 My cat, Daphne Louise, is the first cat I have ever owned who has a tail that tells me everything I need to know. All of my previous cats were Siamese, and a bit more relaxed, but Daphne is an expressive former stray that lets her tail do the talking. The slightest bump or sound can make her tail go from a sleek shiny point to a huge, fluffy, bottle brush! Doing so much boarding and grooming, we have seen tons of cat’s tails, and now it’s time to tell the tale of the tails! Tailless Breeds There are some outliers, like the Japanese Bobtail and the Manx, who are born with no tails. But, unless the cat has been injured, most other breeds have a tail, whether it’s short or long. In fact, a cat's tail is usually half the length of its body! The Biological Makeup of a Cat Tail The average cat has 230 bones, and the tail comprises about 10% of those bones. The tail is an extension of a cat's spine, and has those same bodily materials: discs, muscles, nerves, vertebrae, and lots of cartilage to give it that amazing flexibility. As with a human, the spine includes the cervical, thoracic, lumbar and sacral areas, but felines also have a caudal vertebrae. These vertebrae get smaller towards the tip, and have up to seven sets of nerves before reaching the very end. The fur at the very end of the tail is similar to their facial whiskers, and can help a cat feel its way around its surroundings. How does a tail assist a cat? Tails are very important to cats in many ways, including: Balance- Watch closely when a cat runs full speed, and you will see their tail is up as a guide, and to help with the agility! Or, watch a cat walk on a narrow ledge and you’ll see their tail becomes a counterweight; moving from side to side for balance. Even in water, their tail acts as a rudder, and will direct the cat where it wants to go. Communication- We can tell a kitty is spicy when they arrive at the spa because their tail will furiously switch side to side. This is a warning to stay away! When we see their tail in an upside-down “U” shape, then we know we have a friendly kitty. Watching a cat's tail is a clear and easy way to understand how they’re feeling. It is an important part of feline body language. While cats can control their tail movement, there are some involuntary reactions as well. For example, Daphne will be sitting by a window, and if I suddenly drop something, her tail will involuntarily puff up, as a reaction to stress. Bathroom Breaks- Since all the muscles and connective tissues join together from the body of a cat into the base of their tail, the tail has a lot to do with potty time. A tail injury can cause constipation or incontinence. Scenting- The base of a cat’s tail has scent glands in it, which can release friendly pheromones to “chat” with other cats, or to mark their territory. Male cats are more apt to use these scent glands than females. Understanding Their Language To learn more about the language of the tail, there are lots of informational pictures of cats' tails with descriptions of what each position means, like the one below.  The tail is an interesting part of any cat from an anatomy standpoint, but is also a relationship building block. Keep watching your cat's tail and you’ll understand them and their world a little bit more.
(Today’s photo features our happy friend Elliott!)
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Happy 2024! We hope that you have had a wonderful holiday season, and are ready to get started on a feline-filled new year. Every two weeks we will be discussing breeds, cat behavior, health, and more. We love researching topics, and learning more about these fascinating creatures so keep following along to learn more. Our photos will primarily feature our hotel guests here at Rock The Cat Spa, and we also love to share them on social media, so follow us on Facebook @rockthecatspa and Instagram @officialrockthecatspa for lots of photos and stories of the amazing cats that visit us.  This month, we are discussing the Japanese Bobtail, and this is one of the few breeds that has never stayed with us! (Fingers crossed that will change this year). Studying up on them was fascinating, and we would love to meet one soon.
History of Bobtails Japanese Bobtails have been in Japan since the 8th Century, after being introduced as a gift from the Emperor of China. They are referred to as “maneki-neko” which translates to “beckoning cat.” Images and statues of these cats, with one paw raised, are common in Japan and considered good luck. In the medieval ages mice and rodents were destroying silkworms, devastating the silk industry, so Bobtail cats were sent in to conquer them. They did a fantastic job, causing this breed to become very common and well regarded. In the late 1960s, Japanese Bobtails made the journey to the US, and The Cat Fanciers Association recognized the short-hair bobtail as an official breed in 1976, and the long-hair breed was added in the early 1990s. While they are not a common breed in the US, they are even less popular in Europe. Because of this, prices can range upwards of $2,000 per cat, so consider this when looking to purchase; and a breeder may be tough to find in your area. Unique Traits Why does a bobbed tail make these cats so unique? Unlike the attributes of other purebred cats (like the Scottish Fold or Manx), Bobtails are not due to any genetic mutation. The kink in their tails is a dominant gene, and their tails may range from one to four inches; they look similar to a bunny tail! Sometimes these cats even hop! Another interesting feature of Bobtails is their eyes, which can be two different colors, also known as “heterochromia.” They can be blue, green, yellow, or a combination of two colors! Their coats come in all different shades and patterns; you never know what to expect, and each bobtail is as unique as a snowflake. The fur is hypoallergenic, but they do shed, so allergy sufferers beware. Bobtail Personalities Japanese Bobtail cats are very smart and need another cat, preferably another Japanese Bobtail, to keep them company and out of trouble. They love to climb, love water, and may be destructive if left alone or bored too long. These cats are great for a family because they’re very sweet, but they prefer to be the center of attention. If you want to train a cat, this is the perfect breed! They’re very intelligent, and like to learn and interact with you. Healthy Cats Even though they are always moving, they love to eat and can easily become obese. Their smaller body size can show weight easily. They should stay around ten pounds to be considered healthy, so be aware of extra snacks. A long life of 15-18 years is common for Japanese Bobtails. We really hope to be graced by a Japanese Bobtail in 2024, and keep watch of our social media so you know when it happens! Happy New Year! |
AuthorWhen Cari has some free time from all the kitties, she likes to share her knowledge of all things cat in this bi-monthly blog. Enjoy the read! Archives
June 2024
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