Stud Tail

66 comments

Hi everyone! Poor Penny is going to be mad that I bumped her post for today. I want to tell you about Polar Bear’s recent issue. The poor guy already has feline herpes and a hyperactive thyroid.

When I adopted him 10 and a half years ago, he was not neutered. I was cat sitting in a not great neighborhood and I spotted him . I fed him and he kept waiting for me every day.  Being that he was fully grown and not fixed, I figured he was a stray so I took him- he did not object. I immediately brought him for FELV/FIV testing and to get neutered. His tail had what looked like black oil on it. I was told that happens to boys that are not fixed and it would clear up. It did after a while- and his male odor went away after a few smelly weeks.

Well now, all these years later, the oil is back.

It almost looks like flea dirt and there is one spot with what looks like a zit. The vet was confused and was going to research it, but I haven’t heard back ( in 2 weeks). I ended up doing my own research and found out it is called stud tail and it can happen to any cat even though it is more prevalent in unneutered males. Just as excess oil clogs pores in humans, it does the same in cats. Fortunately, he had an antibiotic shot for his herpes symptoms so that also helped this issue and it is clearing up. I also bought some wipes to keep it clean.

Here is a link to a more in-depth article click here

Has anyone ever had a cat with this issue?

We are joining Comedy Plus’ Happy Tuesday Blog Hop.

Penny will return with her tips next week.

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66 comments

  2. Since my human has had girl kitties for 30 years, she’s never had to deal with this. But she has heard of it.

  3. I have never heard of it, but Eric used to sometimes get a greasy spot near the base of his tail. I used to wash it when he got it, but had thought it was because he was always grooming there and over stimulating the oil production in his skin. Now I know what it really was.

  4. Wow. Bear gets really bad acne. Well, I should rephrase. He was fine for the last couple years – not even one flare up. Then the night before the CWA Conference, I noticed it on his chin. I know it hurts him – I hope that’s not the case with stud tail!

  5. Good for you figuring out what was going on with Polar Bear……I have never heard of that but then I’ve never had an unneutered cat before either. Sounds like an overactive (on occasion) gland but you have it under control even though it stumped your vet so BRAVO for you!!! Hopefully it doesn’t cause Polar Bear to be uncomfortable.

    Hugs, Pam

  6. We have never heard of that before now. All the males are fixed here and I have never seen anything on their tails. Thanks for that info. You all have a good day.

  8. SO far in life, none of my males or even females have had this. I hope they don’t, poor cats. Polar Bear, I am so glad your mama was right on it and researched too. I will read the link just for the knowledge in the event I can help someone else. XX Get all better Polar bear.

  9. Poor Polar Bear. I’ve heard that the base of tail can get oily but didn’t know any more detail. Glad it is clearing up.

  10. Mom’s Himalayan, Khartoum, had stud tail. She used fuller’s earth for it. Hope Polar Bear is better soon.

    The Florida Furkids

    ps – Khartoum was neutered and still got it

  12. I’ve heard of this but didn’t know what it meant. I’m glad it won’t hurt him and I hope it clears up soon. I wonder if there’s anything you can do to prevent it?

  15. Heard of it, but have not experienced it with any of our cats. Is your next book going to be about Polar Bear? I think you could make a terrific story out of finding him outside. Is he still feral-like, or has Polar Bear embraced inside living? See you another day, Penny!

    1. He is mostly adjusted, but gets overstimulated easily and whacks me.I am working on a story about Joanie and Sammy right now. 🙂 Penny wouldn’t mind a book with her tips too 🙂 XO

  16. I’m glad he has you to take care of him. So precious. You’ve a good heart, Ellen.

    Thank you for joining the Happy Tuesday Blog Hop.

    Have a fabulous Happy Tuesday. Scritches to Polar Bear. ♥

  21. dood….hope yur doin better….frank lee we haz never hurd oh thiz…we hope
    itz knot pain full in any way 🙁

    ♥♥

  22. I’m glad it’s clearing up, I’d never heard of it before. We’ve had mostly female cats though, and the two males we had were neutered young. Good to know about it though, since it can happen to any cat. Good job taking care of it!

  27. What a trouper Polar Bear is. There was a male cat at the clinic where I used to work who often struggled with clogged pores, and frequent cleanings with veterinary/medicated wipes helped him a lot. Purrs and prayers to Polar Bear, and to all of you!

  32. We’ve never heard it called that before, but Sunny had a few of these spots when we were first fostering her. Our vet had to clean them as they were pretty sizeable; one had to be surgically opened, drained and stitched. Thank you for taking care of PB!

  33. Marley here: I get a bit of oily fur-matting at the base of my tail and TBT has ta carefully comb it out. He says its the same stuff that keeps Beings hair from drying out.

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