Kitten with a curled-up tail

9 weeks is a bit on the young side.

I’d recommend waiting until they are 3 months old. Beyond just being weaned onto solid food, there is the social side of things to consider. The longer they stay with their mum and littermates, the more they’ll learn proper 'manners', which they’ll then carry over into your home. It helps prevent things like scratching or unprovoked attacks on your hands and feet.

I know it feels like a long wait, but it’s honestly so important for their temperament. Do try to make the effort to wait a bit longer; you won't regret it.

I’m sure other members on here will be able to explain it even better than I can.

Best wishes

He’s having no trouble with weeing or pooing; he’s got full control and can move everything just fine.

That "corkscrew" look you’ve noticed while he’s resting is likely just because he’s still a kitten. As he grows, he’ll have some kinks that won’t really show through his coat.

Where a cat would normally have a smooth curve, there’s a bit of a "break" in the tail.

Here’s an example of him sitting:

And when he stands up, where most cats would have a straight or rounded tail, his is...

Best regards

Hi there,

This is what’s known as a kink – or there might even be several of them – which is what gives the tail that curved shape.

It’s essentially tail vertebrae that are bent. It isn’t bothersome or painful for the cat, as they adapt to it perfectly well, including for their balance.

It can be a bit of a shock to look at at first because when they’re resting, for example, it gives the impression of a break or a severe fold, which is quite unusual. The way it feels is also surprising; usually, when you stroke a cat, you finish the gesture by running your hand right down the tail. It’s a strange, twisty sensation that you might hesitate to follow through on because you feel like you’re going to hurt them.

Normally, the cat compensates to show a more or less straight tail, but they can also pull some magnificent question mark shapes.

Anyway, if you want any more details, don’t hesitate to ask. I have a cat with this condition who holds a record of seven bent vertebrae; he’s eighteen months old and doesn’t have any issues at all.

Best wishes