Different representatives of the feline world have individual tail lengths and shapes. The length from the sacrum to the tip can vary from 20 to 40 cm, which is equal to 20–27 vertebrae. Persian cats have shorter tails, while Maine Coons and oriental breeds have a real reason for pride.
Types of tail deformation
Deformation of the tail can be of several types, the most common are kinks, kinks and bends. In case of a crease, the subsequent vertebra of the tail rises above the previous one, as a result of which a "step up the stairs" is formed. Deformed vertebrae vary in size and have rounded edges.
The opposite defect is a fracture, in which the vertebrae are located “step down”.
The bend is clearly visible with the naked eye, it seems that several vertebrae "jumped out" beyond the imaginary line that runs through the middle of the vertebrae from the base to the tip of the tail. The bodies of the popping out vertebrae are often wedge-shaped.
Why is the tail "broken"
Kittens with tail deformities can appear in litters of both mongrel and purebred cats. Instead of a straight tail, the eyes of the owners are bent to the side, broken in several places or hooked tails. Regardless of the type of deformation, such a deviation permanently blocks access to breeding and exhibitions. A fluffy kitten can make a great pet that has retained all the characteristics of the breed, but the animal will forever fall into the “only for home” category.
A slight misalignment of the tail, which is expressed in the last and penultimate vertebra, is acceptable in some breeds, but breeding of animals in such a situation is not recommended.
Veterinarians and breeders say that "unique" tails indicate the degeneration of the breed and are a serious genetic defect. When breeding such animals, you put all offspring at risk, since the next generations may have not only a curved tail, but also serious disorders of the spine. Curvature of the spine is a direct path to congenital pathologies of internal organs, as a result of which the offspring will be unviable.
The exact nature of such genetic abnormalities has not been established, but assumptions agree that close relatives are to blame.
Tail like a passport
An exception to the "black list" are the bob-tailed cat breeds, for them deformation is the norm prescribed by the standard. In the animal kingdom, they are known as Mekong or Thai bobtails. In representatives of this breed, each tail is unique and has only its own inherent loops, kinks and bends. Not all of them are visible under the coat, but upon feeling, the sign of the breed becomes clear.
