care, check out our in-depth interview with Natalie Punt, DVM.
References
- ↑ https://www.aspcapetinsurance.com/resources/broken-tails-pets/
- ↑ https://www.avma.org/resources-tools/pet-owners/emergencycare/first-aid-tips-pet-owners
- ↑ https://www.pets4homes.co.uk/pet-advice/tail-injuries-in-cats.html
- ↑ https://vcacanada.com/know-your-pet/first-aid-for-injured-tails-in-cats
- ↑ https://www.pets4homes.co.uk/pet-advice/tail-injuries-in-cats.html
- ↑ https://www.aspcapetinsurance.com/resources/broken-tails-pets/
- ↑ https://www.petplace.com/article/cats/diseases-conditions-of-cats/tail-trauma-in-cats
- ↑ https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/pain-management-for-cats
- ↑ https://www.petplace.com/article/cats/diseases-conditions-of-cats/tail-trauma-in-cats
- ↑ https://vcacanada.com/know-your-pet/first-aid-for-injured-tails-in-cats
- ↑ https://www.pets4homes.co.uk/pet-advice/tail-injuries-in-cats.html
- ↑ https://encorepetfood.com/uk/pet-wellbeing-uk/the-signs-your-cat-may-have-a-broken-tail/
- ↑ https://www.pets4homes.co.uk/pet-advice/tail-injuries-in-cats.html
- ↑ https://www.aspcapetinsurance.com/resources/broken-tails-pets/
- ↑ https://veterinarypartner.vin.com/default.aspx?pid=19239&id=4951820
- ↑ https://vcacanada.com/know-your-pet/first-aid-for-injured-tails-in-cats
- ↑ https://veterinarypartner.vin.com/default.aspx?pid=19239&id=4951820
- ↑ https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/how-do-i-know-if-my-cat-is-in-pain
- ↑ https://veterinarypartner.vin.com/default.aspx?pid=19239&id=4951820
- ↑ https://veterinarypartner.vin.com/default.aspx?pid=19239&id=4951820
- ↑ https://www.aspcapetinsurance.com/resources/broken-tails-pets/
- ↑ https://vcacanada.com/know-your-pet/first-aid-for-injured-tails-in-cats
- ↑ https://www.aspcapetinsurance.com/resources/broken-tails-pets/
- ↑ https://www.aspcapetinsurance.com/resources/broken-tails-pets/
About This Article
Before you treat your cat's broken tail, confirm that it's actually broken by feeling gently along the tail for swollen, bent, or tender areas. Then, take your cat to the vet to get a proper diagnosis and a treatment plan. Once you return home, keep the cat in a small room, like a bedroom or bathroom, so it can rest. You should also clean any wounds with warm water, and give your cat antibiotics to avoid infection. If you notice your cat's tail is red or swollen, take it back to the vet as these may be signs of an infection. For tips on how to spot a broken tail from your cat's behavior, keep reading!
Reader Success Stories
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"I have a stray outside cat. When I went to feed the stray, I noticed she hissed and cried out when I was petting her tail. A couple days later I noticed her tail was drooping, not upright as before. I will be taking her to a vet in a few days."..." more