Cat Tail: What Can It Tell You?

How can you tell if your cat loves you or hates you? Don’t you just wish they can speak your language? Your cat’s meow is not your cat’s only form of communication with you. He/She will also communicate through his/her beautiful cat tail. As pet owners, you must understand the feline language to know what your cat is thinking and feeling. Once you know their body language, you can read their emotions and understand their behaviour better.

Cats are actually very expressive. They express themselves through body – ears, eyes, ears, body posture and most particularly, through their tails. To know how they are feeling about you, you have to study their tail movement and pattern or what we call the tail language.

What’s with their tails though? Cats’ tails act like emotional barometers. They can swish, flick, curl, sway and fluff their tails and these movements need to be taken in context to tell how they are truly feeling.

Let us interpret what tales your cat’s tail tells:

1. High Tail

When your cat holds his/her tail up high as she walks in her area, it means she’s confident, happy and contented. A little twitch at the tip of the tail can mean a particularly happy moment. When you see your cat’s tail in this position, you can offer some cuddle and treats.

2. Question Mark Curved Tail

This means your cat is ready to have some fun with you. It’s the best time for you to bond and have some playtime.

3. Low Positioned Tail

This is a do-not-disturb mood. When their tail is straight down, it means they’re feeling agitated and aggressive. You know what that means – no cuddles and no playtime.

4. Tucked Away

Something is making your cat nervous. In this case, just keep calm and act normal and wait for your cat to come to you.

5. Puffed Up

This means a mixed feeling of fear, aggression and anger. They puff their tail and body up to brave themselves against their aggressor.

6. Whipping Tail

A whipping tail is another sign of aggression and fear. Consider it as a warning to stay away.

7. Swishing Tail

If your cat’s tail is swaying from side to side, something has caught her attention. That’s what they usually do before pouncing on that object. Leave your cat and let her indulge.

8. Wrapped Around Another Cat

Like humans, cats make friends too. When they wrap their tails around each other, it means they are good friends.

Learning the cat tail language may seem like learning a foreign language. It also takes time and commitment. Cats are transparent with how they feel and they show it through their most expressive body part. Once you learn their language, your relationship with your cat will give you greater understanding and happiness.