Catster is reader-supported. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you. Learn more.

Why Is My Cat’s Tail So Long? Our Vet Explains Tail Genetics, Function & FAQ

Written by: Dr. Luqman Javed DVM (Veterinarian)

Last Updated on March 22, 2024 by Catster Editorial Team

tail of a cat on vintage background

Why Is My Cat’s Tail So Long? Our Vet Explains Tail Genetics, Function & FAQ

VET APPROVED

Dr. Luqman Javed Photo

WRITTEN BY

Dr. Luqman Javed

DVM (Veterinarian)

The information is current and up-to-date in accordance with the latest veterinarian research.

Learn more »

If you’ve ever looked at your cat’s tail and wondered why it’s as long as it is, you’re not alone. Cat tails are fascinating for many reasons, including their length – some cats sport tails that are up to 12 inches (30 cm) long!

Cat tails serve several useful functions, but their length is determined by your cat’s genetics, which we’ll explore in detail in this article. Read on to learn more about your cat’s tail.

cat paw divider

Why Is My Cat’s Tail So Long?

The length of your cat’s tail is almost entirely determined by their genetics 1. Specifically, a gene known as the T-gene seems to play a very large role in determining the length of your cat’s tail. Another factor is likely the transcription protein Brachyury.

Though the genetics of a cat’s tail is complex, in the simplest of terms, mutations or alterations along the T-gene results in a tail that’s shorter, a mere stump, or no tail at all (as in some breeds, such as the Manx).

Conversely, a normal T-gene will result in a long tail, averaging anywhere from 8 to 12 inches!

tabby cats walking and twisting their tail to a heart shape
Image Credit: Bachkova Natalia, Shutterstock

What Do Cats Use Their Tail For?

A cat’s tail is not just for show – it also serves several purposes.

1. Balance

The reputation cats have for being agile and always landing on their feet when they fall is in part due to their tail. Tails act like a fifth limb for cats, and it’s responsible for maintaining great coordination when jumping and climbing. When cats walk a narrow beam, their tail acts as a counterbalance of sorts. Likewise, when cats fall, their tail helps rotate them to the correct orientation before they land.

That doesn’t mean cats with short tails or no tails are clumsy because there’s more to a cat’s balance than just a tail. A cat’s sensitive inner ear can determine when they are off-balance and will quickly readjust. Though the tail is involved in feats of balance, it isn’t the sole component that ensures a cat’s balance.

cat walking on fence
Image Credit: fantom_rd, Shutterstock

2. Communication

Cats are thought to be much more subtle about what they’re feeling than dogs. But an excellent insight into their innermost thoughts is their tails. Cats communicate in various ways, from growling, yowling, hissing, meowing, and chirping, but their tails give even more clues. For example, a tucked-in, stiff tail suggests that your cat feels fearful or uncertain, while an upright tail communicates that your cat is happy. Often, the tail works in conjunction with other forms of body language.

cat rubbing its head against the owner's legs
Image Credit: Jaromir Chalabala, Shutterstock

3. Hunting

If your cat is currently curled up next to you, imagining them as a wild animal chasing down their next meal is a challenge. However, that is precisely what their tails help with. Hunting requires decisive, quick, and balanced action. Tails also keep your cat balanced when they pounce; without it, they may struggle to make rapid turns during a high-speed chase.

cat hunting mouse
Image Credit: Stefan_Sutka, Shutterstock

divider-catclaw1

Frequently Asked Questions

What Breeds of Cats Typically Have Long Tails?

The average length of a cat’s tail is around 8-12 inches, and the current record holder for the world’s longest cat tail is held by a Maine Coon called Altair Cygnus Powers, whose tail is 16.07 inches long. The title belonged to Altair’s half-brother Cygnus Regulus Powers in 2018, and his tail was a whopping 17.58 inches!

maine coon cat in the garden
Image Credit: Piqsels

What Breeds of Cats Typically Have Short Tails?

There are many breeds with bobbed tails or no tails at all, and while much rarer than cats with longer tails, they’re only growing in popularity.

The breeding of these cats and breeds remains somewhat controversial. The lack of a tail doesn’t significantly impact their quality of life. However, lacking a tail doesn’t offer them any benefit over their long-tailed counterparts.

Can Cats Live Without Tails?

If a cat’s tail is injured beyond salvation, a veterinarian may recommend its amputation. Such cats will learn to adapt to the loss. However, that doesn’t mean that tail injuries should ever be overlooked. You should always avoid pulling a cat’s tail, which can cause damage. The common signs exhibited after the injury include pain, blood clots, bowel blockages, and even neurological problems where the cat feels intense sensations near the tail and will bite and injure it.

black japanese bobtail
Image Credit: NANCY AYUMI KUNIHIRO, Shutterstock

cat paw divider

Conclusion

There are many reasons cats have long tails and many ways they use them!  It provides a cat with balance, the ability to communicate, and aids in pursuit of prey. That doesn’t mean cats with shorter tails live shorter lives, however. Several breeds have bobbed tails or no tails, and they’re just fine. Nonetheless, the breeding of such breeds and cats remains controversial, as the lack of a tail doesn’t offer these cats any benefits over their long-tailed counterparts.


Featured Image Credit: italay, Shutterstock

Get Catster in your inbox!

Stay informed! Get tips and exclusive deals.
Catster Editors Choice Badge
Shopping Cart

Pangolia

© Pangolia Pte. Ltd. All rights reserved.