Why does my cat have a blister-like sore at the base of her tail?

If Jagger goes outdoors he may be developing abscesses at the base of his tail that are rupturing and healing - abscesses most often form after a cat bite. He may also have a dermatological condition like allergies, fleas, or 'stud tail' that is causing bacterial infections at the base of his tail. I would recommend making an appointment with your veterinarian to have these sores examined. He may need antibiotics.

A flea allergy often causes irritation at the tail base or top of the tail. It could be some other cause of inflammation as well, but I would recommend that you start her on a good monthly flea product if she's not already on something. You can try a product such this: https://www.petco.com/shop/en/petcostore/product/zymox-spray-with-5-hydrocortisone. Also, put an e-collar on her to prevent her from licking at it; and if its not improving within a few days, arrange for her to see a vet. You may be able to find a house call vet or mobile vet in your area who would come to your home, this may make it easier for you both. Thanks for asking PetCoach!

Brownie may have draining abscesses from bite wounds or other trauma. This is a common location for cats to bite one another. Try epsom salt/warm water compress on the lesions several times daily until you can get her to the vet for antibiotics and pain medication.

Even though you don't see any fleas, your cat could still be having an allergic reaction to fleas. It only takes the bite of one flea to set off the reaction, and itchiness over the base of the tail is classic flea allergic dermatitis. However, dermatitis can be brought on by other skin parasites (mosquitoes, mites, lice), bacterial and fungal skin infections, nutritional imbalances, hormonal imbalances, and autoimmune disorders. Therefore, I recommend that you have your cat examined by your veterinarian for a full clinical work up.

The most common reason I will see hair loss at the tail base is a flea allergy. If there are any other animals in the house that go outside, I would certainly make sure that Squeaky is on a flea prevenative (even if you have never seen fleas on her). I have also seen seborrhea at that location in overweight cats that don't groom themselves well, but normally they will have more skin flaking than it looks like Squeaky does. That can cause hair loss and itching and can be treated topically. However, since you think there is a lump there, I would recommend having your vet evaluate it. They can perform a fine needle aspirate and insert a small needle into the lump to get some cells out and see what the lump is then decide on the best treatment plan for her. Good luck! I hope that was helpful! Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

Hello, it does not look like a poxvirus lesion. Additionally, poxvirus generally is a virus of young patients. That looks like it could be more a sebaceous cyst or even a small tumor. I would monitor it for any changes in appearance or size and if you note any then you should have your veterinarian evaluate your cat immediately. Hope this helps and best of luck.

Snowball probably got into a cat fight and those could be bite marks. There may be a bite abscess and I would definitely have this examined by a veterinarian. If it is an abscess, the vet will open it and evacuate the content (pus), flush the abscess cavity and give your kitty prescription antibiotics.