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A cat’s tail plays a vital role in how they navigate the world, and every cat’s tail is unique. The length of a tail is dictated by various factors, such as genetics, a mutation, or their breed. You’ll notice that the records for the longest cat tails have been kept within the same family! In this article, we’ll look at who currently holds the record for the longest cat tail and which breeds have the longest tails.
World Records for Longest Cat Tails
1. Altair Cygnus Power
| Breed: | Maine Coon |
| Tail Length: | 16.07 inches |
| Resides: | Michigan, United States |
The world record for the longest cat tail currently belongs to a Maine Coon named Altair Cygnus Powers, who belongs to Dr. William Powers from Michigan. Altair’s fluffy tail measures 16.07 inches, and interestingly, he comes from a family of record holders; his adopted brother Fenrir holds the record for the tallest living cat, standing at 18.87 inches!
When he won the record for the longest tail, Altair received a giant exercise wheel and new furniture to celebrate the big day.
2. Cygnus Regulus Powers
| Breed: | Maine Coon |
| Tail Length: | 17.58 inches |
| Resides: | Michigan, United States |
In 2018, the record for the longest tail was held by Cygnus Regulus Powers, a Maine Coon who also belonged to Dr. Powers! The measurement must have been taken a while before because, in June 2016, the tail already measured 18.4 inches (or 24 inches if you also count all the fluff).
Cygnus, unfortunately, died in a house fire, along with Powers’ other cats, in 2017. When he was up to adopting again, Powers was told about Altair by the woman who bred him. It turns out these two award-winning cats are half-brothers.
People Also Ask
What is the Average Cat Tail Length?
The average cat tail length for a domesticated cat is 12 inches, which puts into perspective how long Altair and Cygnus’s tails are!
Does a Cat’s Breed Affect Tail Length?
Yes, genetics play a huge role in a cat’s tail length. A Manx, for example, doesn’t have a tail due to a genetic mutation. This genetic mutation is also dominant but requires selective breeding with a recessive gene. This is necessary because the two copies of the tailless gene can result in severe developmental and central nervous system issues and stillbirths.
- American Shorthair
- Balinese
- Cornish Rex
- Egyptian Mau
- Maine Coon
- Savannah
- Scottish Fold
Why Do Cats Need Tails?
Tails benefit your cat, probably more than you’ve realized if you haven’t looked into it before!
- Balance: A cat’s reputation for being graceful, agile, and always landing on their feet is largely due to their tail. It acts as a fifth limb and aids their coordination when jumping or climbing.
- Communication: Cats are sometimes subtle about what they’re thinking, but if you want an insight, look at their tail. An upright tail, for example, indicates your cat is feeling happy, while a tail that is tucked in suggests they’re feeling fearful or uncertain.
- Temperature regulation: Long tails are useful in winter because cats will curl their tails around their bodies to regulate their temperature. And when they’re too warm, they’ll stick their tail out to cool off.
Conclusion
Cat tails are unique and come in all different shapes, sizes, and fluffiness. The current record holder for the world’s longest tail is held by a Maine Coon called Altair, whose brother Cygnus had the record before him. A cat’s tail is helpful in various ways, from temperature regulation and balance to communication. How long a cat’s tail is depends on genetics, breed, and genetic mutations.
Featured Image Credit: Remark_Anna, Shutterstock
