Whether you are a new cat-owner or old, it is never too late to try to know your feline friend better, such as how does your cat communicate with you? Yes, cats communicate and they do so mostly with their tail movements. If you are curious, this article is for you.
Much like dogs, cats too "talk" with their tails. And, it's up to you to decode the cat tail language. Look carefully into its tail movements, and you can tell with ease whether they are hungry, sad, or in discomfort. Understanding your pet helps them lead a healthy life.
So, let us decode the cat tail language of your kitty.
Does a cat do different tail movements around humans and other cats?
While cats can communicate vocally by meowing and purring, their tail is the biggest giveaway if you want to predict their mood. The felines use their tail for communicating with both humans and other cats. Usually, the signals are quite the same for both. However, some gestures are exclusively for interacting with humans. Here are some cues to decipher cat tail body language.
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The tail-up position.
Cat tail language is pretty easy to decipher if you know how to read the signs. For instance, when the cat has its tail high up, with the tip slightly curved, it means the cat is confident, happy, as well as excited. It is a positive signal. Cats mostly use this gesture exclusively for greeting humans, which means the kitty is in a friendly mood and ready to be pet by the humans.
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The curved-tail position.
When your cat intertwines the tail around your legs, it means they have a good bonding with you. Cats use a similar signal to communicate with other cats they have bonded. The eyes and whiskers can help read the cat tail signals. If it is pointing towards you, they are in an interactive mood.
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The question mark position.
If the end of your cat's tail has a question mark shape, then you are in luck! Your pet is in a positive state. It means your cat is happy to see you. It may also mean they are curious or wary and wondering. If they are in a playful mood, they are likely to respond in affirmative if you interact with them during this period.
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The tucked-away position.
When the cat tucks its tail underneath the body or the side, it means fear or submission. It can also mean the cat is experiencing some form of pain or illness. It helps in detecting any disease they might have at an early stage.
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The tail is in a puffed-up position.
One way of knowing whether your feline baby is in an aggressive mood is from the cat tail signals. Or, to be precise, when the tail is in a puffed-up position. In this position, they are angry or agitated. Cats do this to appear bigger, to ward off probable enemies. If provoked in this stage, they are more prone to attacking you. So, you must be very careful when you see a cat’s tail in this position.
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The tail is straight in the air.
When the cat holds its tail straight-up, it is indicative of a positive mood. Want to play with your kitty? Now is the time to approach your pet. Kittens often show this gesture when meeting their mothers. Your pet cat conveys their mood for receiving love through this body language of a tailed cat. This gesture means your cat is familiar with your presence and might even be missing you!
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Tail swishing.
If your cat is swishing its tail from side to side, it may be tricky to decode the cat tail signals. If it is straight and moving at a careful and measured pace, it means the cat is ready to hunt. Cats are predatory by nature. It is natural for them to hunt for small prey like mice. However, in a home environment, it means your cat is focusing on something. Perhaps they spotted an insect or a toy?
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Tail wrapped around its body.
When the cat wraps its tail around its own body, it indicates a threat. It usually occurs with the cat crouching down on its legs and enveloping its tail tightly around its body. Additionally, if the cat is hissing and you observe a dilation of its pupils - time to move away. This is one of the reasons you should know cat tail signals. By knowing your furry friend’s different moods, you can approach your kitty accordingly.
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Tail-thumping.
When the cat is a bit more ferociously thumping its tail on the ground, it again means agitation. To decipher the cat tail movement meaning, observe the frequency and strength of its movement. The faster it does, the more is the degree of agitation. If provoked any further, they will bring out their claws and fangs. Under these conditions, it is better to leave the cat on its own and not approach it.
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The tail of the cat lies horizontally on the ground.
The easiest way to know the cat tail movement meaning is through its direction. If you find your cat resting on the ground, its tail lying horizontally - the cat is relaxing. Under this situation, it is better to let it rest. If you wish, you can pet them gently.
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The cat waves the tail when lying.
To know the cat tail position meaning, see if the cat is slowly waving the tail when lying on the floor. It means it is in pain. It is better to take it to the vet immediately.
If you keep the above points in mind, you will find it easy to read the language of the cat's tail. All the above pointers will help you deduce the language of the cat from the tail, which, in turn, will improve the communication between you and your kitty.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Do cats wag their tails like dogs when they are happy?
Dogs generally wag their tails when they are happy, satisfied, or excited. However, for cats, the same does not apply. The trick to knowing is a thorough observation of its movement. The cat can thump its tail, swish it, etc., and each has a different message.
Why does my cat's tail move when I pet her?
If you are petting your cat, and in return, they move their tail slightly, it means they are feeling secure. Your cat feels safe in your presence, and if you wish, you may continue with your petting. In this way, you will know the cat language through the tail.
Why does my cat hit me with her tail?
Sometimes it is difficult to know the language of the tailed cat. It can be a gesture of fondness, or excitement. It can also mean slight frustration. But mostly it is a positive sign.
What do cat tail flicks mean?
To know the language of the cat from the tail, observe the frequency of the flick or the cat tail positions. A rigid back and forth means the cat is focusing on something, most likely on prey. Flicking and thumping the tail indicates a high level of stress and agitation. An upright tail means your fur baby is asking for some love.
