Foxtails may seem like harmless grass, but for cats, they can be a serious health hazard. These barbed grass seed heads can easily attach to your cat’s fur and burrow into their skin, causing infections, pain, and even life-threatening complications. If your cat spends time outdoors, knowing the dangers of foxtails and how to prevent them is crucial.
What Are Foxtails?
Foxtails are spike-like grass seed clusters that resemble a fox’s tail. They are commonly found in fields, parks, and yards, especially in dry climates. The problem with foxtails is their sharp, barbed structure, which allows them to attach easily to fur and burrow deeper into the skin, nose, ears, and even internal organs.
Why Are Foxtails Dangerous to Cats?
Unlike regular seeds, foxtails don’t simply fall off—they keep moving forward once they attach to your cat. This can lead to:
- Painful Abscesses – If a foxtail burrows under the skin, it can cause swelling, pus, and painful infections.
- Eye Injuries – If a foxtail gets into your cat’s eye, it can lead to ulcers or vision loss.
- Nose and Throat Issues – Inhaled foxtails can cause sneezing, coughing, and even respiratory infections.
- Ear Infections – Foxtails in the ears can cause shaking, scratching, and deep infections.
- Internal Damage – In rare cases, foxtails can migrate inside the body, leading to organ damage or emergency surgery.
Signs Your Cat Has a Foxtail
After spending time outdoors, it’s important to keep a lookout for any signs that your cat may have come into contact with foxtails. Common symptoms include:
- Excessive licking or biting at a specific spot – Cats often try to remove foxtails themselves, so they may focus on one area, licking or biting it.
- Red, swollen, or painful areas on the skin – Foxtails that have pierced the skin can cause visible inflammation and discomfort.
- Limping – If the foxtail is lodged in a paw, your cat may limp or avoid putting weight on that foot.
- Frequent sneezing or coughing – Foxtails inhaled into the nose or throat can trigger respiratory issues such as sneezing or coughing.
- Head shaking or pawing at ears – If the foxtail has lodged in the ear, your cat may shake its head excessively or paw at the ears.
- Watery or swollen eyes – Foxtails that make contact with the eyes can lead to watering, swelling, or other eye issues.
If you notice any of these symptoms, carefully check for foxtails in your cat’s fur, and if necessary, seek veterinary care.
What to Do If Your Cat Gets a Foxtail
1️⃣ Check their fur – Look through your cat’s fur, especially between toes, ears, and belly.
2️⃣ Remove it carefully – If the foxtail is on the surface and not embedded, use tweezers to pull it out.
3️⃣ Don’t force it – If it’s deep in the skin or a sensitive area, go to the vet.
4️⃣ Watch for infection – If the area becomes red, swollen, or pus-filled, get medical help.
How to Prevent Foxtail Problems
✔ Keep your cat indoors – The safest way to avoid foxtails is to limit outdoor exposure.
✔ Check your yard – Remove foxtails from your yard before they dry and spread.
✔ Brush your cat regularly – After outdoor adventures, inspect their fur for any stuck foxtails.
✔ Trim long fur – Keeping fur short (especially on paws and ears) reduces the risk of foxtail attachment.
✔ Use protective gear – Consider a cat-safe harness or clothing for outdoor cats in foxtail-prone areas.
Foxtails are more than just a nuisance—they can be a real danger to cats. By recognizing the risks, checking your cat’s fur regularly, and taking preventive measures, you can keep your feline friend safe from these pesky grass seeds. If you suspect a foxtail has embedded itself in your cat’s skin, don’t wait—seek veterinary help immediately.
