Think my cat is loosing his tail.

[Rollergirl1]

How much will this affect him?

The boy was missing for 24 hours and I only found him about 5pm this afternoon in someone's shed. His tail was totally mangled and the vet says they will probably have to amputate.

She couldn't give any clues how it could have happened. Is it likely to be a car accident or perhaps he got it shut in somewhere? There are no other visible injuries but his tail is literally straight to the bone right from the nub.

He is at the vets tonight awaiting surgery tomorrow. How will not having a tail affect him?

[lljkk]

most cats seem to cope really well, ime. I hope he comes thru the surgery well. X fingers.

[cozietoesie]

Good luck to him. He should be fine if the op goes OK.

[SweetChickadee]

My old cat doesn't have one - not sure what happened to her as we adopted her as an adult, tailess.

It affects her agility/balance and ability to jump. But not that much, and she gets on just fine generally

when she plays her stumpy bit waggles

[gettingtherequickly]

Should be fine once healed, just be aware that it's an elongation of the spinal column, so you must be careful to keep it clean and dressed whilst it's healing.

[DownWithThisSortaThing]

Sorry this has happened Same happened to our old cat. I found him and it was horrible and upsetting. He had it amputated.

Tbh though he didn't seem to care particularly, he was most annoyed about the cone and the stitches, but it healed well and he carried on as normal. It didn't affect his balance or agility at all and he had a normal and happy life until the grand age of 20. Try not to worry too much OP

[BigcatLittlecat]

How's your boy today?

[Rollergirl1]

Hi everyone

Well he came back last night and seemed okay despite being very woozy still. He is hungry and eating his food which is good. But he won't use the litter tray that I have got for him and i could tell he was getting a bit distressed as he obviously needed to go to the toilet. He usually goes outside but obviously we can't let him out. In the end he went and weed on my daughters bean bag in her bedroom and it has gone all over the carpet. Then he went and hid under our bed and I can't coax him out.

Feel so sorry for him. 😢 But also don't want him to keep weeing on the carpet. I have just gone out and bought different litter to see if he prefers it, I really need for him to start using the litter tray seeing as he's to be kept in for 10 days.

Any suggestions?

[ineedamoreadultieradult]

If he normally goes outside could you use a litter tray filled with soil rather than usual cat litter it might seem more normal for him? I had a friend who got a large dog crate and kept their cat in there whilst it was recovering so they could just put some old towels in the bottom and wash them. Hope he feels better soon.

[cozietoesie]

Poor lad will be ridden with guilt.

Any chance of borrowing a large crate for him?

[Rollergirl1]

Is it better to keep him confined then?

[Wolfiefan]

I would maybe keep him in one quiet room until he is using the litter tray. Maybe an uncovered one? He might hit and hurt the wound site on the cover.

[Rollergirl1]

It is an uncovered one, thought that would be best because of the cone and easier for him getting in and out. Have changed the litter for a different type but he still hasn't used it.

He goes to a cattery about 4 times a year and uses a litter tray there so I know he has used them. I think half the trouble is the cone, it's affecting his special awareness.

[cozietoesie]

He's probably annoyed by it. An annoyed cat can cross their legs for just ages.

[timtam23]

Your poor boy, although I'm glad he's come through the op ok. The weeing may be a bit of a protest because of the cone, I've put my cats in a baby vest/T-shirt in the past instead of a cone but I'm not sure if that would be possible for your cat because the tail stump wouldn't be out of reach. Could you take the cone off for a bit & keep an eye on him to make sure he doesn't damage the wound/stitches?

[BeBopTalulah]

The weeing is a 'we are NOT amused by this situation', rather than him not understanding where he should go. One room sounds good for now, nice and quiet and warm. Favourite blanket, food and water, somewhere for him to hide and his tray. If his whole tail has been amputated, he may also be a little sore in the bum and undercarriage area? That would make him reluctant to go to the toilet straight away too.

We had a farm cat who lost her entire tail when I was growing up. She was semi-feral and had NO problems at all being a normal cat and fended for herself mostly.

[Rollergirl1]

Still refusing to use to tray but look what he did this morning......

[StopLaughingDrRoss]

That is awesome.. did he actually go?

[Fluffycloudland77]

Well done that cat, mine just drinks out of ours.

[Rollergirl1]

Yes he did. It was a very long wee too, he was obviously busting!

Still no poo. That's no poo since he came home on Thursday evening. How long is okay for him to go without going? We are seeing the nurse on Monday. Would it be okay if he had t gone before then or should I call off of hours no?

Also he can actually get to the wound despite the cone. I have caught him licking it quite a few times. Obviously can stop him when I see him do it but a bit worried that he might pull the stitches out when I can't see him.

[Rollergirl1]

He's done a poo in the litter tray! It smells utterly rank but never been so pleased for my cat to do a poo ever!!!!

[SansasEscape]

My cat was fine. Her balance was a little off, would miss the odd jump, but nothing too bad.