Cat cries when touching base of tail – what to do next

Here are a few common reasons why your cat may suddenly cry or meow excessively whenever you touch the base of its tail.

Hyperesthesia syndrome

Also called the twitchy cat syndrome, hyperesthesia refers to extreme sensitivity a specific part of the cat’s skin. It usually occurs near the base of the cat’s tail. How the cat responds may vary. Some may just cry or meow. Others may show a more aggressive response such as biting and scratching. There could be a number of underlying issues that could cause hyperesthesia, such as neurological, psychological, or dermatological problems.

Tail injuries

There could be a fracture in the cat’s tail. In addition to the sudden crying behavior, the cat’s tail may also appear limp or fall to one side. It’s important to have broken tails treated quickly as the lack of action may result in permanent nerve damage. Other signs to look out for are swelling and the cat having troubling urinating or passing stool.

Skin abscess and cysts

Some cats may also cry when the base of their tail gets touched due to the presence of an abscess or cyst. You might notice a lump along the base of the cat’s tail if they are affected by such skin conditions. There could be a number of ways a cat could develop abscess along the base of the tail, one of which is if another cat frequently bites the area.

Regardless of what the cause is, it’s important to have your cat assessed by a vet as soon as possible if the behavior is sudden and doesn’t disappear.