My cat, Cracker is natural bob tail. Since birth he was stumpless. This area constantly oozes and will bleed. It has healed up for a couple of months this fall but is weeping now. Is this normal? What can I do to help him?

-- Mary Jane Jackson (maryjane@dixie-net.com), November 08, 2001

Answers

We presently have a bob tailed cat and in the past had the registered Manx cats also. Never have seemed to have this problem with their tails...stumps bleeding. Since you have had the kitten since birth it was not "cut off" by someone...get the vet to check it out. Might need a few stiches and anitbiotics. Don't let it go too long or you might risk getting an infection with your kitty. Good Luck !!

-- Helena (windyacs@npacc.net), November 08, 2001.

The mother cat may have chewed the tail off at birth and you did not know. She may of thought it was the naval cord. If you are not happy with a bobtail cat you can find a friend that wants a bobtail cat and get a vet to do a transplant. Good Luck!

-- jp (jerrypope54@hotmail.com), November 08, 2001.

I belive there is no registerd breed of Manx because of these problems with the hips, spine,digestive tracts. Has the cat ever prolapsed? Has a vet checked the internals out? Are the liquid & solid waste plumbing all normal? Are there any other 'hot spots' on the cat? Flea & food allergies will often affect the skin like this. The vet has a shot/pills for it. & will try & sell you astronomically priced food!

-- bj pepper in C. MS. (pepper.pepper@excite.com), November 08, 2001.

I received some help the other day from this web site on a dog with similar problems. He had hot spots. You can buy a hot spot medication at most drug stores. It has worked well!

-- lb (lanelynn@hotmail.com), November 08, 2001.

MJ, Manx kittens are often born deformed as mentioned above. Do go to a Vet and get a diagnoses. You didn't say how old your cat is. It may be an abcess or goodness knows what but I think a professional is needed. I hope you care for your cat enough to do this. Hope he is OK. LQ

-- Little Quacker (carouselxing@juno.com), November 08, 2001.

Mary Jane: I have seen a lot of cat problems but your cat's situation is not an obvious case of anything specific that comes to mind. Manx cats have more than their fair share of troubles involving the hind end. At the very least, a visit to your vet is in order. A course of antibiotics may do the trick, but diagnostic tests may also be needed. DO NOT ignore the problem hoping it will go away.

-- Gayle Robison, DVM (kestrel91316@aol.com), November 08, 2001.