Two Easy Ways to Start Earning Rewards!
Earn 2X Pals Rewards points at Petco
when you use Petco Pay!
Updated on September 23rd, 2025
Pet's info: Cat | Mixed Breed | Male | neutered | 11 months and 27 days old | 10 lbs
Would you happen to know if my cats tail is broken and needs to go to the emergency room asap or just keep an eye on it and apply Neosporin to the wound. My cat got his tail stick in the door when I was closing it and it scraped his fur off the tip.
3 Answers

Answered By Kevin Sanada, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on May 28th, 2018
Answered By Silvia De Cecco, DVM, MRCVS
Veterinarian
Published on September 7th, 2018
Poor Rocky! The fact he can move the tail it is a very good sign but possibly he is painful as he cannot keep it as straight as usual. The lesion/scratch I can observe seems superficial but it has to be cleaned/disinfected and monitored for infection. Therefore if you have the chance to have him checked by your local vet would be ideal so the lesion can be cleaned and appropriate treatment administered (i.e. painkiller). Please post again on the forum if you would like to discuss it further. I hope my answer was helpful. Take care!
6Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Jenna Beyer, DVM, MBA, cVMA
Veterinarian, Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist
Published on May 20th, 2019
There isn’t much you can do. The best thing is to catch him ASAP and get him to the vet. Tail injuries can get infected very easily, and are often difficult to heal. The vet may need to amputate part of the tail to ensure successful healing, depending on the type of injury.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful