Do Cats Control Their Tails?

Cat tails may come in many forms - Straight or crooked, bare or fluffy, in solid colors or with other markings. These are features of a cat’s tail that they cannot control. But when it comes to movements and behavior, you might be wondering — Do cats have control of their tails?

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Content:

1. Do Cats Control Their Tails
2. How Do Cats Control Their Tails
3. How Much Control Do Cats Have Over Their Tails
4. Conclusion

Do Cats Control Their Tails

Observing your cat’s tail probably made you wonder - Can cats control their tail? According to Laura Moon, DVM at Green Hills Veterinary Clinic in Moberly, MO, healthy cats that have normal physiology as well as anatomy can control their tails by instinct, from their base to the tip.

A cat’s ability to move their tails plays an essential part in maintaining their balance, as well as in non-verbal communication through body language.

On the other hand, note that there are also some cats without tails, whether by birth or injury, yet can function well without it.

If you’re looking for a handy device to observe how your cat behaves, including how they control their tails, The Petcube Cam might be what you’re looking for. With its innovative features such as a sharp 1080p full HD live streaming video, 110° wide-angle view, 8x digital zoom, and clear night vision, you won’t miss a thing!

How Do Cats Control Their Tails

Cat tails might seem a bit of a mystery, especially since we can't rely on personal experience to understand them fully. But beneath that soft, furry exterior lies a similar structure to the system that gives our limbs their shape and function.

Anatomy of a Cat’s Tail

To understand cat tails better, let’s take a closer look at their anatomy.

A cat’s tail is actually an extension of their spinal column, made up of five regions of vertebrae: cervical, thoracic, lumbar, sacral, and caudal. A normal tail houses 18 to 23 caudal vertebrae, tapering from base to tip. Given that cats have about 230 bones total, 10% are located in their tail. Besides bones, the tail contains connective tissue, blood vessels, muscles, skin, and fur. Although the spinal cord doesn’t reach the tail's vertebrae, a network of nerves extends, making the tail a complex and essential part of your kitty’s anatomy.

In a Reddit discussion about: “Do cats consciously control their tails?”, one commenter mentioned that they likely have control over their tails since they use them to maintain balance. As an example, he mentioned how cats swing their tails to land on their feet, showing that they have some control over it.

How Much Control Do Cats Have Over Their Tails

Cats wield much control over their tails, from base to tip. Like what was mentioned above, a cat’s tail is an extension of their spine and is a marvel of movement housing 18 to 23 vertebrae. These bones are connected by muscles, ligaments, and tendons, providing impressive flexibility and allowing cats to express a wide range of emotions and maintain balance with finesse.

Cat Tail Movement

Do cats control their tail movement? Let’s get to know more about cat tail movements below.

• Voluntary

Moon says that most movements of a cat’s tail are voluntary, crucial for balance and communication. Cats use their tails to navigate narrow spaces and express emotions: e.g. a puffed tail shows fear, while a gently swaying tail signals contentment. This movement starts in the brain, with nerves transmitting commands to the muscles that control the tail’s actions.

• Involuntary

While most movement in a cat’s tail is voluntary, others can be involuntary due to:

1. Deep Sleep: Cats may twitch or contort during REM sleep, similar to when we humans dream.
2. Reflex: Like our limbs, a cat’s tail can move involuntarily in response to stimuli.
3. Injury: Trauma, even if not directly to the tail, can cause unintended tail movements.

Do cats feel their tails?

Absolutely! If you've ever stepped on a cat's tail, you know firsthand how sensitive they are. According to Moon, cat tails are packed with sensory nerves that make them incredibly responsive to touch. This sensitivity is why some cats are touchy about their tails and may avoid letting you near them. So, be careful where you step to avoid causing any tail-related distress.

Having a good pet camera such as the Petcube Cam allows you to monitor your cat and understand their behavior better. This includes how your cat can control their tail and what it means. At the same time, it allows you to easily detect any symptoms of sickness or injury.

Conclusion

Cats instinctively have much control of their tails from base to tip, using them to balance and communicate through body language. The position of a cat’s tail reveals a lot about their thoughts and feelings. With this newfound insight into how cats manage their tails, we hope you’ll better understand their subtle cues. Just remember, a cat’s tail is quite sensitive, so it’s best to avoid grabbing or petting it as most cats prefer to keep their tails to themselves.