What is your cat’s tail telling you?

Understanding cats can be quite a challenge, as they often keep their feelings under wraps. However, your cat’s tail is like a mood barometer, offering insights into their emotional state. It’s essential to interpret these tail signals in context with the rest of their body language and the situation.

Cat’s Tail hug

A tail hug is an adorable sign of affection, similar to a human’s embrace. When cats wrap their tails around each other, it’s a sign of a close bond. It’s comparable to humans putting an arm around someone they care about.

Swishing tail

The swishing tail, characterised by a slow sway from side to side, is typically seen just before a cat pounces on a toy or while hunting. It’s a sign of focused attention and predatory instinct in action.

Tail whip

A rapidly moving tail back and forth indicates a cat is highly emotionally charged and possibly on the verge of aggression. This behaviour is often seen in territorial disputes with other cats and is usually accompanied by loud yowling.

Tail twitching

Tail twitching can signify internal conflict or agitation. If your cat twitches their tail while being petted, it might be a sign to stop, as they could be feeling uncomfortable. It can also occur when a cat is frustrated, like wanting to go outside but being unable to.

Tucked

If your cat’s tail is tucked underneath their body, it reflects fear or anxiety. This is a defensive posture indicating discomfort or distress.

Low tail

A tail held straight down can be a sign of unease or fear. While some cat breeds naturally carry their tails lower, a low tail in most cats suggests a lack of comfort or confidence.

Puffed up tail

A puffed-up tail, with the base and spine hair raised, is a clear indicator of fear. Cats puff up to appear bigger when they feel threatened or are startled by something they perceive as dangerous.

Question mark

When a cat’s tail takes the shape of a question mark, it’s often a friendly greeting, especially towards someone familiar. This is a common behaviour in sociable cats who tend to do this as they approach people.

High tail

A high tail generally means your cat is feeling confident and happy, often indicating friendly intentions. A slight quiver in the tail can even suggest excitement at seeing someone they are fond of.

Remember, every cat is unique and their tail movements can be more expressive for some than others. To understand your cat’s tail language, consider the broader context of the situation and their overall personality.