The Fascinating Truth Behind Why Cats Have Tails and Whiskers

Your kitty’s whiskers and tail probably seem to have minds of their own and, at times, even operate independently of your fur friend! However, they are an essential part of Mr Whiskers daily life—whether you have an indoor feline or one who spends time outdoors. Have you ever wondered why cats have tails and whiskers and what they use them for? Cat in a Flat is here to answer all your burning questions about why your kitty’s tail and whiskers.

What are whiskers?

What are whiskers? Whiskers are essentially long, coarse hairs that grow on specific parts of your kitty’s body. They are embedded deep in Mr Whiskers’ skin and the hair follicles are attached to nerve endings and muscles. This is why your feline is able to move them! While the most obvious whiskers are those around your cat’s mouth, they can also have them above their eyes and around the jaw. 

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Why do cats have whiskers?

Why do cats have whiskers? Your fur friend’s whiskers are delicate sensory tools which help them in a variety of ways. Because your kitty can’t visually gauge distance, their whiskers help them to navigate tight spaces. The length of your feline’s whiskers are about the width of their body, so when faced with a gap they’re not sure they’ll fit into, they’ll test it face first. If their whiskers comfortably fit, then Mr Whiskers knows there’s enough space for their entire body too! 

Cats can’t see well in the dark, so they also need whiskers to help them navigate in low light. Which might explain why your furry friend can get the zoomies in the middle of the night and still agilely move around! Whiskers also make your kitty a better hunter by helping them detect movement, track, and attack prey.  

Why cats have tails

A feline’s tail serves many functions. If you’ve ever seen a cat walk along a narrow ledge, jump during playtime, climb a tree (or cat scratching tree) or land on all four paws when they fall, you are seeing their tail in action! Their tails help our fur friends maintain balance and do some rather acrobatic feats. 

Cat care tip: While Mr Whiskers’ tail does help reduce the risk of falling, pet parents and cat sitters should be extra mindful about not leaving high windows open. These can pose a risk to a kitty—they may escape and get lost, or fall and injure themselves. So, keep them safe by keeping windows closed!

Your kitty’s amazing tail isn’t just for balance and agility! A cat’s tail is a key form of communication—it can tell you if they’re happy, upset, or angry. Like whiskers, tails are also sensitive and contain nerve endings. Your fur friend can feel when something touches their tail, and this helps them to know if something is sneaking up behind. For some felines, a tail can even serve as an extra source of warmth. You may see your furry friend wrap their tail around them like a blanket to stay warm. 

Cat Care Tip: Kitties may wear their fur coats all year round, but that doesn’t mean the cold isn’t dangerous for them. Be careful about letting your fur friend outdoors in below-zero weather and learn how to recognize the signs of a freezing cat. 

How to care for your cat’s tail and whiskers

Whisker Care

Never trim: It might seem logical to trim your feline’s whiskers as part of their regular care routine. However, you should never do this, as they are delicate sensory tools your furry friend needs! Cutting them off while interfere with your cat’s ability to navigate and make them feel stressed, anxious, and disorientated.

Provide wide food and water bowls: Staying hydrated and eating a balanced diet is important for your feline’s overall health. But the wrong type of bowl could actually end up overstimulating your cat and causing whisker fatigue. Choose a wide, shallow bowl to help prevent your kitty’s whiskers from constantly brushing or touching the sides. Overall, this is much more comfortable for your cat! 

Avoid touching your kitty’s whiskers: Because their whiskers are sensitive, you should avoid touching them. This can be uncomfortable (and in some cases painful). 

Monitor whisker health: Perhaps your kitty lost a whisker in a scuffle with a feline sibling, or you accidentally snipped one off while grooming them. Does this mean the whisker is lost or damaged for good? Your fur friend is bound to lose a few whiskers throughout their life, but it’s not the end of the world. While it can be painful to have a whisker fall out, they will eventually regrow. However, if you notice your cat is losing whiskers with no clear cause, you should consult a vet. Your furry friend may have an allergy or some other health issue that needs to be addressed. 

Tail Care

Learn what your cat’s tail is saying: Your furry friend’s tail is one way they communicate with you! Try to learn what your cat’s tail is saying. Upright with a question mark at the tip means they’re feeling happy and confident, while a puffed-up tail means they’re scared or threatened. When you hire a new cat sitter, watching your kitty’s body language during the meet and greet is also a great way to see if the sitter and your cat get along!   

Handle with care: Don’t pull Mr Whiskers’ tail and avoid touching or stroking unless you’re certain they like it. 

Frequent grooming: If you have a long-haired feline, frequently grooming their tail is important for overall coat health. Use a wide-toothed comb and gently detangle your kitty’s fur, working from the base of their tail (where the spine ends) to the tip. 

What if my cat doesn’t have a tail? 

What if my cat doesn’t have a tail? Not all felines have tails—whether due to breeding (like the Manx cat), a birth defect, or because they lost their tail in an accident. If this is the case with your fur friend, don’t worry, they can still lead a full, happy life! A lot felines will counteract their lack of tail by developing a keener sense of balance in the inner ear. Even if they don’t, Mr Whiskers will just be a little clumsier but should adjust to a tail-less life just fine. Keep in mind that your fur friend may not be as agile as other cats and take steps to keep them safe inside and out of the home. 

Want to learn more about your feline’s amazing abilities? Read about your cat’s powerful sense of smell (and scents they hate) or find out why your kitty enjoys lying on their back.