Intimidation. Regardless, this is not a cause for concern. Guinea Pig Noises & Meanings: 11 Most Common Noises, Why Do Geckos Fire Up: Crested, Gargoyle & Leopard Geckos. Kinked tails are a common genetic defect in Siamese and pointed type cats that many breeders are working hard to eliminate from the breeding population. Your vet can analyze the tail and make recommendations on treatment … Legend even says that a Siamese princess used to keep her rings on her cat’s tail while bathing, which is why that breed is especially prone to having crooks in their tails. It is most often seen on the tail’s outermost tip and can vary in severity, with some kinks being very obvious and others being just slight bends. And if it is a result of genetics, your cat will most likely won’t even notice it. Cats homozygous and heterozygous for this gene display shortened and kinked tails. Cats homozygous for the gene tend to have shorter more kinked tails. Kinked tails are very common in dogs and cats. In many cases, injuries to the tail will heal by themselves. Simply put, the tail is an extension of the spine, so it consists of many small vertebrae. Rough play and striking a tail against a wall while wagging it can also lead to kinks. Kurilian Bobtail Cat. However, in "nature" on the street in Thailand (which was old Siam) many cats have blue eyes, "points", and these differences in their tails.Basically - just as breeders have decided what is the "right" look for things like shape of head - they've decided that having a less than long thin straight tails … There is only one form of disease in cats that results in kinked tails. Bobtails do, both the American and the Japanese varieties. Even currently it is reported that Siamese cat in Thailand almost all have kink tails. In most cases, and especially if the tail is damaged towards the tip, it shouldn’t cause any permanent issues, and your vet will probably leave the injury to heal by itself. Kinked Short Tails In Cats Bobtail cats are born with a mutation that sees their tails being either shortened, knotted, a pom-pom shape or they can be kinked. Breeders have largely eradicated it, but the kinked tail persists among street cats in Thailand. However, some cats’ tails have an added feature – a clearly discernible kink in the bones of the tail that give it a crooked bend. The tip twitch. However, you still sometimes see them with tails that are kinky, crooked, or curled. In some cases, a kinked tail can indicate pure interest. The kinked and stunted tail is very common in the pointed cats of Thailand. If you just welcomed a new cat into your life and noticed a kink in their tail, it could well be a sign of a previous injury that has since healed. 14 Cat Breeds With Curly Tails (With Pictures) - ExcitedCats He had apparently got a door slammed on it and it had a prominent kink in it. Consequently, they can be broken or damaged, just like any other appendage. Because of the Siamese cat’s history of kinked tails, it is assumed this mutation stems from them. This can be caused by a person accidentally stepping on the tail or other types of physical stress to the tail bones. If your cat's tail is very subtly elevated with a rather soft curve to it, it may mean that she's absolutely fascinated and engaged by something, whether it's the sight of the merry birds fluttering outside of the window or of you devouring a big, heaping plate of spaghetti and meatballs. Genetic Mutation: Mutations in a cat’s DNA caused by breeding that have caused a curvature in the spine. Very old lines of Siamese also had kinked tails. If the tail is paralysed but the spine and movement are unaffected and the vet does not think it likely that feeling will return to the tail, the tail will usually be amputated. It’s harmless in itself and causes the cat no pain or discomfort, it is a disqualifying fault on the show bench, though. Harrison Weir makes the point that the kinked Siamese cat tail is reminiscent of the truncated tails referred to by Darwin. Despite the kinked tail being part of the original Siamese cat, it was bred out. This often happens when the tail is crushed by a falling object or trapped between something and injured as the cat tries to escape. Mrs Vyvyan who lived in Dover, Kent, UK says that the only purebred Siamese cats in Siam (now Thailand) were at the King's Palace. Consult a few different vets first. But what causes a kinked tail, and what does it mean for your cat? This can be distinguished phenotypically from the Manx cat mutation by the presence of kinking in the tail, often forming what looks like a knot at the distal end of the tail. House cats have been seen with bobtails as far back as 1896. Kinked Short Tails In Cats Breeds Most Affected. If you have a Manx cat suffering severely from Manx Syndrome, unfortunately, there is no cure. Hopefully you found an answer and your cat will live happily ever after, kinked or not kinked. One of the most common reasons that a cat will have a kinked tail is due to an accidental break of some kind. Bobtails do, both the American and the Japanese varieties. Rough play and striking a tail against a wall while wagging it can also lead to kinks. This