Reading Your Cat’s Tail: What It’s Actually Telling You
Have you noticed how much your cat's tail shows how she feels? Once you learn what different movements mean, you’ll see them on a regular basis. For example, Juniper flicks her tail to pretend she’s disinterested about the toy I just threw. But the tail always gives the cat's true feelings away.
Learning tail movements will help you learn what your cat wants. If your cat is feeling playful, anxious, or just wants to be left alone you will know from her tail movements.
The Straight Up Tail
Proudly arched tails are usually a happy little greeting. Cats usually do this when they spot their favorite human or when they are feeling confident and happy in their environment.
An even better sign is if the tip has a slight hook at the end. It usually means your kitty is especially excited to see you and is probably wanting some affection or a treat.
The Puffed Up Tail
If a cat's tail poofs out and looks like a bottle brush, she is scared or startled. This is part of her body’s automatic response, and it makes her look larger and more intimidating to whatever frightened her.
During play, things may get too intense and you may see this. Also, it may happen if your cat sees or hears something unexpected, like a new animal or loud noise. Give her some space and let her calm down when she is ready.
The Low or Tucked Tail
Tail behavior can be a clear sign of your cat's emotional state! When a cat's tail is low, or even tucked between its legs, the cat is showing that it is nervous, submissive, or unsure. This cat can also feel uncomfortable or overwhelmed by certain events occurring in the environment around it.
Unlike the droopy tail that can be caused by illness, with a droopy tail due to illness there are usually other accompanying signs such as \l lethargy, reduced appetite, etc. If there is a reason your cat's tail is low, and it seems to act differently than normal, this warrants a call to the vet.
The Swishing or Thrashing Tail
A cat may swish its tail quickly as a sign of irritation or oversimulation, especially with how quick their movements are when swishing so it's probably a sign of annoyance towards something like petting, play or anything happening around her.
Many cat owners learned this the hard way. If you are petting your cat and that tail starts thwapping, it's best to give her a break before she decides to nip or swat.
The Slow Waving Tail
If your cat's tail sways back and forth slowly, especially when she is watching something, this may mean that she is conflicted. She is trying to decide what she wants to do next.
You will see this behavior mostly with hunting or stalking. Juniper does this when watching birds. The only thing that moves is the tip of her tail.
The Wrapped or Curled Tail
When a cat curls her tail around her body when sitting, or bends it around you, it's typically a gesture of contentment and affection. You can interpret it like a hug, or like a way of cozying up and securing her personal space. Cats can also wrap their tails around each other when they are bonded and being friendly. It's one of the nicer tail signals you will see, and it means thay your cat truly feels safe around you.