What does it really mean when your cat has their tail up, down, or swishing around?
Why Do Cats Wag Their Tails? Just like dogs, cats move their tails to express their emotions. So, what does it mean when a cat wags its tail? Let us look at the different “wagging” tail movements and what they mean.
Cat tails up
The best-understood cat tail signal is probably a tail held up vertically, sometimes with the tip slightly curled, like a question mark. To help understand cat tail language, one researcher from the University of Southampton presented cats with life-sized cat silhouettes with their tails in different positions. When the image showed the cat’s tail up, the real cats approached more quickly and frequently reciprocated the signal. In effect, an upright cat tail says ‘I’m friendly’, thereby reducing the risk of a fight. If your cat greets you or other cats in your household with their tail up, it’s a clear sign of confidence, friendliness, and affection.
Thrashing Tail Movements
When your cat thrashes their tail or is thumping it on the ground, they are irritated, annoyed, or angry. This tells you that something is bothering your cat.
This is a distance-increasing behavior. In other words, if you are petting your cat and they start thrashing their tail, they are trying to tell you to stop. If you do not, then the thrashing tail may be a prelude to hissing, growling, swatting, or biting.
Cat waving tail from side to side
Cat tail movements can also tell us about how our felines are feeling. Strong movement often signals strong emotions. So, if your cat’s tail is lashing from side to side and thumping on the ground, this indicates that they are highly agitated, and it’s probably best to leave them well alone.
Watch out, too, for a fluffed-up cat tail – this is a defensive reaction to make the cat appear bigger. A furiously waving tail can occur during play or hunting (positive emotion) or due to frustration and anger (negative emotion). Either way, your cat is charged and ready to act.
Conversely, soft, fluid cat tail movements suggest a lack of tension. So, a cat tail waving slowly from side to side may indicate a less urgent conflict, like indecision. Take note of your cat’s environment and their overall body language and vocalizations to get a clearer indication of the message intended.
Cat tail wrapped or tucked
Cats that are feeling relaxed appear loose and open, whereas a cat that does not wish to interact will withdraw. In terms of cat tail language, this is most clearly indicated when a cat’s tail is wrapped around their body or tucked underneath them, instead of lying loose on the ground, extending away from their body. Your cat may just want a cozy snooze or be a bit chilly, but a wrapped tail can sometimes signal stress and anxiety.
To decide what is going on, consider the whole picture and setting. Is your cat snuggled down with its nose tucked in, for warmth? Or is their tail held tightly around their body or awkwardly just above the ground, indicating tension? Do their eyes appear soft and blinking (relaxed) or wide and staring (aroused)? Pay attention, too, when your cat moves – a tail tucked between their hind legs can suggest they feel threatened and may lash out.
Although your cat’s tail provides some excellent clues to what is going on inside their head, it’s important to remember that ‘reading’ just their tail is like picking odd words out of a sentence – you could easily misinterpret what’s being said. You will get a greater understanding of your cat’s mood and emotions by observing their tail movements alongside their entire body language and the environment they are in.
Twitching the End of the Tail
Cats twitch the end of their tails when they are hunting and playing, as well as when they are mildly irritated and frustrated. In this case, read the scene and look for other clues to their mood. If they are not playing or stalking something, then the twitching tail movement probably means that they are annoyed.
Tail Quivers
Your cat may quiver their tail when they are especially excited to see you or another cat. Sometimes, when a cat quivers his tail while holding it straight up and backing up against a vertical surface, it may be urine marking.
What Does a Tail in a Question Mark or Hook Shape Mean?
You may notice that sometimes your cat’s tail looks like a question mark—it stands upright and curls at the end. This cat tail language indicates that your cat is happy and approaching amicably.
Seeing your cat’s tail in this position is an invitation to interact with your cat. However, while it is tempting to a pet with that curly-tipped tail, most cats prefer to be petted around their facial glands on their cheeks, under their chin, and next to their ears.
Why Do Cats Fluff Up Their Tails?
If your cat assumes the quintessential Halloween-cat posture with a puffed tail and arched back, then they are startled or frightened by a sudden, severe threat.
Your cat’s hair stands on end (piloerection) so that it can appear to be larger. This is a defensive reaction indicating that your cat wishes to be left alone.
This tail position is often triggered by feeling threatened by other animals in the yard, dogs approaching, visitors in the home, or sudden noises. Remove the inciting triggers to decrease your cat’s stress. If you try to interact with your cat when their hair is standing up, they may perceive your approach as a threat and become aggressive.
What If Your Cat’s Tail Is Held Low to the Ground?
A cat may lower their tail below the level of its back if they are frightened or anxious. If your cat’s tail is tucked between its legs, then they are really scared or may be experiencing pain.
Why Do Cats Curl Their Tails Around Their Bodies?
If your cat is sitting or lying down with their tail wrapped around their body, then they are frightened, defensive, in pain, or feeling unwell. When you see this, end your interaction with your cat and ensure that your cat’s environment is free of stressors.
If your cat frequently crouches with its tail curled tightly around its body for more than a few days, then an evaluation by your veterinarian is warranted to rule out pain or illness.
Although you should look at more than just their tail movements, to fully understand your cat’s emotional state, the tail may be the most expressive part of a cat’s body language. Better understanding your cat’s body language will surely improve your bond with your cat.
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