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My unneutered cat has an oily spot at his tail base. What is it?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Russian Blue | Male | unneutered | 10 lbs

Is it normal if my cat has a small oily area at the base of his tail?

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Ana M, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on October 3rd, 2018

Thank you for submitting your question regarding Tom. He may be experiencing a problem that is common in intact male cats. An oily secretion at the base of the tail can be a condition known as stud tail. He will need to see his veterinarian to be sure and to rule out diseases such as a flea allergy. I hope this information helps!

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Other Answers

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    Answered By Andrea M. Brodie, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on February 24th, 2018

    Your kitties may be suffering from a condition called supracaudal gland hyperplasia or stud tail. This primarily affects tom cats that are not neutered, however it can sometimes affect females and neutered toms as well. It is caused by an excess amount of male hormones which encourage the production of sebum, an oily or waxy substance, by the supracaudal gland at the base of the tail. Your vet will examine the fur and base of the tail to rule out masses and parasite or bacterial infection. Stud tail is usually treated with antiseborrheic shampoos, which should be used regularly to keep the area clean. If infection is present, then your kitties need a course of antibiotics.

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