I am keen on my Siberian cat Alexei’s tail. It’s so massive and fluffy, and I really like the way it flicks and sways relying on his temper. So certain, I get pleasure from his tail, however why do cats have tails? And does he even want one within the first place? I clearly don’t have one, however I’ve at all times thought it have to be fairly enjoyable to have a tail.
Anyway, I digress. From utilizing it for stability and having enjoyable whereas chasing their tails, listed below are 8 the explanation why cats have tails. I’ve additionally lined another key issues about cat tails which might be price realizing.
Why Cats Have Tails
Why do cats want tails? Nicely, the reply is, for a wide range of causes, which I’ve listed beneath.
1. For Stability
Whereas dogs hate cats (and vice versa based on in style tradition — which isn’t actually true), pups and kitties share some traits, together with having a tail. The primary motive why canine and cats have tails is that it helps with their sense of stability. That is significantly essential when they’re strolling or operating alongside slim ledges akin to fences or cabinets. Their tail is a counterbalance. It additionally helps them to stability when they’re operating and once they soar on prey.
This counterbalance can be a key think about why cats at all times land on their toes (though the uncommon cats with out tails are additionally in a position to land on their toes, so that is one which we don’t totally perceive but). This stability additionally helps cats to get away from potential predators. For those who watch your cat, you will note that when it jumps up, its tail goes down. When it swerves to the left, its tail will swerve to the precise.
2. To Talk
Your cat’s tail is a key indicator of its temper. Everyone knows {that a} wagging tail in a canine usually means it’s completely happy. Listed below are among the issues that your cat’s tail may very well be telling you about how they’re feeling:
- A cat is, after all, too cool to wag their cat tails like canine do, however mild swishing is usually a signal of a cheerful cat tail.
- A stiff straight-up tail is a transparent signal that your cat is sad or frightened.
- When all of the fur in your cat’s tail is on finish, and it’s at its largest, additionally it is a sign that your kitty will not be happy.
- In case your cat’s tail is thrashing round, the chances are it’s offended.
- Typically cats whack their tail on the bottom when they’re mendacity down – this normally means it’s best to depart them alone.
- A tail that’s up within the air and formed a bit like a query mark is an indication that your cat is within the temper to play. That is additionally the reply to the widespread query cat homeowners ask, “why do cats curl their tail?”. The reply is that it is a sign that they’re completely happy to be round you or different cats.
- If the top of your cat’s tail is twitching, this can be a signal that they’re a bit on edge, and you could need to be careful for potential marking habits.
- A tail that’s tightly wound round your cat may imply that it’s afraid and even unwell – significantly if that is accompanied by them being crouched down.
- For those who haven’t seen your cat for a short while and so they greet you with their tail straight up within the air, this usually implies that they’re in a superb temper and prepared for some love.
- A tail that’s low to the bottom might imply your cat isn’t properly or is feeling anxious.
- When your cat wraps its tail round you, it’s their approach of claiming that they love you. They might even be saying that they’re hungry.
- A quivering tail means your cat is happy to see you – normally, their tail will probably be up, however the finish will do some shake. That is typically accompanied by purring.
- A cat with its tail between its legs is exhibiting both insecurity, worry, anxiousness, or submission to somebody or one other animal.
The entire above may help you to know what your cat is perhaps making an attempt to let you know. Nonetheless, do have a look at tail habits within the context of your cat’s general physique language and habits.
For instance, in case your cat is quick asleep and in one of many extra widespread cat sleeping positions, it’s unlikely {that a} twitching tail is an indication of irritation – it’s extra seemingly that it’s dreaming (sure, cats do dream).
3. To Ship a Message to Different Cats
In case your cat is round different kitties and places its tail within the air, this can be a signal that the opposite cats are welcome to return and have a superb sniff round.
4. To Maintain Heat
Have you ever seen that always when your cat curls up and has a sleep, they wrap their tail round themselves? That is to maintain them heat while they nap or sleep.
5. To Get Rid of an Irritation
If there are bugs round your cat or a scent that they don’t like (or perhaps a human or different animal they don’t like), they’ll whack their tail round a bit to attempt to clear the realm of no matter is bothering them.
