Lots of animals have tails, and we often assume they’re used largely for communication. If you have a dog at home, for example, you probably know that they wag their tails when they’re happy or pleased to see you. Cats, on the other hand, flick their tails when they're angry or grumpy. But while communication is a key part of why a tiger’s tail matters, there’s a lot more to the picture. Let’s explore all the uses a tiger has for its tail - you might find it’s more important than you think!

How long is a tiger’s tail?

A tiger’s tail is typically about a metre long, making up about one third of the tiger’s total body length. There are between 19 - 23 bones and lots of muscles in the tail, making it flexible and useful for many different things. Let’s take a look at them. 

1. Communication

Tigers can’t talk like we can, which means that they have to use their faces and bodies to express their feelings - and the tail always gives a big clue about a tiger’s mood. A rapidly twitching or flicking tail can indicate the tiger is in a naughty or playful mood, or that it is sneaking up on something. A tail that’s swinging up and down quickly is usually a sign of anger or aggression, while a tail that is hanging down indicates the tiger is relaxed. 

2. Balance

Tigers also use their tails for balance when they are climbing, going downhill, or making sharp, high-speed turns during a hunt. The tail acts as a counterbalance to the tiger’s bodyweight; as strong, muscular cats they need their tails to keep them stable and prevent them from falling over. 

3. Swimming

Unlike many cats, tigers love to swim and are adept hunters in the water. Their tails act like a boat’s rudder, providing stability and steering while they paddle through flowing rivers.
 

4. Marking territory

Tigers have scent glands in their tails, which they use to mark their territory. They will often lift their tail to spray urine onto trees, rocks and other items in their environment, which warns other tigers to stay away, but they also rub the base of their tails against vegetation to leave a more subtle scent mark.

5. Swatting flies

If you’ve ever been out and about on a hot day, you’ll know how annoying flies can be. While we bat them away with our hands, tigers use their tails to swat flies, sending them away with a brief but powerful flick. 

Tiger tales near you

If you love Judith Kerr’s picture book, The Tiger Who Came to Tea, you’re sure to love the family theatre show, which is touring the UK this summer. Retelling the popular story with songs, dance, magic and clumsy chaos, it’s heaps of fun for little ones, and at just 55 minutes with no interval, it’s among the best family shows for under 5s. Find out if the production is coming to a venue near you and book your family theatre tickets today to join the fun.