What Your Cat Is Trying To Tell You with Its Tail

What Your Cat Is Trying To Tell You with Its Tail

Have you ever known a cat whose temperament could change on a dime? One moment they'll crawl into your lap, purring affectionately. The next, they'll lash out with a paw and dash away.

Your best clue about your cat's moods could be their tail.

Cats use several strategies to communicate with their humans, including body language. One of the best ways to read your cat's mood is to look at their tail.

Cat Tail Language

Cats can't tell us how they're feeling. It can be annoying when we're not sure if they're happy or upset with us, or worrying when they can't tell us if they're sick.

Understanding your cat's tail language can help you improve your relationship with your companion. It can also help you identify health concerns before they get out of control.

Cats are happy when their tails point straight up or have a slight curve. 

"An upward or upright tail, with or without a hook, is typically a sign of positive emotions and precedes a safe and friendly interaction," Siracusa said.

This is the ideal tail position you want to see when you get home. If your cat is running towards you with their tail straight up like this, it means they're happy to see you. Or just happy you're about to refill their food bowl.

Question Mark

If your cat's tail is hooked in the shape of a question mark, that's another positive indication. This is a variation on the straight-up tail position.

Treat this the same way you would treat a straight-up tail. It's a good sign and means that you're doing something your cat likes.

Cats will rub up against you and wrap their tails around your leg when they want attention. 

This is another positive indicator. Cats use their tails for expression, so if they wrap their tail around you, treat it like a handshake. When your cat does this, it means they feel comfortable getting close to you.

Cats may also wrap their tails around your leg when they rub up against you. They do this to spread pheromones and mark you as their human. It's a way of getting your attention when they want affection or food.

Relaxed

"A relaxed tail position that does not move much is usually indicate of a low emotional arousal," Siracusa said. "For example, when a cat is just moving from point A to point B and does not want to communicate any specific emotion."

Cats often use their tail language like we use speech or body language. Sometimes you just don't have anything to say, and cats are the same way. Don't read too much into a relaxed tail.

Low

If your cat has their tail—and possibly their whole body—low to the ground, it's a sign they're scared or anxious. Cats do this when they want to avoid being seen or caught.

Many cats do this when it's time to go to the vet. Especially if they don't like the cat carrier very much.

If your cat consistently has its tail and body low to the ground and there are no frightening stimuli nearby, that could mean they are in pain. Talk to your veterinarian and mention your cat's body language as your reason for concern.

Cats puff their tails up to look bigger when they're agitated.

This is probably the most well-known declaration in cat tail language. A puffed-up tail means your cat is extremely agitated.

Cats instinctually puff their tails up in dangerous situations to appear bigger and more frightening to other cats and potential predators. If their tail is puffy at home, that probably means you've done something to alarm them.

Fast Slapping

If your cat is moving their whole tail back and forth quickly, that's a sign that they're emotionally aroused. This isn't necessarily a bad thing—those emotions could be positive or negative—but it is a sign that you should be especially gentle and avoid doing things that would upset your cat in this state.

"I would approach with caution a cat that is so emotionally aroused," Siracusa said, "in particular if the entire tail is moving from one side to the other with very fast 'slaps'."

Cats will swish their tails back and forth when they're focused and alert. 

"Slower movements of the tail, that may not involve the entire length of it, may mean an increased focus and not necessarily aggression," Siracusa said. "For example, before a cat pounces when playing."

Your cat might do this when you bring out their favorite toy. It's common behavior for cats who are excited and ready to play.

Sudden Twitching

If your cat starts twitching their tail, it probably means they're upset with you. They might be annoyed with how you're touching them or just done with you for now.

The best thing to do in this situation is to give your cat some space. Respect their boundaries and let them seek you out when they're ready for attention again.

How to Interpret the Meaning of Your Cat's Tail Movement

"Cats' body language, including tail language, is pretty universal," Siracusa said. "However, individualities have to be considered always."

You know your cat best. Take what you've learned about the general meanings behind cats' tails and apply it to them. Consider things like:

Your cat's temperament. Are they usually shy or outgoing? That could influence how you read their tail.

The situation. In some situations, a twitching tail could mean your cat is getting annoyed. But if they're sitting on your lap and purring at the same time, they're probably just excited.

Your cat's history. Cats can change their tail language based on their history. For example, some cats behave like dogs if they're raised in a canine-heavy environment.

Cats are expressive creatures. Learning to read your cat's body language can help you spot feline colds and other cat illnesses early on.

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