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Why is my cat's tail base sensitive and causing him to meow or twitch?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Mixed Breed | Male | 12 lbs

The base of my cats tail is sensitive, he meows every time I pet him or he just looks back sort of in a twitch

3 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Jessica Keay, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on June 23rd, 2017

I would take a close look at the skin here because the base of the tail is a common place for flea bites. Check for fleas or flea dirt, which is small black specks on the skin/fur. If no evidence of fleas is present and the skin appears totally normal, your kitty could have an area of hyperesthesia, which is where the skin is very sensitive and can cause intense reaction. If it is just this small area, your cat may not need treatment, but if your cat is traumatizing himself or unable to live his life normally then a veterinary exam is recommended.

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Other Answers

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    Answered By Jeffrey Milner

    Veterinarian

    Published on

    The base of the tail is one of the most sensitive spots on the cat. This is why some cats love it when they get pet there, while others absolutely hate it. It might just be that he does not enjoy being stimulated in that area due to oversensitivity. Another possibility is that Tommy may be infested with some fleas. The base of the tail is the most common location for them to reside. I would take a close look and use a flea comb to determine if this is the case. You can also look into some flea / tick products to begin using monthly to prevent exposure. Let me know if I can help you further.

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    Answered By Dr. Elizabeth

    Veterinarian

    Published on March 1st, 2020

    It looks like there are lesions on the skin though it's hard to know if the lesions are related to him biting or if the lesions signify a problem and that is why he is biting. You may not be able to figure this out without the help of your veterinarian. For this area in general, fleas are often the cause of sensitivity. You can certainly try treating him for fleas and using a flea comb daily to check for fleas. Just so you know, your vet likely has better products for fleas than what you can buy over the counter. Allergies and hyperthyroidism are also common causes of skin problems which can cause sensitivity and skin lesions. These issues need to be addressed by the vet. You may ask your vet about a drug called gabapentin. This is often given 2 hours before a vet visit and acts as a mild sedative. You mix it with food. If the vet thinks this is related to nerve damage, the gabapentin is given at a much lower dose and can address nerve pain. An elizabethan collar can help prevent licking the area. I recommend to start with a vet visit. I hope this helps.

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