What to do if my cat's tail is limp, swollen, and painful?
Updated On September 23rd, 2025
Pet's info: Cat | Mixed Breed | Male | neutered | 14 lbs
Hi, my cats tail is limp and looks a little swollen at the base, he doesn’t seem in pain he is still purring as usual but he is moving slower than normal, he hissed quite aggressively when I touched it (not normal) he usually lifts his behind and raises his tail when clapped but not today, he is trying to and is moving it more as the day goes on but it is not straight up as usual or anywhere close to normal, he is a night cat and fights a lot, could he have been bitten maybe?
3 Answers
Most Helpful Answer
Published on December 3rd, 2017
This appears to be a classic presentation of a tail-pull injury. This happens when the tail gets pulled very forcefully (either it gets stuck under something like a car tire, or gets pulled by someone). This causes significant damage to the major nerves at the base of the tail, which is very painful and can cause paralysis of the tail. This requires that you take Kovu to a vet as soon as possible. It's not an emergency, but best if you go to a vet within 24 hours, because he will need pain medication and possibly other treatment. Your vet will be able to give you a better idea about the severity of the injury and prognosis. I hope that helps and Kovu gets better soon.
18Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Related Answers from Veterinarians
-
Published on December 3rd, 2017
Poor Kovu! If he is allowed outside, he could have injured his back or tail causing these problem. If he's not lifting his tail in the air, he is aggressive to you when you try to touch it, and he is not walking well, then yes he is in a lot of pain. He needs to see a vet now for this, as there isn't anything you can do at home for his pain. Many human pain medications are toxic to cats and are fatal if given, so the only safe pain meds are available at the vet. He should also have x-rays done on his back and tail to see what is causing his pain. Please take him into a vet now. I hope this helps!
2Pet Parents found this answer helpful
-
Published on November 16th, 2019
Poor Bo is in pain. He may have injured it outside. I recommend resting him for the next 48 hours. No running, jumping, or playing. Take him out to toilet on a leash, and bring him right back in when he's done. If he still appears painful after this time, then I would take him into the vet for an exam. The vet can diagnose where the pain is coming from, and can dictate a treatment plan for it. He may also benefit from some pain medications, which the vet can prescribe. Please do not give him any human pain medications, as many are toxic to dogs and can be fatal if given.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Hi, my cats tail looks limp, he is not lifting it in the air at all and is reluctant to sit. Usually when I rub my hand down his back he raises his behind and his tail is straight up in the air but today he is not doing that and he seems in discomfor
My cat fish ended up getting locked in a spare room that's not even the worst part he locked himself inside a bread box!! By the looks of things the door fell down on his tail. His tail is always standing up and it hasn't been for a day now, he's bee
Hello! My cat came home today and he wasn't moving his tail at all. I don't know if someone hit him or something but when I lifted his tail, it felt like it didn't have any life in. He ate only once today (while standing up) and went outside to pee (
Hello. I am worried about my cats health, today he was outside and when he came back his tail was down for the first time in 7 months. When i touch it it seems like it hurts. Any idea what could have happened?
Hi! my cat moochacho came home late tonight. His tail is limp and when I scratch his back, he does not lift his tail like he usually does. It seems as if he is trying hard to lift it... Any help?
My 4 month old kitten was hit by a car a little over a week ago. The back tire clipped his tail/butt area but didn’t break any bones. There’s a lot of swelling and we have given him anti inflammatory medication which helped a lot. Over the past two d
Hi. Thanks for taking this question. I came home today to find my cat's tail hanging limp. He complains when I touch around a quarter of the way down. No sores or swollen areas. The end and base of his tail are totally fine - I can scratch his back a
My girlfriends indoor/outdoor cat came home with a limp. I noticed a lump on his tail that seemed to be the source of his pain. We had no idea what could have happened so we immediately made a vet appointment for the next day. They shaved and examine
My cat's tail has been "hanging low" for the last few days. I thought it was doing better over the weekend but this morning it was barely moving at all. Tonight it seems better, responsive when I pet her, but i noticed her hindquarters seem warmer th
I came home tonight and Sebastian was acting strange. As I was petting him, I noticed a spot at the end of his tail that was wet like he'd been chewing on it, and after a closer inspection, I think his tail might be 'broken'. It isn't noticable by lo
Book an appointment with the pros – our expert vets are here to help.
