Stud Tail in Cats

Stud tail is actually Seborrhea of the tail. Cats have 2 types of skin glands. Sweat glands, most of which are non functional and sebaceous glands. Sebaceous glands are associated with hair follicles and produce an oily substance called sebum. Sebum repels water which makes the hair coat somewhat water proof and helps maintain normal skin texture. The largest sebaceous glands in cats are located on the chin, lips and upper top part of the tail. Diagnosis is usually based on signs.

SIGNS OF STUD TAIL

Greasy area of fur on the top of tail. Fur may turn a yellowish color. Pus from secondary bacterial infection may or may not be present.

TREATMENT OF STUD TAIL

Matted tail hair should be removed with clippers. The tail is cleaned daily with a Benzyl Peroxide or an oatmeal based shampoo. (avoid tar based shampoo in cats) Rinse well with water and air dry. This tends to recur and may need daily cleansing. A biopsy is recommended to confirm the diagnosis for cases that do not respond.

BRAN BATH FOR CATS

Bran bath removes dirt and grease from cat coats.

BRAN BATH RECIPE:
Mix ¼ cup oat bran into 1 cup of distilled water, cover loosely, store at room temperature 24-hours then refrigerate. Can use this to spot clean greasy skin areas, such as chins with acne, and areas with stud tail.

FULL BODY BRAN BATH PROCEDURE
6 ounces bran warmed in the oven, rub warm bran into the cat’s coat going against the grain of the fur. Leave on 2-3 minutes and brush out gently with a natural bristle brush. Use for cats with greasy hair coats. Use bran from the feed mill for horses in this recipe. This is very effective for Siamese, Burmese and Oriental cats that tend to have greasy hair coats and the results are excellent. Many breeders give a bran bath a couple days prior to exhibitions.

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