1. Home
  2. Cats

How to decipher your cat’s tail language

By

Cats may not speak with words, but they have many other ways to communicate just what they’re feeling. One way is with cat tail language. How your cat is holding his tail says a lot about whether he’s comfortable, on edge, or asking you to back off and give him some space. Learning to read cat tail body language can help you better understand your cat so you can respect his wishes and take steps to keep him comfortable. It may take a little practice at first, but if you watch your cat carefully, you should be able to see some of these tail signs.

aloiswohlfahrt / Pixabay

Tail movement meanings

How your cat moves his tail has an important meaning. A tail that’s moving back and forth slowly means that your cat is relaxed, while a more intense flicking means your cat is focused and may be getting ready to pounce on something, like a toy. If your cat is holding his tail out and is quickly flicking or lashing it about, then he’s showing you that he’s upset.

Recommended Videos

When you’re spending time with your cat on the couch, his tail will be mostly quiet, save for the occasional flick or twitch. If your cat suddenly starts to twitch his tail repeatedly, he’s telling you that he’s had enough petting and he’d like to be left alone.

Your cat may also walk up to you, slowly waving his tail about, and then wind it around your legs. This is his way of demonstrating affection and showing that he’s bonded to you.

Tail position meanings

How your cat holds his tail can convey messages, too.

  • When your cat holds his tail up and stretches it out, he’s showing that he’s happy and confident. You may notice this when your cat is playing or just strolling through the house.
  • Your cat may also hold his tail out while curling up just the tip of it, so his tail resembles a question mark. Often, this is another indicator of happiness, so you should feel welcome to approach your cat and greet him with some pats.
  • If your cat is holding his tail straight down so that it’s pointing toward the ground and is carried beneath the level of his back, he’s showing that he’s upset and agitated, and he needs to be left alone.
  • Similarly, if your cat wraps his tail around his body, he’s nervous and trying to show that he’s submissive.
  • When your cat is frightened, he might puff up all the hair on his tail. This is often accompanied by an arched back.
  • Alternatively, your cat might whip his tail back and forth, or pair this motion with his puffed tail. If you see any of these signs, your cat should be left alone and given some time to calm down.
Engin_Akyurt/Pixabay

Other cat body language to watch

It’s important to observe your cat’s tail language in context of his other body language. While these tail postures and movements can provide some guidance to how your cat may be feeling, your cat can vary the signals that he’s sending with his tail. So, rather than just watching his tail, look at the entire picture that your cat is giving you.

Cats can communicate with their entire bodies. A tense, crouched posture can indicate your cat is uncomfortable. A more relaxed, stretched-out posture or a relaxed, strolling walk means your cat is happy and comfortable in his surroundings. Watch your cat’s eyes and face for signs of tension, and then see if his tail activity matches those signals.

Learning to read your cat’s body language takes time, but it’s an important part of sharing your life with a cat. Cats are highly reliable in how they communicate with their bodies, so if you can learn to read when your cat is getting tense or is done with being petted, you can avoid making him uncomfortable and feeling like he needs to hiss at you. As you get better at reading your cat’s body language, you’ll be able to give him what he needs, whether that’s attention or some space and a break from socializing for a while. This is the foundation to having a better relationship with your cat and giving him a home where he’s supported and understood.

Editors' Recommendations

Topics
Paige Cerulli
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Paige's work has appeared in American Veterinarian, Business Insider, Healthline, and more. When she's not writing, Paige…
Is your cat obese? 5 ways to help them slim down
Obesity left unchecked can lead to health problems

World Pet Obesity Week is in the fall, so it's the purrfect chance to get your kitty on a diet to slim down in time. According to a survey conducted by the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention (APOP), roughly 61% of cats and 59% of dogs in the U.S. alone are overweight or obese. While few things are more adorable than a chunky cat, obesity in cats comes with a multitude of health risks.

Have you been wondering if your cat needs to lose a few pounds? We're here to share how you can tell if your cat is obese, the potential health problems caused by cat obesity, and five helpful things you can do to help them lose weight. 
What causes obesity in cats?

Read more
Can a cat’s tail really fall off?
Here's how to keep this appendage safe from hazards

We humans have many great qualities, but we are left lacking without one of the most important aspects of the average mammal: the tail. Our pets can communicate extensively with this appendage, not to mention use it for balance (and, of course, some animals can even grab things with it).

When your dog or cat gets a tail injury, it can become serious and nearly always requires medical attention. Can a cat's tail fall off? The truth is, it can happen in some cases. While rarely fatal, depending on the underlying cause, cat tails need attention just like everything else on your pet. Here is what you should know about your feline's rear extremity.
Can a cat's tail fall off?

Read more
Why do cats eat plastic (and when you should be concerned)?
The reasons for this behavior might be surprising

Cats are quirky — sometimes puzzling — creatures. Part of the fun of kitty parenthood is laughing off these funny, curious traits and perhaps looking into what each might mean. Is your cat staring at you because they're plotting against you? Why does your cat want to sleep on your chest? Does your kitty wish you would get back to the office already after several years of this work-from-home thing?

Often, these questions — and our search for answers — are all in good fun. Cats are cats, and that's why we love them. Yet, if your cat eats plastic, you might wonder, "Why does my cat eat plastic?" You'll want to get a formal answer to this question from a vet.

Read more