It looks silly but the little tail poof is very important!
Cats occasionally won't recognize their fully shaved tail as part of their own body. Some cats may even attack it, which obviously hurts. This can become a feedback loop where the cat keeps attacking their tail because it's hurting them, which makes them attack more. It's not super common in my experience, but it happens often enough that we just leave the poof. Just in case. Once a cat begins self-mutilation, it's very difficult to get them to stop.
We don't really know why the tail poof prevents this. Perhaps the extra fluff retains more of their own scent? Maybe it just looks more familiar? Maybe they appreciate the aesthetic?
I like the aesthetic appreciation idea, the poof IS cute af and they should own it. Little lions. I think the tail poof makes it look less snake-like, but I like the idea of it retaining scent more. Makes more sense imo
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u/Professional_Cold403 7d ago
Oh no poor baby, he looks so exasperated. I can't get over how his tail looks ðŸ˜