How sensetive are cats tails

[lilyfrog]

This morning when attempting to get one of my cats indoors before leaving work she was playing up and we ended up chasing around the pots at the bottom of the garden. I eventually lunged for her and as she slipped through my hand i grabbed her tail to pull her back a little so I could pick her up. She yowled a little but seemed un affected by the incedent and once I picked her up I stroked her very gently and soothed her. Once inside she carried on cleaning her self and eventually went upstairs to bed, staying well away from me the whole time
I am now totally racked with guilt that I have hurt her or damaged her in any way by pulling her tail?? Does any one know how sensetive / strong cats tails are?? Please answer sensetivley as I am feeling a little delicate and dont need to hear what an awful owner I am, I love my cats very much and care for them very responsibly!!

[QmunkE]

Well, providing you didn't grab it by the tail and hold it upside down, I think you'll be okay - their tails are pretty tough, I accidentally closed a window on my cat's tail, she yowled quick enough that I opened it before I had fully shut it, but she seemed fine in a couple of minutes.

[littleoldme]

Cats are very adept at making their owners feel guilty. The fact that she let you pick her up and soothe her would suggest she's not really angry or scared (and I guess she's still happy for you to feed her). Pulling her tail may have caused her a little sudden pain (and probably more surprise), but I very much doubt you've done any lasting damage. If you're really worried, ask your vet - no-one's going to think you're a bad person. It was accidental, after all. Don't worry, she'll be back on your lap in no time - as soon as she's sure she's sufficiently put your emotions through the wringer :-)

[milly143]

I'm sure she will forgive you. My kitten likes to play with feet and it makes it a little difficult to walk across a room, sometimes ending up with me tripping over and standing on his paws, by accident obv (wouldn't do it on purpose). He'll have a little tantrum and then come back for cuddles once he realises he wants feeding.

[kaktus]

 I would say that QmunkE  and littleoldme are right, if something is seriously wrong she would let you know and cats are the masters of being offended and making their worried mums and dads feel guilty.

[ShellyHall]

As littleoldme points out, cats like to make their owners feel guilty.  I hate it when my cat ignores me, but he usually comes round eventually.  I think it's their way of keeping you in your place - it's the cat that owns the human not the human who owns the cat!

If she is in pain she'll soon let you know.

[Alixw]

I wouldn't worry too much - my cat once came in in the morning with just the bone sticking out the top her her tail!! We think she must have caught it on a bit glass or something and it tore the skin off. Was not a pretty sight!! But she was walking around like she couldn't feel a thing. So I'd say your cat is just doing it for the attention, and possible extra treats due to your guilt!!

[woofgang]

Just a thought, your cat might have some tail damage (cut, sctratch, splinter)which you DID NOT do, and you might have caught her on a tender spot. It might be worth keeping an eye on her for a few days just in case.

[butterfly76]

I don't think you should worry, my daughter thinks the cats tail is a lead and is constantly gripping onto it. Never does him any harm!

[lilyfrog]

Thanks for all your soothing words, she seemed fine when I got home, but I allowed her to stay out on the tiles all night to make up for the incident!!