What is the function of a tail on cats, dogs or any other animal?

Answer 1

it is so that they look so cute you can't possibly resist them. Some people say it is for balance but I don't understand that because they already have four legs. If you can't balance with four legs then I just don't know.

Answer 2

Balance, mostly. Although I'm not sure exactly how a tail "helps" a dog in that respect, I've seen my cats flick down their tails when they jump to a high (and narrow) platform, and it helps them keep their balance. Same thing for squrriels and birds.
It can also be used to get a message across to other animals- for example, a cat will "puff" up its tail and its back when threatened, in order to seem bigger.

Some reptiles use their tails as get-away devices; when a predator attacks a lizard, it usually goes for the tail. The tail pops off while the lizard escapes to safety.

Answer 3

Tails have evolved to perform various different functions in animals. Perhaps the oldest tails are those used by fish and other marine life for locomotion, while some land animals use them for balance (e.g. cats) or even for grasping (e.g. monkeys). Tails can also be useful as for social signals, as used by deer to warn of possible danger, or by domestic dogs to indicate emotions. Different evolutionary pressures have led to armoured tails, some containing venom, as in the case of scorpions. In some species of lizard, the tail is able to be permanently detached from the body if necessary, with the intent of distracting a predator long enough to allow lizard escape. Usually their tails will grow back over time, though generally darker in colour than the original. In most birds, tails consist of feathers of extended length, the function of which is to act as a rudder to balance and steer the bird in flight, also to provide balance when perched.

Answer 4

Balance, mostly. It sounds funny that an animal that walks on four feet should need the extra for balance, but it does help them maintain their gait. They also use it to help turn when they are running at high speeds. If you ever watch a National Geographic special on female lions or tigers hunting, you'll see how they use their tails to counteract the inertia and help them make their turns more easily.
If they are non-hunting animals, such as horses and cows, they use their tails to swat flies and prevent them from biting. Horse flies and black flies can actually kill an animal, because they don't just sting like a mosquito, but they take a bite out of the animal. Enough of them can bring an animal down.

Answer 5

Aside from balance the tail is used as a weapon, used to snap flies (cows and horses, etc.), used for signaling, used to attract mates, protection, etc.

Might even be leftovers from evolution.

Answer 6

Balance and expression of emotion.

Answer 7

balance