Cats and "Limp tail"

[Beth Va]

Does anyone have any information or articles about this condition? What causes it and what the treatment options may be? Any information about "limp tail" would be appreciated.

Thank you in advance!

[davet]

usually it is the result of an injury, ie like the refrigerator door or such but onmany you can think of no cause....how long has it been danglying and if you pinch the tip of the tail does she pull it back i or away....agagin cause is usually traumatice....but also again...how long has it been that way??

[Beth Va]

usually it is the result of an injury, ie like the refrigerator door or such but onmany you can think of no cause....how long has it been danglying and if you pinch the tip of the tail does she pull it back i or away....agagin cause is usually traumatice....but also again...how long has it been that way??

This happened yesterday evening. He is able to move it but it droops he can't seem to get it in an upright position. The droop is in the middle of his tail not at the base. I have heard of dogs having this but I never knew it could happen to cats. I don't know much about it in dogs or cats. I can't figure out what happened. If nothing is broken on x-rays then what are the chances he will recover from the experience you've had with patients.

[Traci]

Beth, how old is this kitty, and does he have any present health condition? Have you in fact, ruled out a potential trauma of sorts? (did he take a fall, get bit or attacked by another pet, did any children inappropriately handle him, etc)

If this kitty is by chance older than 6 or 7 and if bloodwork hasn't been done within the last year (and depending on x-ray evaluation), please opt for bloodwork. Any kitty over the age of 7 should receive annual bloodwork monitoring to ensure common underlying health issues are not a concern. Diabetes, for example, can cause "stud tail" in some cats, this is just one example you'd want to rule out and include as a differential from bloodwork.

[Beth Va]

Beth, how old is this kitty, and does he have any present health condition? Have you in fact, ruled out a potential trauma of sorts? (did he take a fall, get bit or attacked by another pet, did any children inappropriately handle him, etc)

If this kitty is by chance older than 6 or 7 and if bloodwork hasn't been done within the last year (and depending on x-ray evaluation), please opt for bloodwork. Any kitty over the age of 7 should receive annual bloodwork monitoring to ensure common underlying health issues are not a concern. Diabetes, for example, can cause "stud tail" in some cats, this is just one example you'd want to rule out and include as a differential from bloodwork.

He is neutered and will be 7 in a few months. I really can't rule out trauma. He has been in really good health no problems. He is an active cat he zooms around the house. Our youngest cat likes to make things crash so I really can't rule out trauma.

[davet]

re chances of recovery..if it is a recent rtraumaa and he will pull histail back when you pinch it, thechandceas of recover are pretty good...try the tail pich for a couple dcays...obviously not enoudh to hurt but enough that he responds...

[Guest]

re chances of recovery..if it is a recent rtraumaa and he will pull histail back when you pinch it, thechandceas of recover are pretty good...try the tail pich for a couple dcays...obviously not enoudh to hurt but enough that he responds...

He definitely pulls away his tail when touched but it continues to droop. He seems ok otherwise, no other injuries. He still wants to climb and jumps up and down on things ok. He does seem to want to keep to himself though except to jump up on my lap once in a while.

[davet]

then keep exercising his tail---that sounds strange--by an occaisional pinch or tweek...

[Mona]

IF it were me I would take kitty to the vet for an exam, he may be in pain and could have injured the tail. Mona

[davet]

i agree Mona, i just somehow thought that had been done and if not it should be...good observation