The title states it all!

I have tried just about everything from corn starch to anti-dandruff or zinc based shampoos, peroxide, etc..., and while these all work for a little while, the grease and dirt are back on his lower and mid-tail (and private areas) in a day or two at most. While bathing him the other day, I also noticed new patches on the area just above his rear paws.

He doesn't scratch or lick the areas and the only way I found to keep it completely under control is to shave the affected areas, which makes Sasha look more like a French Poodle than a cat.

All and any suggestions appreciated.

Edit to add: Sasha can not be neutered due to partial paralysis.

Never use an anti dandruff shampoo on a cat - it is not healthy for them. The easiest solution would be to neuter him. You could try Goop before you bath him. I never had a problem with stud tail in my boys so not really sure what to tell you.

Lynda, what about zinc based shampoo? The dandruff shampoo was salicylic acid base, with no fragrances, etc...

I also edited my post concerning neutering Sasha. Unfortunately, he can not be neutered (see: viewtopic.php?f=10&t=4224).

It's the salicylic acid base which is the problem -- salicylic acid is aspirin and cats don't tolerate it well.

That is important for all of us to know Linda, thanks!!

Actually you can use dandruff shampoos on stud tail. You can use a sulphur based and s. acid base. Many vets swear by Selsun Blue. However the issue is a deeper skin issue. The shampoos will only work temporarily as the issue is bacteria and a possible underlying immune system issue. Adding Omega fatty acids in the diet will help. I would also recommend using a salve of aloe vera gel, goldenseal and/or colloidal silver several times a day. Medicated shampoo for seborrhea like Nizoral can help too.
Is the cat eating a high quality diet? Fresh water daily? Does the cat have a food allergy? Allergies make the problem worse or could be the cause of the initial problem. Fungus(not ringworm)can be an issue too.
I do not Goop my cats as I don't like the makeup of it. Jerob has a degreaser just for stud tail that is superior.
One more thought is to make sure you are washing him every other week maintenance and twice a week until the problem subsides. In some cases a cat has to take a short course of antibiotics. This is if you notice that the lesions are moist and/or smell.

As I said, I am lucky enough not to have the problem - my answer wasn't based on experience just opinion. I do however like Goop over the Jerob degreaser or any other feline degreaser. I just like the results better and have been using it for years with no problem. Whatever works for you best is what you should use!

My sincere apology for not responding sooner. Have had a very busy week.
Thank you for all the detailed information and suggestions.
I feed Sasha, Royal Canin Urinary SO (dry) as a steady diet, because of the rear paralysis. I am absolutely neurotic about keeping his glass bowl filled with fresh water and change it five to six times a day. As for food allergies, he refuses ALL food except the RC, so if it's food related, we're in trouble.
He tends to get the ear fungus (but never an odor and it seems like it blooms overnight) when he gets stressed and I check and clean his ears twice a day during regular grooming. I've often thought it was a fungus, but his vet insists it's just stud tail or feline acne. I tend to think it's a fungus because of the various locations I keep finding it. I will give the Nizoral a try on the next round.
I shampoo him once a week and rinse and rinse and rinse. Thank heavens, there have never been lesions or an odor, just very greasy even the next day after a bath.
Is this what you are referring to? http://www.catseyesupplies.com/Jerob_Pr ... /jerpc.htm
Again, thank you for all the good information.
Best regards,
Leah

Yes, that is it exactly.
I use it on my show cats and my stud. They have a degreasing shampoo too that is pretty good to use as a follow up.
Another good tip is to do an apple cider vinegar rinse. Massage it into his skin before you shampoo and let it sit. It gets rid of fungus and is good on yeast, dandruff etc. See if you can get him a multi vitamin mineral to help boost his system some.
I am a big believer in raw but I have a male neuter that will only eat dry food. So I give him what he wants and add a vitamin and an Omega Fatty acid oil that I give him by mouth via a syringe.

I hope this helps. I usually am the type to attack something like a lunatic until its gone. My cats see my rubber gloves come on and scatter! "Uh-oh Mommy is gonna give us something yucky!"

Lynda=Totally. You gotta do what works for you. I try to use the most natural stuff I can find so my answers will be based on that preference. Some people Goop. Some don't degrease at all. Some use Dawn. Some use Ivory. Just whatever floats your boat and works for you is my motto.

Yes, I saw the degreasing shampoo and put that on the list as well. I really don't like using human shampoos on Sasha, as they leave his fur dry and stiff feeling.

Good old (apple cider) vinegar! Why didn't I think of that?! Great tip, thank you.

I'm one of those "lunatics" and luckily, since Sasha is easy to work with, he puts up with me. When he's had his fill, he gives me a warning growl, I stop, comb him, hug him, give him a break and then continue. We have a good understanding.

I'm not familiar with multivitamins and supplements, so would you mind telling me what you use?

I've also been considering trying raw with him, but again, not sure how to go about this or what to start with. He may take to raw rather than cooked or canned foods. Won't know until I try.

Leah