We might not be able to communicate directly with our cats, but that doesn’t mean they’re not talking to you!
While we as humans rely mostly on verbal communication, body language plays a big role in how we talk to one another, and the same can be said about your pussycat. Cats communicate with their meows, purrs, and even their tails.
Learning the language of your cat’s tail can help you understand their mood and decode the messages they’re trying to send you, so keep reading to learn more about what your cat’s tail is telling you.
1. The Upright Tail
If your cat’s tail is sticking straight up, this is usually a good sign! A straight tail pointing skywards typically indicates a happy, confident cat.
You might notice more friendly behavior like purring paired with this signal, as it’s been shown to be a form of greeting or willingness to be approached among felines. Your cat might come bounding up to you with their tail up in the air – this means they’re open and excited to interact, so go ahead and offer them some attention.
2. The Curled Tail
Another friendly marker is when your cat curls its tail around you or around another cat. This is the feline equivalent of wrapping your arm around the shoulders of someone you love, showing affection, friendship, and care. It shows your cat loves you!
If a loving and affectionate cat wraps their tail around your leg, consider it a “hello” hug and show them that you love them back.
3. The Puffing Up Tail
On the contrary, if your cat puffs up their tail, they’re usually trying to make themselves look bigger and more intimidating, and they’ll typically only do this when they’re feeling threatened. Conflict between cats will often spark this kind of behavior.
A puffed-up tail shows fear, agitation, or anxiety in a cat, so it’s a sign you should pay attention to. If their backs are arched and they’re hissing at something (or someone) you might want to try and help them. If possible, identify what’s making them feel threatened and take it away.
4. The Twitching Tail
If the tip of your cat’s tail is twitching, they’re probably in hunting mode, stalking something in the grass or getting ready to pounce on another cat. For a domestic house cat, this usually just indicates playfulness, and you might want to join in the fun by teasing them with a feather or a cat toy.
However, it might also indicate that your cat has spotted a bird or a lizard and is seconds away from catching them and bringing them to you as a gift—something you might want to nip in the bud.
5. The Swishing Tail
A swishing tail is different from a twitching tail and looks more fluid and relaxed in movement. And this is exactly what it means!
A cat walking about with its tail swishing is a calm and lazy cat. They’re interested in their surroundings, but they’re not particularly alert or engaged, meaning that they’re probably not in the mood to play. A swishing cat just wants to chill out, but remember that cats do need exercise.
6. The Hanging Low Tail
Just like a scolded puppy might put their tail between their legs and cower, cats drop their tails low when they’re feeling uncomfortable or afraid.
If you notice your cat’s tail hanging below the level of their back, it could indicate that they’re anxious about something or even in pain, and you might want to be alert for any other strange cat behavior.
7. The Question Mark Tail
Similar to the straight-up tail in the air, a tail with a curve at the tip (looking like a question mark) indicates a happy, playful, and social cat who is engaged and looking for attention.
If your pet curls their tail like a hook, take it as an invitation to interact. Play with your cat, cuddle them, or simply offer them a “hello” pat on the back to acknowledge them.
8. The Flicking Tail Tip
If the tip of your cat’s tail is moving in a flicking motion, they might be in a foul mood. It can be tough to distinguish between twitching, swishing, and flicking, but the rest of your cat’s body language and behavior should help you figure it out.
Cats flick their tails when they’re annoyed, so if you’ve invaded their personal space or if they’ve been in a fight with another cat, you might notice this tail signal.
9. The Wrap-Around Tail
We’ve learned that cats will drop their tails low to the ground when they’re feeling afraid or uncomfortable. However, to protect and defend themselves, they might take it a step further by crouching down and wrapping their tail around their body.
A wrapped-around tail might also indicate pain or illness. If you notice this tail signal for an extended period of time, especially paired with your cat sleeping too much or hiding, you might want to consider taking them to the vet to have them checked out by a professional.
Final Thoughts
While learning and understanding these signals is important, don’t forget to always consider the context and the rest of your cat’s behavior. Focusing on just their tail movements in isolation might make you miss the wood for the trees.
Instead, try to develop a more holistic understanding of your cat’s moods and personality, so you can easily identify how they’re feeling and what they need from you.
For example, your cat’s tail might be completely still, but they could still be annoyed and will show you that by scratching or even nipping at you when you try to tickle their belly. Keep these cues in mind when interacting with all your pets to make sure they’re happy and feel safe.
