Viaggio in Islanda

Couple days ago, I had a quite interesting topic with my colleague. The topic was CAT'S TAIL!

I even forgot how could finally we discuss about it. Well, it's good to share to other people since I just realize that still many people out there who don't really know the function of tail for cats and why is it so important.

What I already know is that tail is one of the most important body part for cat. Maybe if you still remember, when you were a kid, your parents or any other older people will say, "don't pull on the tail, the cat will get angry!". What they said is totally right!! Coz tail is very sensitive. It helps cat to balance their body especially when they were walking on the very narrow place. and it also help them control their body when they fell to be landed with their foot first.

To find the fact about this cat's tail, I searched some other sources (source from: http://www.petplace.com/cats/structure-and-function-of-the-tail-in-cats/page1.aspx) which is more interesting because it mentioned about how to read cat's mood from their tail as follows:

What are the Functions of the Tail?

Your cat's tail is sensitive and responsive, and often signals his mood and motivation. You can usually tell what your cat is feeling by watching his tail movements. Some basic movements and their significance are listed below:

· Tail held erect for the full length – friendly greeting to another cat or human

· Tail curves gently down, then up at the tip – cat relaxed and at peace with the world

· Tail raised slightly and softly curved – cat becoming interested in something

· Tail lowered and possibly tucked between the hind legs – sign of defeat or total submissiveness

· Tail swishing from side to side – angry cat or cat about to attack in a predatory fashion

· Tail held still but with tip twitching – mild irritation

· Tail held to one side – sexual invitation by a female in heat

Cats don't only use their tails to display emotion; they also use them for balancing (although cats without tails also manage nicely). If a cat is walking along a narrow ledge and wants to look to one side, he will automatically shift his tail to the other side to reposition his body's center of gravity, so that it remains directly over the ledge.

Your cat may swish his tail, too, which adds to his skill as a hunter. By swishing his tail, he mesmerizes his prey. Since your cat can't see his prey well if it becomes still, he moves his tail to entice small movements by his target, which he can then see.