Slammed by a door. Stepped on or pulled by a person. Bitten off by another animal. Run over by an automobile or other moving vehicle.

A limp tail. A bend or kink in the tail. [4] X Research source A paralyzed tail.

Reduced hopping reactions, which are the legs’ reaction to an external stimulus. These may not be immediately visible to you, but a neurological examination of your cat may include testing this reaction. [6] X Research source Slower reflexes and lethargy. [7] X Research source Careful paw placement.

Call the vet’s office or an emergency vet clinic to inform them that your cat has or may have a tail pull injury. Provide any relevant details such as if your cat is howling in pain and not able to control its urinary function. This can ensure you get a diagnosis and treatment as soon as possible.

Tell your vet any specific symptoms you have noticed in your cat. This can help the doctor better assess the injury. Answer any questions that your vet may have about your cat’s behavior or physical signs of injury. Allow your vet to perform a complete physical and neurological examination on your cat. This can detect potential related conditions including spinal displacement. [10] X Research source Recognize that your vet may perform blood work, a urinalysis, or X-rays on your cat. These can also rule out other conditions that may appear like a pull injury.

Make sure your cat gets sufficient rest, which can promote healing.

Allow your cat plenty of rest following its surgery. This can promote healing and minimize the risk of infection. Follow your vet’s post-op instructions. This will likely include rest, pain medication and a course of antibiotics. Your vet may also prescribe medications stool softeners for constipation or bladder expressing if your cat has no sensation in its urethra.

Be aware that tail amputation due to injury is common for cats. [15] X Research source It can take your cat—and you—time to get used to not having a tail, but it is unlikely that the amputation will have a long-term impact on your cat’s behavior. [16] X Research source Follow your vet’s post-op instructions. Even though it is common, amputation is still major surgery. The instructions may include giving your cat pain meds, antibiotics, stool softeners, and how to operate a urinary catheter. Contact your vet immediately if you notice any signs of infection at the amputation site. These may include: bleeding or leakage from the site, swelling, bruising, pale gums, strong body odor, diarrhea, difficulty breathing. [17] X Research source

Consider making a cozy space in a separate room or crate for your cat. This can help you better observe your cat and its recovery. Place warm blankets in your cat’s space. These can invite your cat to rest often. Make sure to provide fresh food and water at least once every day, even if your cat doesn’t have much of an appetite. This can minimize the risk of infection. Understand that cats are very clean and sensitive to their litter box. Provide your cat a clean little box filled with shredded paper instead of litter. This can minimize the risk of infection from litter dust. [19] X Research source

Let your cat get mild exercise such as playing with a ball in its rest area or crate. Keep your cat indoors if it goes outside. This can also help prevent further injury, infection, and even attacks by other animals.

Recognize that your cat’s vet will let you know the best way to handle the cat’s incontinence. Your cat may require manual expression of the bladder by your vet or you at home. The vet may also suggest a cystotomy, or surgical incision, into your cat’s bladder to aid urinary incontinence. [21] X Trustworthy Source PubMed Central Journal archive from the U. S. National Institutes of Health Go to source Give your cat stool softeners as advised by your doctor to aid any constipation. Let your vet know if the incontinence gets worse or doesn’t go away. The vet can suggest different or alternative treatments for it.

Schedule follow-up visits as often as your vets suggest or is necessary if your cat is experiencing additional problems with its tail.