Given their insane flexibility, it is hard to imagine a cat having an injury, especially a broken tail. It is, however, possible and common for cats to injure their tails given the fact that their backbone extends to their tails. However, broken tails are not the only injuries cats encounter. Other minor injuries like bruises, scratches and cuts should be looked out for.
Causes of Tail Injuries
The most common cause of cat injury is accidents especially when outside playing in a potentially dangerous environment. Cats can break, bruise or cut their tails when hunting in a dangerous environment. Injuries can also be sustained during a fight with other cats or dogs.
Signs of Tail Injuries
The most obvious sign of a tail injury is the inactivity of the tail. Injuries cause discomfort in the tail especially in the tail therefore moving the tail gets uncomfortable for cats. Cats not wafting or playing with their tails should be noted and checked for possible injuries. Secondly, cats with injuries may tend to be aggressive to keep off possible further pain. Aggressive cats should be handled with care when investigating possible injuries to avoid inflicting further harm. Approaching an aggressive cat could also be potentially dangerous for the examiner. An experienced veterinary officer should be preferred for this task.
Further signs of injuries include bleeding on the tail. Bleeding is a sign of a number of injuries like cuts, bruises and scratches. Cats with bleeding tails indicate an open wound within the tail and need to be covered to avoid entry of harmful pathogens like bacteria. Additionally, loss of hair in some parts of the tail could be an indication of an injury like a bruise or skin rash. The above signs on your cat should be taken seriously and a veterinary officer alerted for immediate care.
First aid for Injured Tails
First-aid measures depend on the type of injury sustained. For instance, cuts, bruises and scratches need to be disinfected and dressed to prevent the entry of bacteria. A veterinary officer should be called to offer more professional help. Broken tails should be handled with care to prevent further injury, especially on the spinal cord. It is advisable to seek professional help to prevent further injury.
Prevention of Tail Injuries
Injuries, just like any other disease can be prevented from their onset. The first precautionary measure is providing a safe environment for cats to play in. The lawn area and other surrounding areas should be cleared of all harmful objects like sharp objects.
References: HospitalVeterinaries, PetMD, VCAhospitals
