Almost 10 percent of a cat’s bones are in its tail, and the tail is used to maintain the animal’s balance. A cat’s tail plays a vital part in its “righting reflex” that allows it to land on its feet after falling from a height. Cats often survive a long fall based on their agility and balance, which they develop as kittens. When falling, the fluid in the inner ear shifts and the cat rotates its head until it equalizes and the fluid is level. The body automatically shifts to follow the head, and the cat lands on its feet. A cat also uses its tail to communicate. A cat’s tail held high means that it is happy. A twitching tail is a warning sign that it may be angry or on guard, and a tail tucked in close to the body is a sign of insecurity or tearfulness.
- Why does my cat arch its back?
- Why does my cat purr?
- Can a pet help me when I am having a bad day?
- Why don’t dogs get hoarse when they bark a lot?
- Why does my dog sometimes howl?
- Why do dogs bark?
- Why does my dog wag its tail when it’s happy to see me?
- What kinds of household pets are common around the world?
- What is the difference between bacteria and viruses?
- What is the most common household pet in the United States?
- When will I be a grown up?
- Why do I cry when I’m unhappy or hurt myself?
- Why do hugs and kisses make me feel good?
- Why do we need table manners?
- My older sister says it’s a bad idea to stick jellybeans up my nose. Why?
- Should I wash my hands before I eat?
- Why do my clothes need to be washed?
- Why do I sometimes wet my bed at night?
- Why do I sometimes need a time out?
- What does the immune system do?
