When a Cat’s Tail Droops

Q: My indoor cat has a drooping tail. He still walks, plays and eats. Will this correct itself?

A: That depends entirely on the cause of the condition. Some cats suffer neurological damage to the tail because of trauma, that is, if their tail gets caught in a door or if it is pulled. In most cases, the nerve injury heals slowly over time, and tail function returns.

In some cases, though, the nerve injury becomes permanent. Most cats do fine with a droopy tail, although it may get soiled if the cat cannot control the tail when posturing to urinate or defecate. In these instances, the tail might have to be amputated.

If tail function does not return in a few weeks, it is unlikely to return at all.