long tailed cats in Arkansas

Question
Hi!  I recently moved from Illinois to Arkansas.  The cats (short hair mixed breeds) I have encountered in Arkansas have longer bodies and longer tails than I have seen up north. Do you know any genetic info about this?  Do they have the same number of vertebrae in their tails as northern breeds?  I find this phenomenon very interesting!

Thanks for your time,  Wendy

Answer
Wendy,

Yes, they would have the same number of vertebrae.

On the other hand, different areas have some unique genetic traits, including tail length. If you look closely, you will find that the cats with longer tails also have longer more narrow bodies, longer legs and longer heads.  All of these traits are linked, in cats. For example Siamese have about the longest bodies and tails of all of our breeds, whereas Persians have relatively short bodies and tails. So, depending on what makes up the feral population, also determines the body length, head length, and tail length.

Best regards... Norm.