My cat has bloody, oozing sores at tail base. Why do they recur?

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.

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.

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!

This is difficult to picture. At 12 years of age it could certainly be some type of tumor, however I'll add that tail base lesions (hair loss, scabbing) are frequently related to flea infestations, so if you're not using a good quality feline flea product that's a good place to start. If you want to repost your question with a picture of the lesion, we'd be happy to try to help more.

Thank you for submitting your question regarding Sox. Is he biting or scratching the area? If so, he may be creating areas of self trauma due to be itchy. The most common causes of itching is allergies and fleas in cats. If he does not seem to be bothering the area, it could also be a ruptured cyst. This usually begins as a swollen area under the skin that then opens up. A white to grey material will ooze out. It would be a good idea for Sox to see his veterinarian to determine if a medication is needed. I hope this information helps!

It looks like it could be an injury to your cat’s tail. If he’s allowed outside, he could have gotten into a fight with another cat causing the wound. Cat bites frequently become infected and cause an abscess, so I would have this checked out by a vet today or tomorrow. The vet can clean it up and can give antibiotics as needed. I hope this helps!

The other spot was probably there at the same time but due to the fur covering the small puncture wound you did not see it. These wounds became infected and now that they are open the infection will drain out and they will heal. These are commonly due to cat bites or scratches. I clean them with peroxide and keep the scab off so the discharge can drain. If they are in an area the cat can’t lick I use a thin film of antibacterial ointment on them. Most fight wounds are either on the head or tail like these. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to help you care for Thor.