Cat Tail Anatomy

The tail is composed of up to 20 supple and articulated caudal vertebrae depending on the species breed and individual. Often amputation may be indicated when a cats tail is broken in an accident.

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An extensive group of muscles ligaments and tendons.

Cat tail anatomy. Tail trauma to a cat should be considered a veterinary emergency. This agile creature has a skeletal system made up of 244 bones with about 27 bones located in its tail which helps with balance and movement. Tails are wonderful expressive body parts used by cats for communication purposes as well as for balance.

Cat tail anatomy depends on their movements. Between their vertebrae they have elastic discs useful for cushioning the jump landings. The bones of the tail vertebrae are bigger at the base and get smaller toward the tip.

A cats tail is an extension of the cats spine. Although some tail injuries can heal themselves or be surgically repaired a tail that hangs limp is often accompanied by paralysis resulting in fecal urinary incontinence. The cat can get in and out of tight and high spaces thanks to its masterful tail and its detached clavicle which allows its shoulders to move back and forth in rhythm with its legs.

There are 7 cervical vertebrae neck 13 thoracic vertebrae upper back 7 lumbar vertebrae lower back 3 sacral vertebrae pelvic area connecting the main spine to the tail and 22 23 caudal vertebrae the tail. For cats with full length tails some breeds have no tails the spine is composed of 52 53 vertebrae. A cat tail has 19 to 23 vertebrae about 10 percent of the total number of bones in her body.

First lets start with a quick anatomy lesson. Soft discs cushion the spaces between the vertebrae and allow flexibility. What is the general structure of the tail on a cat.

Many of the bones in a cat are found in its tail. It is the hind most part of the backbone. The tail is located at the end of the vertebral column.

The tail muscle and nerves facilitate tail movement and play a role in bowel control. The tail is an important part of the feline anatomy and is actually an extension of the spine. Cats use their tails to maintain balance.

You move the tail very fast it means that you are upset and could even behave aggressively. The tail consists of a varying number of vertebrae called caudal vertebrae and voluntary muscles with ligaments and tendons holding it all together. Between their vertebrae they have elastic discs useful for cushioning the jump landings.

The caudal vertebrae form the tail used by the cat as a counterbalance to the body during quick movements. If you move your tail from one side to another it does not mean that you are happy but rather means discontent. The tail attaches to the body at an area called the tail head.

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