Petco Text Logo
Petco Pet Logo

  • Two Easy Ways to Start Earning Rewards!

My cat's tail was run over. It's bent, she's licking it. Is it broken?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Domestic Shorthair | Female | unspayed | 4 months and 3 days old | 7 lbs

my cat got her tale ran over by a wheel chair with someone sitting in it, she keeps licking the area, lost a little hair, and can’t hold it up straight. she isn’t bleeding and can move it around but she bends it and won’t hold it up straight also she’s won’t let me near it.

This question includes photos that may contain sensitive content. Click to view.

View more to consider that the photos may include sensitive content.

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Image profile

Answered By Penelope Graben, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on July 4th, 2021

Hello there, Sorry to hear this happened with Luna. Most of the time, tail fractures will heal well with medical treatment and minimal long term issues in pets. That being said, open wounds or complicated fractures could mean a necessary tail amputation. I'd recommend having Luna seen by a veterinarian for a physical exam. They can prescribe pain medications to keep her comfortable while she heals. They may recommend an x-ray to assess internal damage. If there is an open wound, they will likely recommend a course of antibiotics as well to prevent infection. I hope this is helpful. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

Vote icon

2Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Other Answers

  • Image profile

    Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

    Veterinarian

    Published on

    It sounds like Luna's tail is in a lot of pain and if she can't hold it up straight, I'm concerned the tail could be broken. Even if she can move it, it can still be broken, and the only way to rule out a broken tail is to have an x-ray done. You do not want to leave her in pain, and there are no OTC pain relievers you can give her. Many human ones are toxic to cats and are fatal to cats. Please take her into a vet now to get this checked out and treated. Best of luck.

    Vote icon

    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

See More Answers

Related Questions

Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
Why is my mouse's eye swollen, cloudy, and has pus?
Is your mouse's eye swollen, cloudy, and pussy? Dr. Melanie, a certified vet, discusses severe eye issues like infection or abscess, urging an immediate visit.
Updated on December 04, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
What fish dog food helps dry skin if my dog eats Science Diet?
Is your dog's dry skin a concern? A certified vet offers expert advice on finding the best fish-based dog food alternatives to Science Diet for essential oils.
Updated on February 04, 2026
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
My pet is breathing hard, not eating, and lethargic. What's wrong?
Is your rat breathing heavily, won't eat, and has no energy? A Licensed Vet Tech explains potential causes like infection and age, urging a vet visit for diagnosis.
Updated on December 04, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
My pet has red spots all over. What's causing them and what to do?
See red spots on your pet? A certified Petco vet discusses common causes like allergies, infections, or mites, guiding you on diagnosis and treatment options.
Updated on December 04, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
My small pet is limping and can't bear weight. Should I see a vet?
Is your pet limping and can't bear weight? A certified vet explains why a suspected fracture needs immediate diagnosis and safe pain relief. Get expert guidance.
Updated on December 04, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
My degu has a white bump in its fur. Should I take my pet to the vet?
Worried about your pet degu's white pustule? A certified vet discusses this potential skin infection, explains why not to pop it, and guides your next steps.
Updated on December 04, 2025
image
Have A Vet Question?

Book an appointment with the pros – our expert vets are here to help.

Book Now

Sponsored