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My cat's tail is painful and not moving. Should I see a vet?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Domestic Longhair | Female | unspayed | 6 lbs

My cats tail doesn’t look right it’s not moving like it normally does. It’s a little painful a few inches away from her butt and she can still poop

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

Veterinarian

Published on April 6th, 2020

It could be Lana has injured her tail. Keep an eye on her tonight and if she is still acting this way in the morning, have her seen by a vet. Please do not give her any human pain medications, as many are toxic to cats and are fatal if given. I hope this helps!

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1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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my cats tails isnt moving and he meows when i touch it he has also just been hiding under bed when usually he comes up onto bed straight away and gives me love but he hasnt done that . hes been just in his bed all day and usually hes out playing in t
Poor Simba! If he isn't moving his tail and he meows when you touch it, I would be concerned that he has injured his tail, possibly even broken it. He could have also injured his back preventing him from moving his tail. I would keep him indoors tonight and take him into a vet first thing in the morning for a physical exam and x-rays. The vet can diagnose what is causing these symptoms so he can be treated. Likely he is hiding and not moving because he is in pain, which is why it's important to get him into the vet first thing in the morning. Please do not give him any human pain medications, as many are toxic to cats and are fatal if given. The vet can prescribe pain medications as needed. Good luck, I hope this helps!
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My cat has had a 'dead' tail since Wednesday. She seemed in pain when we tried to pick her up on Wednesday but Thursday she was back to her usual self, happy as always, but still with a drooping tail. Should we be concerned? Does this sound like some
I would be concerned if the area is painful or she cannot hold the tail in a normal position as it may be injured or broken. It would be best to bring your cat to a vet ASAP to have the area examined, X-rayed for any breaks, and checked for any nerve or other injuries causing it.
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My cat got part of his tail caught in a door, he ran before anyone had time to react. There were tuffs of hair on the floor near where it happened, and it looked like it was ripped by the root (white ends). He hid and when I found him he wouldn’t let
Thank you for contacting Boop by Petco with your question about Albhe. This happens more often than you realize! It's very important you do not give him any human pain medications. Many are toxic to cats and are fatal if given. I would keep a close eye on him to see if he has any pain. Pain can be shown by him keeping his tail limp, not moving it, lethargy, or a loss of appetite. If you see any of those signs, have him seen by a vet. I hope this helps.
Updated on September 24th, 2025
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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
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!
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When I am closing the door my cat's tail is stuck in for half second. Then she ran away from me. And he can back his tail in downward. But, in few hours his tail is coming up like a normal when I touch his head or massage him she is allowing me to t
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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 (
Your kitty likely either was hit by a car or got his tail caught under the wheel of a car and shot off severing the tail bones from the hip. Please take him to a veterinarian for some xrays and pain medicine and treatment as indicated by the clinical exam results.
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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?
It could be that Moochacho injured his back or tail while outside. I would keep him indoors tonight and do not let him outside in the morning. If his tail is still limp in the morning, give the vet a call and make an appointment for him to be seen that day. Do not give him any human pain medications, as many are toxic to cats and are fatal if given. The vet can prescribe pain medications as needed, and treat the cause of the limp tail. Best of luck, I hope this helps!
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My cat seems completely fine, eating and playing normally but ive noticed that lately she does not lift her tail up its always down dragging behind her and when she gets excited or happy during food time she raises it up but only up to 45 degrees and
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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
Hello and thanks for using Boop by Petco! When a cat is holding their tail lower or not able to move it around normally it can indication an issue with the sacrum, an injury to the tail, or even a neurologic issue. If Dora seems to be acting otherwise normally (eating and drinking normally, walking normally and without a limp or stiffness, not hiding, still grooming, using the litter box normally) it may be okay to wait until tomorrow. However, this could be a sign of pain and heat can be from inflammation or infection. If you are concerned that Dora is in pain it may be worth it to make a trip to the emergency veterinarian for peace of mind. And certainly if Dora is not walking normally, not eating or drinking or having trouble urinating or defecating you should definitely see a veterinarian tonight. Good luck and I hope Dora is feeling better soon!
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My cat’s tail looks flattened and lowered, she has been experiencing tail pain but recently fell off a chair and her tail looks lowered, flattened and in pain
Poor Sarah! It sounds like she may have injured her tail when she fell. I would recommend taking her to the vet for an exam. He/she can take x-rays if needed to check for any problems, and can also prescribe pain medication or anti-inflammatories for her if needed.
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