How to Care for Tail-Cysts in Cats

A cyst is a sac within the skin containing sebum, oil, pus and dirt. Cats are most prone to sebaceous cysts, which are filled with sebum. Sebum is an oil that's naturally produced to keep the skin moist and supple, but occasionally, the sebum may accumulate in pores and follicles, resulting in the formation of a cyst. Intact male cats are most prone to sebaceous cysts, which usually form along the cat's spine and near the base of the tail. An unneutered male cat's body will produce hormones that trigger an increased production of sebum and skin oils. This results in a "greasy" appearance to the cat's coat, particularly along the spine and tail. This increases the chances that a sebaceous cyst will form. Hairless cats and cats suffering from alopecia are also prone to cysts. Cats can easily access their lower back and tail, so they'll need to wear an e-collar to prevent licking, which can lead to infection. A cyst is fairly easy to identify. The cyst is a firm (but not rock hard), round bump on the skin's surface. It may remain the same size for weeks or months. Cysts are generally not red or inflamed, though they can become red and swollen if the area gets infected.

Things You'll Need

Hydrogen peroxide or Betadine
Needle or straight pin
Scissors
Heat pack
Washcloth
Water
Antibacterial soap
Latex gloves
Cotton pads
Antibiotic ointment
Inflatable e-collar

Instructions

- 1
  Soak a needle or straight pin in a cap full of hydrogen peroxide or Betadine. Leave it immersed in the liquid until it's needed in Step 7.
- 2
  Clip the area surrounding the cyst to allow for effective monitoring and air flow. Use scissors to carefully trim the hair on and around the cyst.
- 3
  Wrap a warm heat pack with a wet washcloth and apply the compress to the cyst for 15 minutes. This will soften the skin and bring the sebum and fluid to the surface.
- 4
  Wash your hands with antibacterial soap and allow them to air dry.
- 5
  Don a pair of latex gloves.
- 6
  Swab the cyst and the surrounding area with a cotton pad soaked with Betadine or hydrogen peroxide.
- 7
  Remove the pin from the hydrogen peroxide or Betadine and lance the cyst. Penetrate the skin near the center of the cyst.
- 8
  Drain the cyst by applying pressure with a thumb and pointer finger, placed at 9 o'clock and 3 o'clock, with the cyst in the center. Press down on the skin beside the cyst and then slide your fingers toward the bump. Apply pressure from several different angles by rotating your fingers around the cyst. Continue until there is no more discharge emerging. If you do not see discharge, it's possible you didn't fully penetrate the skin. Relance the cyst.
- 9
  Wipe away the discharge with a cotton pad, damp with hydrogen peroxide or Betadine. The discharge from a sebaceous cyst will have a toothpaste-like consistency.
- 10
  Swab the drained cyst with a cotton pad, damp with hydrogen peroxide or Betadine. Allow it to air dry.
- 11
  Remove and discard the latex gloves.
- 12
  Apply a dab of antibiotic ointment to jump-start the healing process.
- 13
  Inflate the inflatable e-collar by blowing into the valve. Secure the valve when it's full.
- 14
  Place the e-collar around the cat's neck. Inflatable e-collars are secured with Velcro. This will prevent the cat from positioning its head in a manner that will allow it to lick its tail and lower back. The cat must remain indoors while it's wearing an e-collar.
- 15
  Swab the cyst twice daily with a cotton pad soaked with hydrogen peroxide or Betadine. This will clean the area and prevent infection.
- 16
  Monitor the area daily. The cyst should improve with time. Drainage will cease, the skin will heal and the bump will disappear. If it is not healing or if it begins to look red and swollen, this indicates infection. Seek immediate assistance from a veterinarian.
- 17
  Remove the cat's e-collar when the cyst has healed.