will ease any discomfort or side effect. Sep 12, 2019 #17 lutece TCS Member. This spine curvature is often noted in the tail and identified as Bobtail, Corkscrew (piggy), Kinked tails, Ringtail or Manx. Most cats with tail trauma have a flaccid, paralyzed tail. This can be caused by a person accidentally stepping on the tail or other types of physical stress to the tail bones. Although this is not usually a serious issue, it could be, and there are several things to be aware of. How treatment is undertaken will depend on the extent of the damage and how greatly it is affecting the cat. Cat’s tails are essential for both balance and body language, helping them communicate with other cats or humans or cross even the narrowest of ledges. Despite this, it’s not always possible to prevent kittens from being born with kinked tails because the gene is recessive, meaning two cats who possess it can give birth to kittens with kinked tails, even though the parents may not have the trait themselves. [1] This can be distinguished phenotypically from the Manx cat mutation by the presence of kinking in the tail, often forming what looks like a knot at the distal end of the tail. Although the sort of injury that leads to a crooked tail definitely is painful, most animals with kinked tails do not suffer from any long-term pain. THE PROBABLE TRUTH ABOUT KINKED TAILS. Cats such as the Siamese and the Burmese are particularly affected by these genes, although they can appear randomly in all breeds. Also, while nowadays the Siamese kinked tail has become a show "fault", in the early shows it was mandatory for a Siamese to have a kink in its tail … … I do not know if your cat’s tail resulted from a genetic condition or injury. If you’re petting your cat and you start seeing the tip of her tail twitch a little bit, that’s … This doesn’t cause the cat to feel any pain or discomfort, and as it is part of them from birth, they generally don’t suffer from any balance or movement issues. For genetically kinked tails, the treatment options will depend on how severe the side effects are. Brehm Martens and Jean Bungartz wrote about bobtailed cats born on the Sunda Aisles and in Japan, showing that this mutation developed well over a … It is also said that cross-eyes in Siamese goes back to these temple cats that guarded the temples and watched so carefully that their eyes crossed. If you see any of these signs, consult your vet. Keep an eye out for behavioral changes too, as cats who have broken their tails will sometimes walk unevenly, drag their tails, or suffer from dribbling urine and diarrhea. It was entirely normal for original Siamese cats to have kinked tails. In some cases, a kinked tail can indicate pure interest. When your cat's tail is kinked but at the same time wedged between her hind legs, it may be a sign that... Peace. Your cat is considered a Tonkinese, by the way. Kinked tails show themselves now and again on all cats in all breeds, even in domestic shorthair. Unfortunately, most kinked tails can't be fixed. Treating tail injuries in cats. About 6 years ago we had a 1yo female cat wander up. Also, I was looking on the 'net, and learned that in Thailand, a cat with a kink in its tail is considered lucky. This is everything you need to know about your cat’s kinked tail/broken tail/crooked tail. It is a defect on the tail, very often on the outermost tip of the tail, which can vary a bit in type and in degree. If the tail’s injury is severe, partial or full amputation may be the best option, especially if the tail is paralyzed. A defect. Tags: cat tails with kinks, cats with broken tails, kinked tails. 6. Fascination. She has a shortened tail, about half the length of a normal cat's tail. I also thought the kinked tail was something that Siamese cats of various types/mixes sometimes have! Some cats, especially Siamese and Burmese can be born with a kink in their tail. While these Legends are Charming, the fact that kink tails still appear in the breed with such regularity makes one wonder at the persistence of this trait. Cats can get their loose skin of the tail caught in a door or bitten. Bengal. Thanks everyone. The Siamese cat was referred to as "The Royal Cat of Siam". Kinked tails. Very old lines of Siamese also had kinked tails. If the tail is broken heals improperly – as is often the case with strays or wild cats who suffered a tail injury – it can result in a noticeable kink. Cats born with a kinked tail will usually not suffer any issues with balance, movement or communication, and can lead completely normal lives. Domestic cats exhibit abundant variations in tail morphology and serve as an excellent model to study the development and evolution of vertebrate tails. A cat’s tail can tell you many things, like whether they are happy or playful or about to pounce – if you know how to read it. A kinked tail in a cat is characterized by a noticeable bend or angle, which gives the tail a crooked appearance. One of the most common reasons that a cat will have a kinked tail is due to an accidental break of some kind. Siamese cats have a slight kink in their tails, making this a mild version of the bobtail effect. Top