Recurring Cat's Tail Disease: Prevention Tips

Cat's马尾Symptoms

Cats have a dense distribution of sebaceous glands on the dorsal side of the base of their tails. During the estrous period, these glands secrete oil to mark their territory with scent.

Due to the increased number of sebaceous glands in the tail root area, they become enlarged and proliferate under the stimulation of androgens. The excessive oil secreted by the glands can clog pores, leading to folliculitis, greasy tails, and hair loss. The main symptoms include lesions on the tail, which may result in hair loss, darkening of the skin, waxy accumulations, or dark scales.

Most cases of cat's马尾 occur in male cats during the breeding season, but a few female cats and neutered male cats may also be affected. Initially, the symptoms are often not noticeable and rarely cause discomfort to the cat. Many pet owners may mistakenly attribute the symptoms to poor hygiene, only to find that washing the cat does not alleviate the condition.

Secondary bacterial infections can lead to varying degrees of itching, prompting the cat to excessively lick and bite its tail.

How to Prevent and Cure Cat's马尾 Disease?

1. Bathing Your Cat Appropriately

Cats are naturally clean creatures. If the living environment is wellmaintained, cats over 6 months old typically only need to be bathed once every 12 months. For homes with poor hygiene, a monthly bath is recommended. Proper cleaning can keep the cat's skin and fur clean, reduce bacterial growth, and prevent skin diseases. Avoid using human shampoos, as they can be too alkaline and damage the cat's hair and skin. Instead, opt for a catspecific shampoo like Skin Health, which promotes healthy skin growth and has a refreshing scent.

2. Regularly Brush Your Cat's Fur

While cats are good at cleaning themselves, there are areas they can't reach, especially for overweight cats that lack flexibility. This can lead to poor selfcleaning and areas that become difficult to clean. Regular grooming not only promotes blood circulation and allows you to monitor the cat's skin, but also prevents the cat from ingesting too much fur.

3. Spaying or Neutering Your Cat

Spaying or neutering reduces androgen levels and decreases oil production, thereby lowering the risk of developing the condition. For cats already affected by马尾, neutering can prevent the condition from worsening. Once hormone levels decrease,马尾 can be cured effectively. (This is a highly recommended method.)

4. Medication to Prevent Progression

The initial symptoms of cat's马尾 are small blackheads. This is the best time for treatment and control. Use Skinoren spray to alleviate skin symptoms and prevent infection, and complement it with oral vitamin B complex solution to enhance the cat's skin immunity. Keeping the condition in check can prevent it from progressing to folliculitis or skin diseases, sparing the cat from the pain of tail amputation.

In cases of severe infection, remember to seek veterinary care promptly!