We have a black short-haired cat named Heini who's approximately 6 months old. For some reason he won't clean the upper portion of his tail. It seems like he can reach but just doesn't. I've managed to brush it out some but it's very oily and the fur is beginning to plate.

Should I bath him or just wait for him to start on his own? Is there any way I can get him to start doing it on his own? What should I do? :confused:

I think I would wash off off that area, may not be cat generated, could be man made product/dangerous? taste like crap, not poop.

Has the cat been to the vet? Very oily fur in that area makes me think that he might have a thyroid issue.

Has the cat been to the vet? Very oily fur in that area makes me think that he might have a thyroid issue.

Yes. We just took him and his blood work showed he was healthy. I'm starting to think he just doesn't clean there. I've been watching him like a hawk and he does clean his tail, just not in that spot. He also doesn't have an lesions or sores that would prevent him from doing so.

Can you clean that area, as it may be something not Cat generated,
Motor oil, transmission fluid, something? Try cleaning it once then see if, he takes over.