Cat. Although many Manx cats can live happy lives with the affliction, some may not, and euthanasia might be recommended. Bobtail cats are born with a mutation that sees their tails being either shortened, knotted, a pom-pom shape or they can be kinked. Just like if you broke a bone, you should consult your veterinarian immediately if this happens. I do feel better now. It is most often seen on the tail’s outermost tip and can vary in severity, with some kinks being very obvious and others being just slight bends. In most cases, your cat will be perfectly fine. At The Cat’s Inn, we also offer nearly as many configurations and color options in our cat townhouses and condos as there are cat breeds. The amount of kinking varies from kitten to kitten, though. Joined Mar 8, … Although the sort of injury that leads to a crooked tail definitely is painful, most animals with kinked tails do not suffer from any long-term pain. The Genetic Link. Some cat breeds – the Burmese and Siamese, in particular – can be born with a kinked tail, notes Cat World. Reactions: Azazel. Tail trauma is an occasional problem mainly in outdoor cats. Kinked Tails and Crossed Eyes Several legends try to imagine how the breed might have got the kinked tails and crossed eyes that Siamese cats were once known for. When I was growing up we had a number of cats hanging around, one of which we called Bent Tail. Also, I was looking on the 'net, and learned that in Thailand, a cat with a kink in its tail is considered lucky. years before it is shown. Rough play and striking a tail against a wall while wagging it can also lead to kinks. Kinked tails are very common in dogs and cats. When they were first imported to England, Mrs Vyvyan (the person who first imported Siamese cats from the king’s palace), says: “most of the kittens have a kink in the tail” You still see street Siamese in Thailand with short and kinked tails. Siamese cats used to have kinked tails, but that trait was bred out of them over time. They look a lot like wild ocelots or lynxes until they snuggle up … Purebred cats born with kinked tails are usually sold as pets, and not used to breed or exhibit. This is also a defective gene and much work has gone into eliminating this as well. Just like cats come in many different shapes, sizes and colors, they can have different tail styles as well. Why Is My Cat’s Tail Curled Sometimes? Take a look at our different options online, or contact us today to learn more. Unfortunately, a variety of tail abnormalities can occur in cats, with kinked tails, often called crooked tail or broken tail, being one of the most common. So, predicting tail length is … A cat offered its tail to her and kinked it … Also known as broken tail, luxated-subluxated tail or dislocated tail, clinical signs can vary from a kink in the tail to complete paralysis with fecal-urinary incontinence.. Although this can be a scary prospect, your cat will adapt to the loss of their tail and their mobility will not suffer from this in the long-run. But what causes a kinked tail, and what does it mean for your cat? This mutation is not the same as that seen in the Manx cat and kittens with a wild bobcat and domestic cat parents can inherit the mutated gene responsible for the shape and size of their tails and whether they have kinked short tails. However, they can result in a permanent kink. And unlike other genes that cause tail deformities, the Manx gene causes a range of health problems for affected cats, and it can even result in death in extreme cases. Purebred cats born with kinked tails are usually sold as … The damaged tail/spine affects the central nervous system, with side effects such as constipation, partial paralysis, and hind limbs’ weakness. Kinked tails generally are harmless. Many Siamese cats from Thailand had a kink in their tails, but over the years this trait has been considered a flaw. Overview of Tail Trauma in Cats. Kinked tails can also stem from genetic variation, with some cats being born with the trait and others developing it as they age. A kinked tail in a cat is characterized by a noticeable bend or angle, which gives the tail a crooked appearance. Keeping this in view, can a kinked tail be fixed? If your cat is not suffering, there is no need to seek surgery, as you will be putting your pet through unnecessary stress for purely esthetic reasons. This is purely for esthetic reasons, as cats with no visible flaws are usually seen as being more desirable. Just like if you broke a bone, you should consult your veterinarian immediately if this happens. Of course, not all cats are bred for show. When she wandered up she was feral, and it took us 4 months before we were able to even touch her. Bengals are fun-loving, high-energy housecats. In the latter part of the 19th century, roughly 200 cats, considered “royal,” were gifted to Nicholas II, the Tsar of Russia, by the King of Siam. A big, fluffy boy, the Kurilian Bobtail cat originated in the Kuril Islands off the … Your vet can analyze the tail and make recommendations on treatment options and remedies, as well as offer pain relief if your cat is in pain from the injury. At the end the bone is