Vet 101: Tale Of Tails
Odin and his lady friend, Mystery Miss enjoyed the balmy weather yesterday. They showed off their fine specimens of ringed tails held high in friendly interest. Odin’s tail tipped in a pop-a-dot of white and MM’s in black.
One kitty was not so lucky and their tale of tails is the subject for this week’s Vet 101 Q & A.
Q: I accidentally slammed a door on my cat’s tail. She howled loudly and there was a little blood. If it was broken/fractured? would it heal on its own?
A:Ouch! Having caught my finger in the car door on more than one occasion, I feel for your kitty.
Whenever a bone is broken, the main principle of treatment is to immobilize the site so that new bone can form and heal the fracture. In most cases, this involves the use of a bandage, cast, or splint, or, sometimes surgical pins and plates. The problem with tails is that they can move in multiple directions from multiple sites, which makes immobilization virtually impossible. Have you ever seen a cat with a bandage on her tail? Probably not — and if you did, it probably wasn’t for long. One swish of the tail and the bandage usually goes flying. And no cat wants something weighty on his tail that will hinder its ability to flick at will.
The good news about tails, though, is that the bones are covered tightly with muscle and skin, which essentially makes its own splint. With some rest and pain medication, minor tail fractures and dislocations often heal with “a tincture of time” (although they sometimes heal with a little “kink” in them…but this gives the kitty a chance to regale his buddies with stories of his encounter with the evil door!). Major fractures and “pulling” injuries (often caused by overzealous children yanking too hard on the cat’s tail, or grandma’s rocking chair trapping the tail as “Fluffy” tries to run away) can be more serious, and can cause damage to the nerve and blood supply to the tail (and sometimes even the urinary bladder if the nerves are yanked hard enough!). In these cases, sometimes the only successful treatment is amputation of the tail. Whenever the injury breaks the skin, or bone is exposed, infection is also a concern. With so many possibilities, it’s always best to have the vet check out a tail injury.
There is a lot of speculation about why cats have tails. Some people feel it’s to provide balance during climbing, and jumping – a sort of counterbalance to allow a shift in the center of gravity. From a physics standpoint, that makes sense, except that tailless cats can negotiate those treacherous ledges just as well as tailed cats. Some people feel the tail provides a means of communication and expression of emotion for cats. If you’ve ever been on the receiving end of a cat whose tail is puffed, quivering, arched, tucked, or twitching, you’re probably in agreement with that. And some people feel that the purpose of the cat’s tail is to simply add to their allure.
Whatever the reason, tails can certainly add to a cat’s personality. Now if we could just teach them to remember to tuck them in before scampering through the doorway…
12 Comments
Abby
I can second that comment on tail less cats!
tee hee
purrs
>^,,^<
♥Abby♥Boo♥Ping♥Jinx♥Grace♥
Melody
If you accidentally step on a dog’s tail, the demonstrated emotional response is hurt and confusion, then he gets over it and loves you just the same.
Step on a cat’s tail and they glare at you indignantly, leaving no doubt that they are mentally calling you a clumsy idiot. Then for days they will scurry out of your way in case you continue to be as blind as you are stupid. 😉
angelina jolie
Purrr…I’d never want a kink in my lovely full tail. I’m proud to say that only Brad and I have the full non-kinky tail in this house. Maybe coz we’re true blue Aussies…teeheehee… purrr…meow!
CATachresis
It is likely all those things mentioned. Austin has a very long tail and he likes to leave it half in and half out the door while he is deciding whether to venture forth. It is a bit chilly here at the moment so I have to encourage him to make up his mind lol
Those two lovers are adorable <3
boomermuse
Odin says to tell Austin, not to keep mum waiting.
Brian
I love the lovey ones! Ouchy on that tail thing, oh my!
Stop by my Commentathon today, you could win $ for yor favorite animal charity!
Kathryn
I wish for romance between MM and Odin, but thankfully, for the kitteh population, that won’t happen. But at least they look like they’re good, good friends.
Emma’s tale was hurt/broken when she was 9 months, somehow she was in the window sill and as she was exiting, the window came crashing down on her tail. We took her to the vet, who’d said that that part of her tale was less bone than collagen and that she’d always have a crook in her tale, but that she’d be alright.
Over 20 years, she managed to use all her 9 lives. She was fine throughout her other mishaps.
oh and she never had dry food.
boomermuse
Thankfully Odin is neutered so fatherhood is not in his future. Poor Emma.
@Brian,congrats on post #1000!
@Marilia, thanks!
@orbit, maybe that’s what attracted them to each other?
@Ingrid, Us humans do need to be more careful with cats underfoot but they are like quicksilver at times.
Marilia
Never underestimate a cat, and despite being a known animal, we must take care of them, including the tail in the door.
I love this photo!
Kisses
orbit
Oh, but such beautiful tails they are!!!
Ingrid King
Odin’s and Mystery Miss’ tails are startingly similar! I love the photo. Every part of Odin’s stance communicates excitement, and delight.
Great summary about tail injuries. But I disagree with Dr. Goldstein’s conclusion ;-). Cats shouldn’t have to remember to tuck in their tails before going through doors. Humans should be taught to watch out for kitty before they close a door! Better yet: eliminate closed doors. Most cats don’t like them.
Oops – looks like Ruby took over finishing my comment when I wasn’t looking!
Lance
Some people feel the tail provides a means of communication and expression of emotion for cats.