When it comes to understanding your cat, the tail is one of the best indicators of how your fluffy friend is feeling. Cat’s tails are great indicators of their mood because, like many animals, most of their communication is nonverbal.
In addition to being adorable, a cats tail is also helps with a cat’s balance. The tail contains 10% of the cat’s bone mass, and when the cat moves, the tail provides a vital counterbalance to the movement of their body.
Tails are also extremely sensitive, containing many nerve endings, and most cats do not enjoy having their tail area petted or scratched. Petting a cats tail can make them feel threatened, since it is a vulnerable body part, and it may also lead to overstimulation.
A cat’s tail communicates emotion two ways, through movement and position. Let’s review the meanings of common tail positions and their associated movements.
Straight up!!!
If a cats tail is straight and pointing towards the sky, it is often an indicator that the cat is feeling threatened or angry, especially if its tail hair is puffed out creating a “bottle brush” effect, or if it’s ears are bulled back flat along their head.
This should be taken as a serious warning that the cat is ready to attack or defend itself! Do not attempt to engage with the cat in any way and give them space. Try to identify what in their surroundings is making them feel threatened, and remove the stimulus.
On the other hand, if the tail is held straight up but not puffed, and the tip of the tail is crooked at an angle, or it it looks like the cats tail is forming a slight question mark shape, this is a friendly greeting. This is a signal the cat is feeling comfortable and happy. Sometimes your cat’s tail will even quiver slightly with excitement.
This tail position is a green light, meaning the cat is happy or excited to see you. Feel free to engage with them.
Horizontal!
If your cat is holding their tail low and somewhat parallel to the ground when standing, this can be a warning sign or signal unease with their environment.
If the tail is swishing side to side this is an extra warning feature that the cat is very unhappy with something. Again, do not attempt to engage with your cat, just give them space and try to identify the source of their agitation.
Also sometimes a horizontal or swishing tail is an indication of predatory behavior. This tail movement is often seen in cats hunting their prey.
It is also important to note that some breeds of cats, like Persians, habitually hold their tails horizontally no matter their mood.
Low or tucked!
If your cat is holding their tail down towards the ground they are nervous and unsure of their environment. If it is tucked between their legs, they are afraid.
Try to remove whatever stimulus is disturbing them, and give them space. Let them come to you for comfort if they want, but don’t force them. Remember, most of the time when cats lash out and bite or claw it is out of fear!
Wrapped around their body!
When your cat sits with their tail wrapped tightly around their body this can be a sign they are afraid, uncertain or in pain. If your cats starts to frequently sit hunched over with their tail wrapped closely around their body you should take them quickly to the vet, as this can indicate severe pain, or that something is seriously wrong internally!
Relaxed, but tip twitching!
This often occurs during petting sessions. Your cats tail and body may appear relaxed, but the tip of the tail begins to twitch, or swish side to side. This means that the cat is starting to get irritated or overstimulated.
As we discussed in our previous article “Please Stop Biting Me!” cats have sensitive, finely tuned nervous systems and even though they may enjoy being petted they can become overstimulated and this is often followed by biting.
You should stop interacting with them. You do not have to move away, they may still desire to be with you, but you should stop any stimulation such as scratching or petting, and allow them the freedom to leave or stay as they wish.
Tail curled around another!
You may often see two cats that like each other entwine their tails, or they may sit very close and one will wrap their tail around the other.
Alternatively your cat may gently curl its tail around you when you pet them. There are all signs of love, affection, and acceptance from a cat. Your cat is trying to tell you they love you!
Wrapped around their body!
When your cat sits with their tail wrapped tightly around their body this can be a sign they are afraid, uncertain or in pain. Some cats sit like this habitually, but for some this can be a worning sign.
If your cat starts to frequently sit hunched over with their tail wrapped closely around their body you should take them quickly to the vet, as this can indicate severe pain, or that something is seriously wrong internally!
Conclusion
Your cat’s tail is one of the primary barometers of their mood and emotions. Learning to read their body language like another cat would will only serve to deepen the understanding and bond between you!
In future articles we plan to continue our series on understanding all the ways your cat is trying to communicate with you, including how to read their ears, whiskers, and body position, and understanding vocalization.
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Remember, above all, love your cat and they will love you back a thousand times more!!!