curled slightly back (not visible, you can only tell unless you touch it), and her tail ends in a little sort of puff ball. If you see a sudden change in your cat’s tail, this is most likely to be the cause, and you may also notice tender areas around the injury, swelling and abscesses. The result can be a wound or a "degloving", where the skin can be pulled completely off. Because cats are too perfect, they would take all of the spaces and so their tails were broken to give them an imperfection. Cats homozygous for the gene tend to have shorter more kinked tails. Known as Manx Syndrome, this condition affects the Manx cat breed, which originates from the Isle of Man. When the tail does form, kinks are common. Injury. This further complicates the definition of a correct tail length for each breed. Their tails developed a large kink so the cats did not lose the rings. (These characteristics are seen as faults nowadays and have largely been bred out of Siamese genes, so you don't come across them as often as you used to, but the stories are still fun.) Genetic Mutation: Mutations in a cat’s DNA caused by breeding that have caused a curvature in the spine. Cats homozygous and heterozygous for this gene display shortened and kinked tails. In fact, most cats have a tail that is as long as their body. Some kinked tails can be seen already on the newborn kitten, but they can also take as long as 1? In general, cat breeders avoid using cats with kinked tails when breeding, so they’re pretty rare. The kinked and stunted tail is very common in the pointed cats of Thailand. There are a few reasons that these occur. However, some cases aren’t so bright, as we’ve gone through in this article, and if you see your cat struggling, you should consult your vet regarding them. One myth says that a princess went to wash her hands in a river and that she didn’t have anywhere to put her rings. Broken or Injured Tails. These cats have a unique gene – the Manx gene – which prevents the vertebrae from forming properly, meaning they are often born with no tail whatsoever. When they were first imported to England, Mrs Vyvyan (the person who first imported Siamese cats from the king’s palace), says: “most of the kittens have a kink in the tail” You still see street Siamese in Thailand with short and kinked tails. What Causes a Cat's Tail to Become Kinked? Cats use their tails to communicate and give us the greatest insight into how our felines are feeling, along with other signs shown through their eyes, ears, and body posture. Cats are rarely purebreds. Although the sort of injury that leads to a crooked tail definitely is painful, most animals with kinked tails do not suffer from any long-term pain. The most common cause of a kinked tail in cats is injury. Incidentally Mr Weir also speculates that the Manx cat might have originated in … Kinked tails. As long as the cat is not in any pain or discomfort, this is not something to worry about, they will be able to lead a perfectly happy life without treatment. Our lynx mix also has a kinked tail though her sister (a snowshoe mix) doesn't. They are both "defects" for want of a better description in a cat's tail. The amount of kinking varies from kitten to kitten, though. Cats’ tails are vertabrae and can get damaged like that. If an injury caused it, in most cases, it would heal by itself (possibly with the help of antibiotics issued by your vet). If you do want your cat to live happily, you better get some cat grass, check out our article about the benefits of cat grass! Cats with shortened and kinked tails were first recorded in the Malayan archipelago by Charles Darwin in 1868 and remain quite common today in … Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. This spine curvature is often noted in the tail and identified as Bobtail, Corkscrew (piggy), Kinked tails, Ringtail or Manx. Cats may have genes that create kinked, curled, or bobbed tails. With a distinct kinked tail, the small, affectionate Mekong Bobtail is naturally found throughout many parts of Southeast Asia. Some cats, especially Siamese and Burmese can be born with a kink in their tail. After recovery, the bend should not cause your cat pain, but he or she may require a few days to get used to the new sensations of walking, playing and running with a differently shaped tail. Also, while nowadays the Siamese kinked tail has become a show "fault", in the early shows it was mandatory for a Siamese to have a kink in its tail to be considered a true Siamese. The Classic Siamese Cat Variety Native to Thailand Is Called Wichien Matt, Or Simply Thai Cat: The … In the Siamese breed, to have a partial tail, kinked tail, bob tail or even like a Manx - no tail, is a "common error". When it comes to cats, a tail is a prized possession and has various functions in their day-to-day life. However, if the side effects inhibit your cat’s movement or causing other symptoms such as incontinence, your vet may recommend that the tail is either shortened or amputated. It’s harmless in itself and causes the cat no pain or discomfort, it is a disqualifying fault on the show bench, though. 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