Bruce's bent tail

Our 9 month old Maine Coon, Bruce, doesn't carry his tail straight. It is always bent to the left, right from near the base. As far as we are aware he has never damaged it, and it feels strong and healthy and causes him no pain to touch it. It is possible to bend it to the right, and it causes him no discomfort, but it feels like the muscles on the left hand side are much stronger.

We were just wondering whether it was just like being left-handed, or whether there is something to worry about. He is healthy and agile and balances well, and we weren't intending to show him, so there is no immediate concern. I just thought I'd ask your views as you guys are so knowledgeable, e.g. if a small bit of physio or something done now while he is young would be better for his back in the long term?

Thanks

Bruce&Sheila

Not really sure. It might be some kind of muscle problem. I know that in the Maine Coon breed there has been problems with hip displaysia, so not sure if it could affect how they hold the tail.

A Coon's tail is pretty long, so maybe its nothing more then a habit. When he's walking/running, does the tail go straight or is it carried on the side?

BTW I forgot to mentioned on my Charlie Show thread, but we had a HUGE Maine Coon class in all groups. Kittens had 17 MC's, Adults had 9, and the Alters had 16! The biggest MC there was a black smoke/white boy who weighed 20.8 lbs!

You could ask a vet about it at his next visit, but it could just be a slight birth defect. The good thing is that it doesn't seem to cause him any pain.


My dad and his wife have an older cat (used to be my grandmother's cat) who has a bend in his tail that is nearly at a 90 degree angle. He doesn't seem to notice or care.

Thanks for the responses. Bruce does hold his tail at an angle when he walks/runs - it just looks 'normal' for him.

It's a good point about hip displaysia - we will keep an eye out for further problems. Meanwhile, as it is not bothering him, we won't worry too much - the next vet visit is not due for some months.

Bruce&Sheila