Tail Amputation

[Sonson58]

Hi cat Lola who is 11 had her tail amputated 2 yrs ago and is left with a small stub. Just recently she has started jumping up and turning as if to attack/lick her tail (which obviously isn’t there). She did this just prior to having the tail amputated when the tail was fractured and she had basically chewed all the hair from the tip of it.

is this phantom nerve pain or something else?

 

[mrsgreenjeens]

Well, it's really impossible for us to know what she is thinking/feeling. If she was doing that BEFORE the amputation, was she diagnosed with Feline Hyperthesia? They often attack their tails, and I suppose it's possible that might continue even after amputation, although it seems strange it would start up again after two years.

Have you mentioned this to you Vet? If not, I would.

 

[FeebysOwner]

Hi and welcome to TCS. I agree with all of the above. Given her age, and not knowing where the location specifically is, is it possible that she is experiencing arthritis? You mentioned a fracture, perhaps that has affected the joint above the amputation?

 

[silent meowlook]

Hi. It would be very unusual, in my experience, for a cat to be fine and then experience phantom pain years later. Phantom pain is most often right after the amputation.

Make sure she doesn’t have fleas. This is often the cause of many self mutilation type things with cats. To check, be sure to flea comb her. If she will allow it.

She is going to need to see a veterinarian to figure out what is going on. It could be many things from constipation related to arthritis to one of many skin or neurological disorders.

If she was my cat, I would get her in to the vet as soon as you can. Preferably a feline only veterinarian if there is one available in your area.