Your cat’s tail is used for more than just balance. Cats use their tails as an indication of emotion and communication, and also to indicate what sort of mood they are in.
Bear in mind those trendy mood rings in the 1970’s? They made a comeback not long ago. Remember the way the ring would change colors when our moods shifted. Our cat’s tails may tell us exactly what sort of mood they are in. You just need to know what to search for.
In a sense, our cats speak to us with their tails. If we learn to recognize various messages that their tails send us, we could become a better communicator with our feline friends. We can understand their thoughts and feelings better.
Here’s a list of various cat tail places and what they imply. This is a general list of definitions. Bear in mind, like everything in life there are exceptions to what something means. Are you ready? Let’s begin.
Held High – A material, confident cat will maintain their tail high in the atmosphere. A tail that’s vertical usually signifies a friendly and happy disposition. If a cat approaches you with their tail high in the atmosphere and the end of the tail quivers, this typically means that he/she loves you.
Laying Low – A tail that’s positioned straight down, parallel to the legs, may indicate aggression. So, when you find this, be cautious when approaching the cat. Now, some strains are the exception to this mood indicator. Some breeds have a tendency to carry their tails such as the Exotics, Persians, and Scottish Folds.
Question Mark? – once the tail is bent in the form of a question mark, your cat is in a playful mood. This is a fantastic time to find one of their favorite toys and play together.
Tucked Underneath – A tail that’s tucked away, under the body between the legs, states your cat is nervous and fearful. You should take care when approaching.
Whipping Motion- A tail that whips rapidly back and forth can indicate both aggression and anxiety. That tail is saying stay away!
Twitcher – as soon as your kitty’s tail twitches in the tip, so they are in a curious and excited mood.
Swishing – A tail which swishes slowly from side to side usually means that their attention is focused on a particular object. They’ll show this tail position right before they pounce on something… .like a cat toy, an insect, a moving thing etc..
All Puffed Up – I am confident you’ve seen your cat’s tail get thicker, and it looks fat and bushy… .also called puffy or poofy. This means your cat is extremely agitated, scared or fearful. Cats do so to make themselves look bigger and scarier to other creatures, usually other cats. It is a defense mechanism designed to confuse and discourage potential attackers.
Tail to Tail – When a cat wraps its tail around another cat, he’s displaying feline friendship. It is a sign of affection.
Well, there you have it. You’ve just heard the tale of the tail. These are the keys that your feline friend is trying to tell you with his tail.
This can help you better understand cat behavior.