Copyright 2020 Leaf Group Ltd. / Leaf Group Media, All Rights Reserved. or outstretched paw to paw? The caudal vertebrae form the tail, used by the cat as a counterbalance to the body during quick movements. If you’re curious and Fluffy just won’t hold still for that measuring tape, you might try to stand her up on her hind legs and see if the tail still reaches the floor – that is, if it isn’t kinked, curled or bobbed. Yes they put up with it. A researcher from the University of Southampton presented cats with life-sized cat silhouettes with tails in different positions. Wrapped or tucked tail . If your cat greets you or other cats in your household with her tail up, it’s a clear sign of affection. But with domestication came closer proximity to other cats, as well as humans, so visual signals became more important. Strong movement often signals strong emotion.

Breed standards do not always refer to the length of a tail, but when they do, length is relative to body length, or equal to body length from the shoulder blades to the base of the tail. Hes such a glutton! I hold my cat underneath and fly them.

If it’s held high and quivers at the tip, she’s happy to see you. 84638), Registered office: 57 Ladymead, Guildford, Surrey GU1 1DB. They have very long torsos!

About 10 percent of a cat’s bones are in the tail. OK Ill start.. 34 inches.. and if I put some food in front of his face Id get a few more inches I bet!!!

Tail movement can also tell us about how a cat is feeling.

Our cats’ solitary ancestors principally used scent to communicate. Financial Services Register No. are we talking tip of the nose to base of the tail? [SIZE=-1]"My cat speaks sign language with her tail."

:lol: Yeah, I named him that because he's quite the leaper. She may just want a rest or be a bit chilly, but a wrapped tail could also signal anxiety. Between their vertebrae, they have elastic discs, useful for cushioning the jump landings. Justine Harding explores body language, focusing specifically on the tail. Cats that are relaxed appear loose and open, whereas a cat that does not wish to interact will withdraw. Take note of clues in the environment and overall body language to get a clearer indication of the message intended. 1282939) and Allianz Insurance plc (Registered in England No. Mom to Marcellus, Wallace, Lewis, Winston and Corky, our dog. In addition to expressing her mood, you cat’s tail helps her balance and puts an exclamation point on her attitude. Skull. Petplan's trading address is: Great West House (GW2), Great West Road, Brentford, Middlesex TW8 9DX. Watch, too, when your cat moves – a tail tucked between her hind legs indicates she feels threatened and may lash out. In effect, it says ‘I’m friendly’, and thereby reduces the risk of a fight. If a kitten has a really long tail, does that mean he or she will become a large cat?

This wondrous piece of feline anatomy varies in lengths according to breed and size, and some cats don’t have one at all.

This is most clearly indicated when a cat’s tail is wrapped around her body or tucked underneath instead of lying loose on the ground, extending away from the body. 12,190 Posts #2 • Nov 27, 2005. You will get a greater understanding of your cat’s mood and emotions by observing her tail movements alongside her entire body language and the environment she’s in. Many mixed breed cats carry genes that affect tail structure and length resulting in these various unusual-looking tails. In general, however, a cat’s tail will be close to its body length. She is a graduate of the University of New Orleans.