My cat's tail is painful and not moving. Should I see a vet?

Poor Simba! If he isn't moving his tail and he meows when you touch it, I would be concerned that he has injured his tail, possibly even broken it. He could have also injured his back preventing him from moving his tail. I would keep him indoors tonight and take him into a vet first thing in the morning for a physical exam and x-rays. The vet can diagnose what is causing these symptoms so he can be treated. Likely he is hiding and not moving because he is in pain, which is why it's important to get him into the vet first thing in the morning. Please do not give him any human pain medications, as many are toxic to cats and are fatal if given. The vet can prescribe pain medications as needed. Good luck, I hope this helps!

I would be concerned if the area is painful or she cannot hold the tail in a normal position as it may be injured or broken. It would be best to bring your cat to a vet ASAP to have the area examined, X-rayed for any breaks, and checked for any nerve or other injuries causing it.

Thank you for contacting Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach with your question about Albhe. This happens more often than you realize! It's very important you do not give him any human pain medications. Many are toxic to cats and are fatal if given. I would keep a close eye on him to see if he has any pain. Pain can be shown by him keeping his tail limp, not moving it, lethargy, or a loss of appetite. If you see any of those signs, have him seen by a vet. I hope this helps.

Puss's tail could still be painful, which may be why she won't let you touch it. Do NOT give her any human pain medications. Many are toxic to cats, and can be fatal if given. Keep an eye on her, and if she is still sensitive to having her tail touched after another 24 hours, have her seen by a vet. I hope this helps!

It could be that Moochacho injured his back or tail while outside. I would keep him indoors tonight and do not let him outside in the morning. If his tail is still limp in the morning, give the vet a call and make an appointment for him to be seen that day. Do not give him any human pain medications, as many are toxic to cats and are fatal if given. The vet can prescribe pain medications as needed, and treat the cause of the limp tail. Best of luck, I hope this helps!

It sounds like Honey has likely hurt herself in this region. She may have got her tail trapped and hurt a nerve or muscle. Have a feel and see if there are any obvious lumps or pain. Another cause could be if her anal glands are impacted, your vet can check these. Hopefully if it is a pull injury it will get better with time.

Hello and thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! When a cat is holding their tail lower or not able to move it around normally it can indication an issue with the sacrum, an injury to the tail, or even a neurologic issue. If Dora seems to be acting otherwise normally (eating and drinking normally, walking normally and without a limp or stiffness, not hiding, still grooming, using the litter box normally) it may be okay to wait until tomorrow. However, this could be a sign of pain and heat can be from inflammation or infection. If you are concerned that Dora is in pain it may be worth it to make a trip to the emergency veterinarian for peace of mind. And certainly if Dora is not walking normally, not eating or drinking or having trouble urinating or defecating you should definitely see a veterinarian tonight. Good luck and I hope Dora is feeling better soon!