My cats tail???

babygarrettus

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Hi Everyone,

Well here it goes...I just got laid off 2 months ago and we are really tight on money...as a matter fact we are living off the cash we have in our pockets. If all this was not our situation, he would have been at the vet today! SOOOOO I need some advice about my cats tail. He is all of sudden not letting anyone touch his tail. I noticed when I tried to pick him up today he did not want me to and I touched his tail because normally he likes a soft stroke up and down the tail. When I tried to touch it he freaked out a cried. So I looked closer and the base of his tail near his spine look swollen. He sneaks out sometimes and 2 nights ago he got out and did not come back tell the morning. I noticed yesterday he did not play as much with the kids etc... I did not put 2 and 2 together tell today. Please Help. Thank you!!

Best Regards,

Arlene
 

carolina

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He probably got in a fight outside, or something. Have you checked for injuries, bites, scratches, cuts? By the way - is he neutered?
 

yosemite

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I know you do not want to hear this, but your cat needs to be seen by a vet. If the wound is near the base of his tail, there could be a lot of problems like incontinence for one.
 
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babygarrettus

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No.. he is not yet neutered. That is on our list. Do you think that has anything to do with his tail being hurt? I did not see any marks scratches. He looks good accept the tail. But no missing fur or anything like that on the tail. It is weird.
 

goldenkitty45

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Sounds like an abcess on the tail. Probably from a bite - cat bites frequently close up fast and become abcessed. Do what you can to get him to a vet as soon as possible. The longer you wait, the more the infection will spread.
 

carolina

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The reason why I asked if he was neutered was because intact cats tend to get into fights with other cats - over females, territories, etc.
Get yourself a coupon for a free vet visit and go to the vet... I could be something more serious...
Here is a link for a free visit.

Another thing: make sure that doesn't go outside, especially while he is not neutered. It can be dangerous for him, and stressful (not to say expensive) for you...
Good luck!
 

catnurse22

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Sounds like an abscess. If that's the case, it will burst within the next few days. Normally, all the attention an abscess needs is to be thoroughly flushed if it has already burst and most likely some antibiotics. Take another look at his tail if he'll let you. Even tiny bite marks can abscess. You'll probably see two puncture wounds, one on each side. A lot of times the body does a very good job of healing itself and an abscess will heal fine. But, it is definitely a good idea to get it looked at if at all possible. It shouldn't be too expensive....probably around $30. If there is no way you can get him to the vet, after the abscess bursts watch it VERY VERY carefully. Look for a a bad smell, any more drainage, especially a cottage cheese like pus. If that happens he will HAVE to go to the vet. And then you're looking at a much much more expensive bill.
 
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babygarrettus

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Thank you everyone soooo much!! I will take the coupon and all the advise. You guys and gals rock!!! This is a great website. I will keep you all updated. Have a great night!!!
 

white cat lover

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I agree on the abscess- this isn't much helpful - but we had a kitten at the shelter come in with one. It went untreated for 3 days - too long - as they waited to bring her to us or get vet care. She ended up paralyzed & was euthanized.
 
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babygarrettus

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Hello...I'm not sure if this is good or bad. My cat was licking his tail, I looked and it has puss and blood coming out....what does this mean now? I still plan on taking him to the vet tomorrow.
 

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It sounds like it is an abscess that has burst. That could actually be a good thing. with the pressure relieved he probably won't be in as much pain. If he'll let you, you can try pressing gently around the area to express more of the pus, then clean it with warm water. Definitely get him to the vet tomorrow. He may need antibiotics to clear up the infection before he can be neutered.
 

yosemite

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Originally Posted by GoldyCat

It sounds like it is an abscess that has burst. That could actually be a good thing. with the pressure relieved he probably won't be in as much pain. If he'll let you, you can try pressing gently around the area to express more of the pus, then clean it with warm water. Definitely get him to the vet tomorrow. He may need antibiotics to clear up the infection before he can be neutered.
I think that may be the case as well. Unfortunately cat wounds close over quickly trapping the bacteria inside which in turn turns into an abscess. Bijou had one on his back which was quite large before we noticed but fortunately did not burst. He had to be anaesthesized and have the abscess drained and then a little rubber tube put through from side to side and sewn on both ends to keep the wound open so it could heal from the inside out.

If the abscess has already burst, at least call your vet and get some advice. They may not do the neutering while he is already dealing with this issue.
 

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My vet says that once the abcess bursts, it doesn't need antibiotics, or any vet care, unless you're so squeamish you can't take care of it at home. Just wash the area with a warm rag a few times a day. You want to get the dried pus off so the area can heal. While an abcess isn't a big deal, probably waiting until it's healed to neuter him would be best. Anesthetic in a sick cat (even a mild sickness) isn't a great idea.
 
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babygarrettus

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Okay we took snowball to vet today. Goodnews he Snowball seemed to clean his wound up all night last night after it burst...so the Vet says we dont need to lance his wound. He gavve him antibotics. The free coupon saved me $53.00 so all said and done I was out of the Vet for $30.00. Thank you again everyone for your help. You guys are great great people. Oh he seems to be feeling better, playing again with our scottie etc... Have a great night!
 

kscatlady

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Originally Posted by babygarrettus

Okay we took snowball to vet today. Goodnews he Snowball seemed to clean his wound up all night last night after it burst...so the Vet says we dont need to lance his wound. He gavve him antibotics. The free coupon saved me $53.00 so all said and done I was out of the Vet for $30.00. Thank you again everyone for your help. You guys are great great people. Oh he seems to be feeling better, playing again with our scottie etc... Have a great night!
Hey! Come back soon and show us pictures of your kitty!
 

lyrajean

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Originally Posted by carolinalima

The reason why I asked if he was neutered was because intact cats tend to get into fights with other cats - over females, territories, etc.
Get yourself a coupon for a free vet visit and go to the vet... I could be something more serious...
Here is a link for a free visit.
Just FYI, that coupon usually only covers the office visit fee and not treatment or meds for abscess/whatever it is...

Glad the kitty is doing well!
 
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