We have been trying to communicate with our pets for as long as we can tell. But unfortunately, we simply don’t speak the same language.
But what if we could understand our cats just by the flick of their fluffy tails?
Just like the eyes are the windows to our soul, the cat's tail is the reflection of their temperament and disposition. Each tail movement shows to other cats and humans what emotions they are feeling at that exact moment. By using their tail, eyes, ears, and general body posture, your cat is communicating with you entirely. You will not only be able to understand if they are feeling happy, frightened, or playful but also if they are ill, which is extremely valuable to help your vet diagnose your best friend.
By understanding their “tail talk,” we could solve the many behavioral mysteries that may lie ahead. In our first lesson, we’d like to present you with ten basic cat tail wag movements and positions and their potential meanings and intentions.
Straight-up
If a cat’s tail is upright, they are expressing confidence and being social. A straight-up tail is a sign that your cat is approaching you in a friendly manner, signaling happiness without reservations. Notice the rest of their body: their ears should normally be pricked up, and their whiskers should be relaxed.
This is the green light you need for petting your cat or playing with them. Go ahead!
Cute fact alert: holding a straight-up tail is how cats greet each other, and it is the top greeting from kittens to their mothers.
Curved like a question mark
When your cat’s tail is shaped like a question mark or like a hook (staying upright and curved at the end), it means that they are very interested in something. A question mark tail means that your cat is approaching you with happiness and friendship, but they can maintain some reservations, just in case. This is an invitation to receive some petting and cuddles, as well.
A hooked tail also signals that your cat is ready to play with you, so take some minutes for a good ol’ playtime.
Low
If a cat’s tail is sitting low, they are not in the mood to play around. A straight down tail usually signals aggression and announces to the world that they are in a somber mood. Yikes!
However, Persian cats carry their tails in a low position for no particular reason, so it’s crucial to interpret your cat’s body language as a whole.
Remember to not engage with your cat when their tail is down. Instead, try to discover the source of their negativity and upset, and, if possible, neutralize it.
Curved beneath the body
A curved tail beneath the body means nervousness and/or submission. In this situation, the tail is like a scarf for your cat’s paws, so you need to pay attention to the rest of their body language and your surroundings. Maybe it’s just cold, and your cat overall feels relaxed, but their paws are a bit chilly. In that case, they’re probably fine.
Tucked away
A tucked-away tail is quite similar to a tail curved beneath the body, and it signals fear or submission. Something may be getting your cat nervous. However, and much like the previous position, if your cat crawls up next to you with their tail around them or beneath their body, try to read the body language as a whole. If they feel calm, they are probably just relaxing with you on the couch.
Puffed-up
If your cat’s tail resembles a pipe cleaner, they are likely agitated and frightened. Your cat is probably sensing danger and this tail position, together with an arched puffed-up back, is their way of looking bigger and of responding to a threat.
In this situation, it’s best to leave your cat alone. They’re big now, so they will solve their problems in their own way.
Of course, if you have scared your cat on purpose and their tail becomes puffed-up, you know who’s to blame. Don’t do that!
Whipping
If your cat is whipping their tail back and forth in a rapid motion, it signals both fear and aggression. It’s a strong movement for a strong emotion. If they are lying down or sitting, their tail may be strongly thumping on the ground, which means they are irritated.
Again, leave your cat alone with their feelings. They are ready to attack whatever and whoever comes in their way.
Swishing
When a cat is swishing their tail, it usually means they are deeply focusing on something or someone. It may be a shadow, their favorite toy, the laser pointer on the wall, or a piece of kibble on the floor - your cat is ready to attack and be the king of the jungle that is your apartment.
Wrapped around
This means your cat is hugging you. Well, sort of.
When cats wrap their tails around people’s legs, or when they intertwine them with other cats, it conveys friendship and a willingness to interact. They are being friendly and lovable. Aw!
Quivering
If you just got yourself back home and your cat greets you with their quivering tail, it means they are excited to see you. The same happens when they see another cat they are particularly fond of.
However, watch out for those moments when your cat holds their tail straight up and back up against a vertical surface because they may be urine spraying. This usually happens with non-spayed or non-neutered cats.
Conclusion
These are just some of the signs that are easily detected in the behavior of our feline friends. Since the tail is mobile, it’s an important body part that can help you understand your cat better.
However, becoming fluent in cat language doesn’t include only understanding their tail movements - that’s like learning loose words but never forming a sentence. You’ll need to translate what the rest of their body is saying, including their eyes, ears, and posture. Only then you’ll be able to break the language barrier.