Feline Stud Tail – Stud Tail in Cats
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Feline Stud Tail
Feline stud tail (seborrhea of the tail) is a condition that can affect non-neutered, long haired, male cats. Stud tail looks like a waxy buildup on top of the tail and is caused by an overactive sebaceous and/or apocrine gland which is located at the on the tail.
This is more common in non-neutered cats because the sebaceous gland can increase its reaction to the male hormones.
Feline Stud Tail Treatment
Feline stud tail in cats can be handled a couple of different ways:
- Keeping the area clean is a must. Try using an anti-seborrhoeic shampoo (dandruff shampoo) making sure to rub the soap in and rinse thoroughly. Always make sure to dry the tail completely on a cool setting of the dryer.
- Keep the area mat free is also a must. Clip the hair on the tail if need be. Groom the tail often making sure to remove any debris. Or simply shave it, so there is air and sunlight exposure (some studies have shown that fresh air and sunlight exposure help this condition.
- Neuter your cat. It might not cure the problem but could help curb some of the male hormones, giving the sebaceous gland a break.
In some extreme cases, male cats can be treated with female hormones. Make sure to be under a vet’s supervision during this treatment. These hormones may help solve the problem of stud tail but could open the door to other side effects.
A home remedy for stud tail in cats is to use corn starch on the area. Bush it through the fur making sure to remove any clumps of it. It will help take care of some of the greasiness and keep the area dry so it will not get infected.
Should you begin seeing signs of infection or if there is an odor that is accompanying the greasy residue, be sure get you cat into the vet. There are certain side effects such as bacterial infections that could cause problems down the road.
Feline stud tail does not always have a bacterial infection along with it, so although a vet may prescribe antibiotics, they don’t always work. There are shampoos made specifically for this condition that can be used often, some contain benzoyl peroxide.
Stud tail is an inconvenient thing to deal with but with proper care and grooming can be reduced or eliminated. Getting in a grooming routine will be beneficial to both you and your feline friend.
Additional Stud Tail Information
How to Reduce Stud Tail in Male Cats
One reader reported that she uses Virbac Sebolytic Shampoo on stud tail.
Hi, I’m Jenny Dean, creator of Floppycats! Ever since my Aunt got the first Ragdoll cat in our family, I have loved the breed. Inspired by my childhood Ragdoll cat, Rags, I created Floppycats to connect, share and inspire other Ragdoll cat lovers around the world,
Poor male kittehs! I had no idea this condition even existed. Thank you, Jenny, for the very great information (as usual)!!!!
Big hugs!
Patti & Miss Pink Sugarbelle 🙂 <3