Tail Injuries in Cats

Cats may injure their tails in many ways, and outdoor cats have a higher probability of injuring their tails due to the activities they undertake (e.g., climbing trees, fighting, having the tail run over by a car). For indoor cats, the most common reason for a traumatic tail injury is catching the tail in a door.

Injuries can affect any of the tissues of the tail. A tail that is caught in a door for example, may be heavily bruised but not broken. Note that lower back injuries (to hip and pelvis areas) such as falls or other impacts can also disrupt the nerve supply to the tail, causing it to become "limp".
A tail or tail base fracture can also cause a limp tail. It is not uncommon to see tail fractures when falls or impacts have occurred. An avulsion of the tail occurs when the base of the tail separates off of its attachment after a traction injury. Traction injuries can stretch the tissues that support the tail such as the ligaments between the tailbones. Traction injuries are commonly a sequel to car accidents, when a tail remains under the wheel as the cat runs away.

Only a physical examination by your veterinarian can pinpoint the exact nature of a tail injury. If the injury is not out on the tail itself but closer to where the tail joins the base of the spine, an X-ray may be recommended to ascertain whether it is a fracture, and if so, if any other deep structures have sustained damage.

The prescribed treatment will depend on the nature of the injury, and your veterinarian can advise you regarding possible therapeutic options including surgery, rest, bandaging, and pain medication.