It is said that the eyes are the window of one's soul. But in cats, their tail provides the best insight into what a feline is feeling.
Just like you can't wear a yellow jumpsuit to a job interview and expect people to take you seriously, your cat's body language can't be misinterpreted. The long, fluffy tail is more than just a cute accessory--it's also a vital indicator of a cat's emotional state, and there are more than positions to understand. By learning how to interpret your cat's body language, you can gain valuable insight into what they're feeling and thinking. You'll know when your cat is friendly, angry, or scared, and you'll be able to relax knowing that your cat isn't feeling threatened by you or the environment they're in.
Movement meanings
Similar to dogs, cats do tail wagging to share emotions. So what does it imply when a pet cat wags its tail? Let's take a look at the various "wagging" tail activities and what they indicate.
1. Thumping
When your feline whips its bottom or is thumping it on the ground, they are upset or mad. If your cat starts pounding its base to the ground as you give pets, it wants you to stop. The whipping bottom may be a prelude to hissing or biting if you don't.
2. Twitching
Felines twitch the end of their tails when they hunt and when they are slightly irritated and frustrated. Check other hints to their mood if they do the twitching. Suppose they're not playing or stalking prey. Then the twitching tail movement possibly means that they are annoyed.
3. Swishing
When your cat swishes its bottom, and forth, it may be an indicator of an intense focus. They may be about to attack!
Participating in predacious behavior like tracking and pouncing is sound enrichment for your cat, so let them continue to engage in whatever is capturing their interest.
4. Quivers
Your pet cat might shiver their tail when they are incredibly excited to see you or another cat. Occasionally, when a feline quivers his tail while holding it straight up and supporting versus a vertical surface, they might be pee noting.
5. Straight Up
When a feline's tail is upright, they feel social and confident. You can approach them at this state.
This cat tail language suggests a friendly greeting between felines, and it's how kitties welcome their mommies. If your kitten approaches you with their bottom-up, this is a good time to pet them or have fun with them.
6. Fluff Up
If your feline is in that perfect Halloween-cat pose with a puffed tail and an arched back, it means that they are stunned or scared by an unexpected danger.
Your cat's hair stands on end (piloerection) to make itself appear bigger. This is a defensive stance, and it means that your feline wants to be left alone.
This tail position is often set off by feeling intimidated by other animals, visitors in the house, or unexpected sounds. Remove them from the situation to reduce their stress and anxiety. If you try to connect with your cat when their hair is standing up, they may see it as a danger and become aggressive.
7. Hook Shape
You might find that in some situations, your cat's tail resembles a question mark--it stands upright then curls at the end. This shows that your cat is feeling great.
Seeing your pet cat's tail in this position is an invitation. Nonetheless, while it is alluring to a pet that curly-tipped tail, many felines favor being petted around their facial glands on their cheeks, under their chin, and at the base of their ears.
8. Tucked
A cat may tuck their tail if they are frightened or nervous. If your pet cat's tail is between their legs, they are scared or may be experiencing pain.
9. Wrapped Around You
As we humans welcome one another with handshakes or hugs, felines may receive by curling their tails around people and intertwining their tails with other cats. Tail wrapping is an affiliative habit that shows a willingness to communicate.
10. Crinkled Around The Body
If your cat is resting or relaxing with its tail wrapped around its body, it may be frightening, defensive, in pain, or feeling unwell. When you see this, stop bothering your cat and ensure that your cat's surrounding is devoid of stressors.
If you see your cat crinkles its tail firmly around its body for more than a day, talk to your veterinarian to know the source of their discomfort.
Final Thoughts
While it is true that it takes more than mere tail movements to know your cat's mood, the tail may be one of the most expressive parts of a feline's body. Recognizing your pet cat's body language will also boost your bond with your kitty.
For health-related questions, always consult with your vet, for they can make the most effective suggestions for your pet.
