Salt Lake City/Taylorsville Utah's

Redwood Veterinary Hospital

(801)-966-3974

Logo for Redwood Veterinary Hospital located in Taylorsville, Utah
Salt Lake City/Taylorsville Utah's

Redwood Veterinary Hospital

(801)-966-3974
Foxtail grass like that found along the foothills in the Salt Lake City valley

Cat Foxtail Safety Tips

Foxtail grasses, are known by a variety of names including wild barley, needle grass, spear grass, and foxtails. The grass is characterized by it's distinctive top that resembles a fox's tail. They are found along the foothills, canals and just about anywhere that you can find weeds in Utah. Our wet winters can lead to a spring with lots of foxtails throughout the valley.

The flowering spikes are a common threat to outdoor cats that can be dangerous and painful for any animal. The spikes can enter about any part of your cat and cause extreme discomfort. The barb on the plant hooks under the cats skin and once in the skin can only move forward, not back out. The spikes are most commonly found in your cat's toes, ears, and under their eyelids. During the spring, removal of foxtails from cats is a common procedure for veterinarians throughout the state of Utah.

Foxtail Warning Signs
  • Head Shaking. A foxtail lodged in their ear could cause your cat to shake their head frequently. Foxtails can lodge deep in the ear canal, your veterinarian can check for this with a special scope.
  • Head Scratching. If your cat is frequently scratching their head, they could have a foxtail lodged in their ear. Again, foxtails can lodge deep in the ear canal of your cat, your veterinarian can check for this with a special scope.
  • Squinting or Odd Eye Behavior. If your cat is squinting or having behaviors that indicate an irritation in the eye. This can be a foxtail lodged under an eyelid. Contact your veterinarian for help.
  • Frequent Toe Licking. Frequent toe licking can be an indication of your cat having a foxtail lodged between or in their foot pads. Check between their toes for any signs of foxtails.
  • Limping. Watch for limping or any sign of foot pain. Check between their toes for foxtails. If the limping persists, contact your veterinarian for assistance.
  • Sneezing and/or Nasal Discharge. If your cat is frequently sneezing or is having a discharge coming from their nose, this can be a sign of a foxtail lodged inside the nose. Contact your veterinarian for help.

If you cannot remove the foxtail with tweezers, you will need to contact your veterinarian. Once the foxtails are stuck under the skin, they create an abscess with a draining tract (hole) where the foxtail entered. If it has reached this stage, sedation and removal with special tools becomes necessary. Your cat will then need antibiotics and pain medicine to help them recover.

Logo for Redwood Veterinary Hospital located in Taylorsville, Utah
Salt Lake City Veterinarians
Taylorsville Animal Hospital Since 1982