6. To Perceive Their Environment
Like whiskers (for the folks asking themselves, “why do cats have tails and whiskers?”), tails are additionally a part of a cat’s sense of contact. Its tail also can assist it take a look at its environment by feeling surfaces or areas and serving to to evaluate if they’re protected or snug.
The nerves in a cat’s tail additionally ship alerts to a cat’s physique to assist it to coordinate a response to the atmosphere it’s in. This can be a key a part of your cat’s lightning-quick response system.
7. To Get Your Consideration
Have you ever ever seen that typically if you find yourself sitting, working, or watching TV, your cat will simply stick its tail in your face? That is your kitty’s somewhat unsubtle indicator that it will like your consideration. This can be as a result of they’re hungry, or they might need a pat and a few cuddles.
8. To Mark Their Territory
Along with among the different ways in which cats mark their territories, akin to urinating, a cat’s tail comprises scent glands that are referred to as caudal glands. These are additionally used when a cat is marking its territory.
7 Key Issues to Know About Cat Tails
Now that you just’ve acquired the reply to “why do cats have their tail up?” and different associated questions, how about studying another issues a few cat’s tail?
1. Cat Tails Comprise Nerves
An harm to your cat’s tail can lead to everlasting harm. The tail is dwelling to many nerves which have an effect on how your cat controls urinating and defecating. Nerve damage can be brought on by pulling on a cat’s tail. This sort of harm can heal over time, however it might probably additionally find yourself being everlasting.
2. Cats Don’t Should Have Tails
Do cats want tails? Probably not. If a cat loses its tail, it should quickly be taught to compensate. Manx cats are a breed of cat which might be born with out tails and don’t appear to have any agility points relative to different breeds.
3. Home vs Wild Cats
When a wild cat is strolling, it should both tuck its tail between its legs or maintain it horizontally. Home cats are the one kitties which have a vertical tail while strolling.
4. Cats do Management Their Tails
Typically a cat’s tail will transfer in an involuntary motion – very similar to how we frequently blink with out desirous about it. Chances are you’ll discover this specifically when your cat is asleep, and its tail begins twitching. However usually, your cat will probably be controlling its tail.
5. Ought to I Contact My Cat’s Tail?
The final reply to that is no. A cat’s tail is kind of delicate as a result of variety of nerves and muscular tissues inside it. It’s fairly straightforward to trigger your cat some ache with out which means to – significantly in the event you step on their tail.
Be as mild as you’ll be able to on the subject of your kitty’s tail. Some cats really like having their tail pulled, however your cat won’t be one in all them.
6. How Lengthy Ought to a Cat’s Tail Be?
A cat’s tail grows according to the remainder of your cat to help its balancing wants, so like your kitty, its tail can proceed to develop as much as the age of two years. As soon as your cat reaches two, it’s unlikely that its tail will proceed to develop. A typical full-length cat tail will probably be between 9 and 11 inches lengthy.
A cat’s tail comprises about 10% of the bones in your kitty’s physique, and it’s made up of 19 to 23 vertebrae. These vertebrae lengthen out of your cat’s backbone however aren’t a part of its spinal twine.
Some cats are born with kinked or bobbed tails, and this may have an effect on their potential to stability.
7. Can Cats Break Their Tails?
Cats can undoubtedly injure their tails. These accidents are normally brought on by a fall or your cat’s tail getting caught in a door or being stepped on. Cats that sit on their tails typically may even have to be monitored for any self-inflicted accidents. As talked about earlier, nerve harm can usually be mounted if handled in time however can lead to everlasting harm to your cat.
Ultimate Ideas on Why Do Cats Have a Tail?
As you’ll be able to see, there are a number of solutions to the query, “why does a cat have a tail?” A cat’s tail serves totally different functions, and with the information above, it’s best to now know most of them.
Amanda created and owns The Discerning Cat. A lifelong cat lover she is the proud mother or father of two Siberian cats, Alexei and Vladimir. She is captivated with understanding cats and totally different cat breeds.
