If the sebum glands on the cat’s tail get out of balance, this can have unpleasant consequences for the four-legged friend: a fat tail. Find out here what you can do about greasy fur on a cat’s tail.
What is a fat tail in cats?
The colloquial term “fat tail” is derived from the greasy fur that comes with a fat tail. This fat is sebum from the cat’s tail glands. The sebum glands are located near the base of the tail. In a fat tail, these glands are inflamed and produce too much sebum.
Which cats get a fat tail?
All cats, whether male or female, can be affected by a fat tail. Persian cats and other semi-long-haired and long-haired cats are at higher risk for the disease. With age, the likelihood that the velvet paw will develop a fat tail increases. Hormonal changes can also bring the skin out of balance for a short time – for example after castration or pregnancy.
For a long time, many cat owners and veterinarians assumed that neutered cats were less likely to develop a fat tail. Older, non-neutered males, in particular, are at greater risk of developing a fat tail – it was said. However, this has not been proven.
Oily tail in the cat: symptoms
As the name suggests, symptoms around the cat’s fat tail are localized. The area around the base of the tail is affected. The following possible symptoms of a tomcat or cat’s fat tail show up:
- oily fur
- dandruff
- bald spots/hair loss
- reddened skin
- unpleasant smell
- itching: The cat licks itself more often
Fat tail – when to the vet?
If your cat has symptoms of a fat tail, you should make an appointment with the vet as soon as possible. Because if the skin is already damaged, bacteria or fungi quickly join in. The vet will make the diagnosis and can treat possible bacterial or fungal infections. In rare cases, a parasite infestation can look similar to the fat tail – for example, an infestation with mites. This is another reason why it is important to get an accurate diagnosis from the veterinarian.
Treating cats’ fat tails: shampoos, etc.
With a fat tail, the ultimate goal is to bring the skin back into balance. Special degreasing shampoos for cats help here – your vet will advise you accordingly. With the shampoos, you clean the affected skin and rid yourself of the excess fat so that it can “breathe” again. It is not necessary to bathe the whole cat for this.
After consulting the veterinarian, you can disinfect the area daily with an alcohol-based agent. This is how you prevent harmful bacteria from docking. If there is already a bacterial infection on the fat tail, the vet will prescribe an antibiotic.
Are there any home remedies for the fat tail?
If the symptoms are only mild, you can try using home remedies to get better. In the broadest sense, this includes “powders” that absorb excess sebum and thus restore balance. For example, put corn or potato starch on the base of the tail once or twice a day. Baby powder – without fragrances – and sulfur powder can also help. If the symptoms do not improve within a few days or if the condition of the velvet paw worsens, you should definitely make an appointment with the vet.
How can you prevent cats from having a fat tail?
Inflammation of the tail glands can appear out of nowhere in the cat. In long-haired cats, in particular, check every few days for redness or oily skin at the base of the tail. The earlier you recognize the fat tail, the easier it is for you and your four-legged friend to get rid of it.
Has your cat already had a fat tail or would you like to prevent a fat tail in a Persian or semi-long-haired cat? Then you can use talcum powder or a dry cat shampoo at the base of the tail once a week. Simply massage the powder lightly onto the fur around the base of the tail.
