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The tail of a cat is made up of 18 to 23 caudal vertebrae, surrounded by six tail muscles on each side, which allow for flexion, extension, and lateral movement. These muscles are the M. sacrocaudalis dorsalis medialis (SDM), M. sacrocaudalis dorsalis lateralis (SDL), M. coccygeus lateralis (CL), M. coccygeus medialis (CM), and two others. The cat's tail is used for balance, thermoregulation, and communication. For example, when a cat is traversing an unstable surface, its tail moves independently of its hindlimbs to adjust its balance and prevent it from falling.
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What You'll Learn
Cat tails have six muscles on each side
A cat's tail has six muscles on each side, which are responsible for flexion, extension, and lateral movement. These muscles are connected to the paraspinous muscles of the trunk, allowing for limited movement at the base of the tail when the lumbar paraspinous muscles contract. The tail of a domestic cat typically consists of 18 to 23 caudal vertebrae, which decrease in size distally, with the vertebrae at the tip being little more than round centra.
The six muscles on each side of a cat's tail are:
- M. sacrocaudalis dorsalis medialis (SDM)
- M. sacrocaudalis dorsalis lateralis (SDL)
- M. coccygeus lateralis (CL)
- M. coccygeus medialis (CM)
Cats use their tails for balance, thermoregulation, and communication. For example, cats exhibit piloerection in their tails during social interactions, which is mediated by sympathetic preganglionic fibers that regulate smooth muscle tone. Additionally, cats use their tails reflexively to respond to mechanical, thermal, and electrical stimulation, likely evolving to protect the tail from damage.
Injuries to a cat's tail can vary in severity and may require veterinary attention. Fractures can occur, especially at the tip of the tail, and can often heal without treatment, although a bump or kink may remain. More severe injuries near the base of the tail can involve nerve damage and may require amputation or surgery. Skin and muscle damage may necessitate antibiotics and pain medication for proper healing.
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The tail helps cats balance
The tail is an important feature for a cat's balance and overall health. It consists of 18–23 caudal vertebrae, which are surrounded by six tail muscles on each side, allowing for flexion, extension, and lateral movement. These muscles are the M. sacrocaudalis dorsalis medialis (SDM), M. sacrocaudalis dorsalis lateralis (SDL), M. coccygeus lateralis (CL), M. coccygeus medialis (CM), and two others. The cat's tail responds reflexively to mechanical, thermal, and electrical stimulation, and these reflexes likely evolved to protect the tail from damage.
The tail's role in balance has been studied by observing cats' behaviour during locomotion. For example, when traversing an elevated walkway, the tail remains mostly still and does not seem to adjust the cat's balance. However, when the walkway moves unexpectedly, the tail moves independently of the hindlimbs to adjust the cat's balance and prevent falling. The tail also appears to be involved in accurate jumping behaviour, as it moves during upward and downward jumps.
In addition to balance, the tail has other functions. It can communicate information, as seen in social interactions where piloerection (the raising of hairs) in the tail is mediated by sympathetic preganglionic fibres originating from the lumbar spinal cord segments. The tail may also play a role in thermoregulation.
Injuries to the tail can have various consequences for a cat's health. Fractures can occur, and the severity depends on the location of the fracture. Nerve damage is possible, which can lead to incontinence or a limp tail. In some cases, part of the tail may need to be amputated.
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The tail is used for thermoregulation
The tail of a cat is used for thermoregulation, among other functions. The tail consists of 18–23 caudal vertebrae, surrounded by six tail muscles on each side, which allow for flexion, extension, and lateral movement. These muscles are connected to the paraspinous muscles of the trunk, and limited movement of the base of the tail can be achieved through the contraction of the lumbar paraspinous muscles. The cat's tail also responds reflexively to mechanical, thermal, and electrical cutaneous stimulation, and these reflexes likely evolved to protect the tail from damage.
The tail is involved in thermoregulation through piloerection, which is mediated via sympathetic preganglionic fibers originating from the lumbar spinal cord segments that regulate smooth muscle tone in the tail. Piloerection in the tail is occasionally seen during social interaction.
The tail also plays a role in balance, particularly during locomotion on uneven surfaces or when the cat is traversing a narrow beam. Active movements of the tail have been observed to be independent of hindlimb movements, and they appear to adjust balance to prevent falling. Additionally, the tail seems to play a role in accurate jumping behavior, as it was observed to move during upward and downward jumps.
The cat's tail also has other functions, such as communication. For example, when a cat is angry or frightened, it will lay back its ears and make growling or hissing sounds. The tail may also be involved in protecting the cat during fights, as it provides extra protection against kicks, which are common when cats try to rake with their rear claws.
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The tail is used for communication
Cats use their tails for balance, thermoregulation, and communication. The tail consists of 18–23 caudal vertebrae, surrounded by six tail muscles on each side, which allow for flexion, extension, and lateral movement.
The tail is indeed used for communication. Cats use their tail movements, along with their eyes, ears, and body postures, to convey their emotions and communicate with other cats and humans. A cat's tail can be a good indicator of its mood. For example, a cat with its tail positioned straight down or tucked between its legs may be signalling stress, aggression, fear, or anxiety. A tail curved beneath the body may indicate fear or submission, while a tail slapping back and forth rapidly indicates fear and aggression and is a warning to stay away.
On the other hand, a cat with its tail upright is feeling social and confident and is approaching in a friendly manner. This is how kittens greet their mothers, and other cats will also respond positively to a cat-shaped silhouette with a raised tail. A cat with its tail wrapped around another cat is conveying friendship, similar to a human putting an arm around someone. A tail swaying slowly from side to side means the cat is focused on an object and may be about to pounce on prey or a toy.
A napping cat with a tapping tail is likely relaxed but paying attention to its surroundings. However, a whipping tail on an alert cat can indicate nervousness and aggression, and is a sign to give the cat space.
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Cat tails can be fractured
If a cat has suffered a tail fracture, it is important to seek veterinary attention as soon as possible. A vet will be able to diagnose the problem and provide a treatment plan, which may include rest, pain medication, surgery, or in some cases, amputation. Minor injuries can often be cared for at home, as cats can heal independently, but it is still important to have a professional assess the injury to determine the best course of treatment.
While waiting for veterinary care, there are some first aid steps that can be taken to help care for a potentially fractured cat tail. It is important to keep the cat calm and comfortable, and to apply a light bandage with an antibiotic ointment to the injured area. It is crucial not to wrap the bandage too tightly to avoid restricting blood flow. If there is excessive bleeding, swelling, or discolouration of the tissue, immediate veterinary attention is required.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, cat tails have muscles. The tail of a domestic cat consists of 18-23 caudal vertebrae, surrounded by six tail muscles on each side, for flexion, extension, and lateral movement.
The six muscles in a cat's tail are: M. sacrocaudalis dorsalis medialis (SDM), M. sacrocaudalis dorsalis lateralis (SDL), M. coccygeus lateralis (CL), M. coccygeus medialis (CM), M. sacrocaudalis ventralis medialis (VMM), and M. sacrocaudalis ventralis lateralis (VML).
Depending on the severity of the injury, your cat may need antibiotics and pain medication to allow for proper healing. In some cases, surgery may be required. It is important to consult your veterinarian for advice.
