tip of cats tail sore/growth?

I just noticed that one of my cats has a sore end of his tail. He has been licking it. I touch it and it's very sore. It looks raw from what I can see. I'll attach a photo but you can't see much. I can't get a good look at it. Its almost like a puff ball now at the end. Any info would be helpful.

If it's swollen and sore, you should take him to a vet.  He may need antibiotics systemically and not just on the wound.  Also he could have a broken bone on the end of his tail.  It may have gotten slammed in a door or stepped on, or even caught in the fridge.  You didn't mention if he goes outside so I am only mentioning inside injuries.  In the meantime, you might try putting triple antibiotic ointment on it, which you can get at any drugstore.  He will lick it off, however, but it might be soothing and might help fight infection.

I'm wondering if this may be an ongoing problem. His tail is on the short side compared to my other cat and my past cat.

I'm at the emergency room now. I was away for 3 days and my roomate told me he did find a ladder on its side. I'm thinking the broken tail thing now. Oh, he is an inside cat now.

Best,
Richard

Well, they said there is nerve damage and that the tip of his tail will have to go. I'm getting a second opinion from my normal vet on Monday. I'm sure it will be cheaper too than the emergency room at the animal hospital. We shall see.
Best Richard

Let us know how it comes out.  Tail amputations are not hard on cats and often help them to heal faster, as open wounds on tails are hard to keep bandaged and clean enough for them to heal.

All is well with Beezle. End of tail is clipped now but healing nicely and fur is coming back. Thank you all.

Thanks for giving us an update.  So glad Beezle is doing well now!  Also pleased he is now an inside cat.