Cat can get by without a tail

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jkochBy John Koch, DVM

Question: My cat recently sustained an injury that required amputation of his tail. I understand that a cat's tail is a lot more important than most people think. Exactly what function does a cat's tail perform and how will the loss effect him?

Answer: Relax, your cat can survive very nicely without his tail. However, the tail of the cat does help provide balance and is used as a form of communication.

Cats use their tails for balance in a way that is similar to a circus performer using a long pole to provide balance while walking a tight wire. The cat will move its tail first this way and then that as it walks along the top of a narrow fence. A cat that is running changes positions of the tail to help it maintain an upright posture when quickly changing directions. The quick, graceful motion often admired by cat observers is certainly enhanced by the balance the tail provides.

It is almost impossible to describe the many ways a cat uses its tail to communicate. Have you ever witnessed the bristled tail of a frightened or angered cat? The size of the bristled tail is often two or three times what it is normally. A tail that is held high by a slowly approaching feline is generally considered to be a friendly greeting. A tail switching back and forth may mean the cat is annoyed or disturbed. Many contented cats will arch their tails over their backs and purr happily while being stroked and petted.

Mother cats often use their tails as a toy for her kittens. The kittens will spend hours jumping and pouncing at the slowly swishing tail. This meaningful play helps the kittens to develop the athletic moves and skills that later in life will be used for hunting.

Dr. Koch is a Cape Girardeau area veterinarian.