Do Rabbits Have Long Tails?

Most people never ask themselves do rabbits have long tails because such
questions seem strange and fun for most people. The fact is that even owners
believe these lovely long-eared pets have short tails. However, the answer is entirely
the opposite: your bunny’s tail is long.

Since the tail is a part of the final spine part, this lovely animal has complete control
of it and hides most of it in its rear body part. For instance, your bunny can push its
tail in and out when needed, changing its visible length. It is pretty impressive, isn't
it?

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Do Rabbits Have Long Tails?

On average, a domestic rabbit’s tail is two inches long, which means that is not as
long as most mammals. A rabbit’s tail has about 16 vertebrae, which are otherwise
called tail bones. A rabbit’s tail bones are covered by many nerves and different
muscles that make it mobile.

Still, many people are surprised by the fact that a rabbit’s tail isn’t small, soft, and
round. Interesting is that the white underside contributes to this effect, which is a
cottontail variety characteristic. On the internet, you can find many fun videos and
documentaries, which show how pulling a small ball reveals the full tail’s length

Rabbit’s Tail Length

After all, you’ll agree that these small, softballs are the sweetest bunnies part. A
rabbit’s tail length depends on its breed, so, on average, a domestic rabbit’s tail is
long between 1.6 to 3.1 inches (4 -8 cm).

When you think about it, it’s not too long, for example, a cat’s tail is 11.81 inches (30
cm) long. From this fact is clear that a rabbit’s tail is not as long as most mammals.
In any case, it’s more than you could imagine, isn’t it?

A rabbit’s tail has about 16 vertebrae, which are otherwise called tail bones.
Still, many people are surprised by the fact that a rabbit’s tail isn’t small, soft, and
round. An interesting thing is that the white underside contributes to this effect, which
is a cottontail variety characteristic.
Understandably, most people are excited by discovering astonishing news about
pets, but it’s not advisable to pull your rabbit’s tail in curiosity, it can be a very bad
experience for your pet.

However, you shouldn’t worry. A domestic rabbit’s tail is not as important for its
survival as it is to wild rabbits. A situation where tail problems can harm your pets is
not common.

On the internet, you can find many fun videos and documentaries, which show how
pulling a small ball reveals the full tail’s length. Also, you can see the full length of
your rabbit’s tail when your pet is stretched and relaxed.

The Rabbit’s Tails’ Purpose

Facts about the purpose of your rabbit’s tail will help you to achieve better
communication with your lovely pet. Domestic rabbit in most cases does not have a
tail’s underside in white color because they don’t evolve to avoid predators. A
rabbit’s tail position can offer very significant insights into its emotional state. If you
ever wanted to read your pet’s feelings, take a look at their tail.

When your pet feels bored or neglected, he will often chase its tail. Rabbits wag their
tales to show disapproval. If you notice that your bunny flicks its tail back and forth,
or rises its tails up while growls, it is probably angry, or it’s a mating season.

You will know that your rabbit is curious if you see it crawling forward with its front
paws, while its back paws and tail are relaxed long behind them.

Also, when he is in this relaxed position, he is probably happy. Pay special attention
if your rabbit chewing its tail, it is a sign that he suffers from fleas or parasites. Your
pet’s tail has a lot to say about its health.

The conclusion is that a rabbit’s tail position is not crucial for its survival, but it can be
very useful for you to connect with your pet and understand its needs. The tail helps
your rabbit to keep its balance by standing up on its hind legs and stretching its tail
towards the ground. Most of the time they keep their tails tucked into their body,
which is a natural position.

Rabbit’s Tail Sensitivity

When they are born, rabbits have less protection around their tails. While they are
babies, they still don’t have strong tails. Sometimes, bones can become fused during
development. This situation can cause discomfort among other issues.
Seems impossible that a rabbit would bite its own tail, but actually, there are many
reasons why rabbits do this strange thing. All that reasons are related to the rabbit’s
health state. If you don’t provide the right care to your pet, tail loss can be a very
painful experience for your bunny.

Medical problems such as allergies, parasites, and nits, usually cause a rabbit to bite
its tail. As with humans, stress is the biggest trigger for this kind of behavior. If your
pet has a disability or a problem with nerves, don’t be surprised by this act. Also, the
wet tail can make your pet infection problems.

Some rabbits can’t urinate properly due to the illness, and that difficulty can lead to
skin irritation. So, dear pet owners, you need to be very careful when taking care of
your pet, their sensitivity is on a high level.

Believe it or not, one of your pet’s biggest enemies is a fly. A fly attack is very painful
for your bunny and can cause a fatal condition. This scary situation happens when
the fly lays its eggs on the rabbit. If you suspect that your pet experienced flystrike,
contact your veterinarian.

One more important thing is that domestic rabbits require hygiene. If the rabbit is not
able to clean itself, your responsibility is to brush them on and around its tail,
because if they develop mats, it can be very uncomfortable for your poor pet.

Tail Loss And Return

You are probably wondering if a rabbit’s tail can come back, and the disappointing
news is that once they lose their tail, there is no turning back. But, this is not a
reason to worry because fur will grow over and your pet can continue to live
normally, and the missing tail isn’t an event that noticeable.

In this case, you can’t act as if nothing happens and your next step should be to call
a vet, they will tell you how to treat a rabbit wound. After a few weeks of rest and
observation, your pet will be fine.

Without a tail, the rabbit will be limited for some activities, but the key point for you is
to treat the injury properly to prevent infection. You need to provide him safety
environment and food rich In fiber.

You will probably find it strange, to see your minion without a soft and cute ball, but
the most important is that he will keep balance and space awareness. Anyhow, pay
attention, it’s not permissible to allow your pet to bite its tail.
Also, avoid touching, tugging, or pulling a rabbit’s tail, because the tail is absolutely
sense and causes your pet to become fearful of you. If you see your rabbit doing
this, be aware that he is emotionally stressed. The best case scenario is to spend a
lot of time with your pet, to give him enough attention and care, that is the only way
to avoid this situation.

Regular Tail Care

Most rabbits lick their paws and fur, which means they are capable to clear
themselves without your help. But in case they have some health issues, they need
you to clean them to prevent the cause of potential infections. Your obligation is the
daily care of their living space and their food if you want to keep them healthy.

The important part of rabbits’ care is brushing their fur, especially if you notice a mat
around their tail. You can use some special wipes for pets and gently clean their tail.
Cats are not the only animals that don’t do well with water, your bunny pet will not
be impressed bathing in water, in fact, they can get sick.

Try to keep your rabbit’s tail dry, and if the tail gets too wet for some reason, clean it
softly. Don’t let your rabbit get wet around its tail because it will experience difficulty
urinating. Pulling on your rabbit tail you risk breaking the tail bones or causing nerve
damage. A really important thing for a complete rabbit’s organism is grass-based
food.

It’s good to know there are important ways to prevent your rabbit from tearing off its
tail, you have to occupy their time. When they are busy, they will not think about
biting their own tail.

You can make some kind of funny environment, or buy them toys for pets. If you
notice any of the problems such as bumps, broken skin, or yellow fur around the
back, make an appointment with the vet.

Summary

However, you will agree that rabbit’s tail sweetness is still present, no matter how
long it is. Also, pet owners shouldn’t forget how much the tail is important rabbits
body part. You should not worry that you find out how sensitive the rabbit’s tail is,
just take even more care of your wonderful pet, and enjoy every cuddle with them,
but keep your hands far away from the tail!