Does a Cat Know Its Tail? Unveiling the Feline Mystery!

As for this question, different people have different opinions, much like the saying goes, 'To each his own interpretation, to each his own wisdom.'

It seems that cats might be equally baffled by the existence of their tails, too~

Among the feline world, it's actually quite common for cats to chase and interact with their tails, especially when they're young. Oh, wait, I mean, especially when they're kittens.

Owners might notice that young cats have an insatiable curiosity, often chasing anything that moves, from a dropped paper ball to a fluttering tissue, or even the owner's hand.

This behavior is simply a part of a kitten's nature, a form of visual conditioned reflex that helps train their hunting skills during play.

When they pounce on their tails, they're acting on instinct alone, without a second thought about what it actually is.

As cats grow older, their tails may also grow wiser. The cats' obsession with chasing their tails diminishes over time, as experience teaches them that the thing flapping around is actually a part of their own bodies.

Even though cats may not chase their tails as much as they did when they were kittens, and their 'little tails' have become 'mature tails,' there can still be some 'tensions' between them.

Just like a highsensitivity mouse in a game, a cat's tail is incredibly sensitive. A tiny movement can lead to a surprise reaction!

This high sensitivity is closely related to the cat's body structure.

The cat's tail is made up of 1823 vertebrae, along with voluntary muscles, tendons, and ligaments. The caudal vertebrae are attached to the sacrum, an extension of the spinal cord (which is why we say 'Don't touch the tiger's buttocks' – the area around the tail and buttocks has a highly developed nerve distribution).

The cat's tail is richly innervated with马尾 nerves, making it highly sensitive.

The voluntary muscles in the cat's tail allow for its flexible movement, even performing delicate actions.

The term 'voluntary muscles' means that these muscle tissues are not only under the cat's conscious control but are also influenced by the nervous system. Simple stimuli can trigger tail reflexes without the cat's conscious arrangement.

When certain parts of the cat's body hurt or are itchy, the cat will usually lick, scratch, or bite those areas. However, when the cat's tail is uncomfortable, it tends to move around restlessly, trying to grab it, creating a sense of interaction with the tail.

Of course, when cats are bored or stressed, they may exhibit various behaviors, including interacting with their tails. Some cats might even become obsessed with their tails, showing excessive licking, biting, or even injuring them.

If you, as a pet owner, notice your cat suddenly starts to bite and pull at its tail with urgency, appearing anxious or in pain, be sure to pay attention to whether there could be a health issue. Don't hesitate to take your cat to the vet for a checkup.