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Our cats may not speak our language, but they are always communicating with us. Body language is one of the primary tools cats use to express their moods and desires, and their tails play a considerable role in that communication.
Since humans don’t have tails, understanding a cat’s body language is much less intuitive for us. Thankfully, like any language, it is one that we can learn. In this article, we will take a look at 10 meanings behind your cat’s tail language. But first, why is it so important to understand our cat’s tail language to begin with?
Why Is It Important to Understand Your Cat’s Tail Language?
Understanding your cat’s tail language is critical to deciphering what they are communicating through their body language. When you can determine the mood or need your cat is expressing, you are better able to provide for your cat. This can help you build a positive bond with your cat founded on trust and mutual respect.
For example, if your cat is communicating a need to be left alone, you can heed that request and leave them be. But if you are unable to read their tail language, you may accidentally cross over the boundaries that they are trying to establish. This may cause your cat to feel stressed and unsafe around you.
Therefore, the more you learn about your cat’s tail language (and body language in general), the better equipped you will be to foster a loving, fulfilling connection with your pet.
The 10 Meanings Behind Your Cat’s Tail Language
1. Thrashing Tail
A thrashing tail is often fast-moving and jerking side to side. Sometimes, your cat’s tail may thump erratically on the ground. If you decided that this signals irritation, then you would be correct. When your cat is thrashing their tail, they are showing annoyance or anger.
Something is bothering them, and it’s possible that something is you. Determine what is bothering your cat and see if the stressor can be removed from their environment. If you are their stressor, give them some space. If you don’t, you may set yourself up for a swat or a nip.
2. Swishing Tail
A swishing tail may sound a lot like a thrashing tail, but they are as different as night and day. While a thrashing tail indicates extreme annoyance and anger, a swishing tail suggests milder moods.
If your swishy-tailed cat is laser-focused on a toy, another pet, or even you, there’s a good chance that they are about to attack playfully. There is no need to remove yourself from the situation, as your cat isn’t stressed or unhappy. Instead, they are feeling enriched and entertained. As long as no one is getting hurt, indulging in your cat’s playful mood is a great way to keep them mentally stimulated. Swishy tails can also indicate mild frustration, or similar emotions.
3. Twitching Tip of the Tail
A twitching tip of the tail can be more challenging to decipher. Sometimes, it can communicate irritation or frustration; other times, it can be a sign that your cat is playfully hunting. Since these moods are incredibly different, it is vital that you discern between the two.
Consider context clues when determining what your cat’s twitching tail means. If your cat isn’t sneaking around corners or batting at toys, there’s a good chance that a twitching tail tip is showing frustration.
4. Quivering Tail
When your cat’s tail is quivering, the entire length of it will be shaking. This is most often done to communicate excitement at the sight of you or another cat. If your cat’s tail quivers in your presence, they are very happy to see you!
However, a quivering tail can also indicate your cat is urine-marking or pseudo urine-marking. If your cat is backed against a vertical surface, holding their quivering tail straight up, they may be displaying this behavior.
5. Straight Standing Tail
A study in 1997 determined that cats were more willing to approach an unknown feline silhouette if the silhouette had its tail raised. If the tail was lowered, cats were hesitant to approach.
Therefore, it is reasonable to assume that a straight-standing tail communicates friendliness and confidence. It can also signal that your cat is eager for social interaction. Either way, when your cat’s tail is standing straight up, you can feel free to approach them in a welcoming, non-threatening manner.
6. Curling Tail
Cats curl their tails around other cats, pets, or people they care about. Cats often curl their tails around another cat’s tail, intertwining their tails. If your cat has curled their tail around you or someone else, they have essentially done the equivalent of hugging you.
This is a sign of affiliation and affection, and it indicates your cat’s desire to interact. The next time that your cat curls their tail around you, give them a little extra love and attention.
7. Hook-Shaped Tail
A curling tail is different from a hook-shaped tail. When a cat curls their tail, they curl it around another pet or person to show camaraderie. When your cat’s tail is hook-shaped, they are curving it into a question mark. This is done to express their happiness and a desire to interact. Thus, while the mood communicated is roughly the same, the situation in which you will see each tail expression is different.
8. Grounded Tail
When your cat’s tail is grounded, it will dip toward the ground before sloping upward again, forming an elongated U shape. When your cat holds your tail low to the ground, they indicate fear, anxiety, or even pain.
To fully understand what your cat is communicating, pay attention to context. If someone knocks on the door or a neighboring dog is barking, perhaps your cat is startled. However, if your cat is holding their tail low to the ground for prolonged periods, it could be a sign that they are in pain. If that is the case, reach out to your vet right away.
9. Fluffed Tail
A fluffed tail is usually a pretty clear sign that your cat is startled. When cats perceive a threat, their hair stands on end. This is a defensive action that makes them appear larger than they really are. If your cat’s tail is fluffed out, it shows that they are frightened and want to be left alone. If you try to approach, your cat may perceive you as an aggressor and attack as a result.
If you notice that your cat often becomes startled, try to find the source of their stress and remove it. If the stressor is removed, your cat should be able to settle and become more welcoming to interaction and affection.
10. Coiled Tail
Cats sitting or lying down with their tails coiled around their body can express defensiveness. This might mean that they are feeling frightened, sick, or in pain.
If environmental stressors exist in the home, your cat may be coiling their tail around to express fear. By removing the triggers from their environment, you can make their home feel safer.
However, if your cat keeps their tail coiled around for prolonged periods, reach out to your vet right away. This can be an indication that they are ill or injured.
Conclusion
Understanding a cat’s body language can be difficult, but by paying attention to the tail, it can be much easier. A cat’s tail communicates several emotions, from excitement and happiness to fear and pain. Paying attention to your cat’s signals can strengthen their trust in you, thus building a stronger, healthier bond.
Featured Image Credit: KristiBlokhin, Shutterstock
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