Black bits at base of hair all over tail?

[Gillian Harvey]

Definitely sounds like stud tail - yes, even females can get it 

[sheilarose]

Don't know if you saw this article?

http://www.petplace.com/cats/stud-tail-in-cats--supracaudal-gland-hyperplasia/page1.aspx

[blackcat]

Fleas were my first thought also...

[fluffybunny]

My Geoffrey had the equivalent of stud tail under his chin, they're basically a bit like human blackheads/acne.  Geoffrey's needed systemic antibiotics to clear up as well as hibiscrub bathing, if it is the same thing you may get away with just the hibiscrub if its relatively minor or it may need additional abx to get to any underlying infection.  Geoffrey's took about 6 weeks to clear up but it hasn't recurred, we think his was due to a new food bowl which meant he was getting gravy all over his chin, so we swapped his bowl.  But on the tail I guess it might be symptomatic of something else going on so it is definitely worth keeping an eye on and getting an all over vet check.

Good luck! X

[Tiggy's Mum]

As I was reading my first thought was 'flea dirt' - I know when Tiggy had fleas that was the area that seemed most affected... but then I got to the bottom of your post and saw it wasn't!

Very strange, hopefully the vet can shed some light!

[HelenD]

Hi Kay

Yes that's the only thing I found that seemed about right. I've just given it a gentle wipe with really dilute hibiscrub on a damp cotton ball. It's slowly coming off, looks like earwax! 

Will have another go tomorrow (she had enough LOL) and will speak to the vet Monday to confirm

Thanks
H

[Kay and Penny]

have a google  of stud tail - it sounds very much as if this is what she has

[HelenD]

Hi all,

Another thing we have found today that's stumped me.....

Brushing her Ladyship today (she doesn't like it, so we rarely get to!) I noticed what looked like black build up at the base of some of the loose hairs.

On further inspection, her poor little tail is covered in this, all along the bottom of the hairs when you part the fur It's not flea dirt as she's not got any fleas, and I did the damp kitchen roll test and it's not red/rusty, any ideas??

I'll call the vets Monday but am hoping someone else might have seen this before?

Thanks!