Cats don’t “fall off” on their own in the normal course of life. When a cat’s tail appears to be missing or severed, it’s almost always due to injury or a medical condition that required amputation. Here’s a concise explanation of the main possibilities and what they mean. Direct causes

• Trauma or crush injuries: Doors, car accidents, or being caught in objects can fracture or sever parts of the tail. In severe cases, emergency veterinary care is needed, and sometimes the tail must be amputated to prevent ongoing pain or infection.
• Tail avulsion or degloving: The tail skin and tissues can be torn away, often in high-impact injuries. This is a serious wound that commonly requires surgical removal of the damaged portion or the entire tail to prevent infection and resolve pain.

Indirect and less common causes

• Infections or tumors: Severe infections, abscesses, or cancerous growths in the tail can damage tissue enough that amputation is recommended.
• Auto-mutilation or self-inflicted wounds: Conditions like flea allergies, dermatitis, or feline hyperesthesia syndrome can lead to chronic licking/chewing, open wounds, and secondary tissue loss.
• Severe burns or frostbite: Extreme temperatures can cause tissue death in the tail, sometimes necessitating amputation.

What to do if you notice tail loss or severe tail injury

• Seek veterinary care immediately. Tail injuries can be painful and may involve nerves, blood vessels, and bone—early treatment improves outcomes.
• Do not attempt to “save” a damaged tail at home. Avoid manipulating the tail excessively, applying creams without vet guidance, or giving human medications.
• Monitor for signs of systemic illness: lethargy, vomiting, fever, or loss of appetite, which require urgent assessment.

Long-term implications

• Pain management and mobility: After amputation, most cats adapt quickly. Some may need pain medications for a short period, and rare cases involve rehabilitation or physical therapy.
• Behavioral changes: Cats typically cope well after tail removal, though you may observe adjustments in balance or grooming patterns initially.

If you’d like, share more details about what you’re observing (e.g., whether there’s bleeding, exposed tissue, or a missing tail segment), and I can help interpret what it might indicate and what questions to ask a veterinarian.