How short should a cats tail amputation be???

Question

My cat is going into surgery today, he's having his tail amputated because a careless a** decided to run him down -- given the location and time period it's clear it was on purpose - and believe me I could say a lot on how upset I am at that.

However, right now I am faced with the decision of having my cats tail amputated near the base (like a minx) or to have it amputated about four inches down - so his tail would be about 6 inches long. For some reason the vet gave me the option.

Now, I know I will adjust eventually - it will just take a while. I am not very good with change - I cringe every time I get a hair cut, so that is part of my concern. But at this point I am more thinking will my cat adjust better with a partial tail or with practically no tail?? Esthetically would a partial tail look better, or a stump? And do you think he will care what it looks like?

Answer 1

either way you choose to go with this, ultimately it is your fault that this cat got run over, had he not been outside in the first place he would never have gotten run over.  hopefully you will keep your cat inside from now on.

Answer 2

I tend to think the "stump" might look a little better, since a cat with a shortened tail might cause people to ask questions.  Like you said, minxes have stump tails, and so people might be more accepting of that.  Then again, whatever makes you comfortable, I suppose.  

Answer 3

Well, I tend to disagree with the others.  I say leave it as much intact as possible.  I would leave it the 6 inches to help him/her with balance and to not traumatize him/her as much.  

Also, I am a born kitty lover.  Unfortunately, with age I've developed allergic asthma so I can no longer have them in the house.  I have several outside though and just pray for their safety.  The way I see it is, they have a home and it's WAY better than the shelter, or being euthanized because no one wants them.  I don't know what your circumstances are, but don't get into a position of guilt because of what people say about having outdoor cats.  My kitties only come inside a certain room and only on occasion.  

Answer 4

I would leave it longer.  God forbid there be any problems with the surgery that may require additional repair work.  This is NOT about looks.  It is about function and once the tail is gone, it can't be replaced.  The closer you get to the anal area, the more potential there is for problems to arise.  I am very surprised this vet gave you a choice.  

I am glad your kitty will have a second chance.  

Prayers be with him.  

Answer 5

I think he is probably happy he wasn't killed.   You should be as well.  It doesn't matter how long or short it is.  Please keep your cat indoors.

Answer 6

I don't think he will care what it looks like at all.  Cats do fine with no tail so I guess it would be up to you.  I say go bobtail so it might look more natural.

Answer 7

There are a large number of muscles and nerves at the base of the tail that make it possible for the cat to move it as much as they do. They also impact on the function of various parts of the hind quarters, other than the tail.The closer the tail is removed to the rear of the cat, the more possible it becomes for some of these muscles and nerves to be damaged. While it's not likely for this to happen, it is a possibility. If he was my cat, I'd leave as much of the tail in tact as possible. Your cat will not really notice the difference after a while, and will still use the tail for self expression and to some extent, balance. So, more is better I think.