What Does It Mean When A Cat Wags Its Tail?

Published A Few Days Ago
ADVERTISEMENT

Happy? Angry? Upset? You may be reading the signs all wrong. What does it mean when a cat wags its tail?

Just like dogs, cats use their tails to communicate with fellow felines and their human companions. But it can be difficult to interpret what a cat’s tail position signifies. For example, does a wag indicate a happy or angry cat? What does it mean when a cat wags its tail – is there a way to read this “tail language”?

If you’re interested in learning more about your cat’s behavior, here are a few of the messages your kitty is sending you by moving his tail in various ways.

Related:How To Understand Cat Body Language

Tail Thumping May Be a Sign of Annoyance

When a cat wags his tail, it might signify that he isn’t enjoying the current situation. The tail wagging may be a warning sign to let you know that your kitty’s patience is running low.

Tail thumping, in particular, could be a sign to back off. So if you’re petting your cat and his tail begins thumping steadily, he might be letting you know that he doesn’t really want to be petted much longer. Gauge his expression and the rest of his body, including his ears, to determine if he’s annoyed or not.

Even though cats are really loving and affectionate, they also have limits, so too much attention could cause your kitty some stress. It’s probably a good idea to stop interacting with your cat when he begins showing signs of being stressed, one of which is tail thumping.

Related:Are You Petting Your Cat Wrong?

Tail Flicking Could Indicate Anger

If your cat is holding his tail in a lowered position but it’s extending rigidly away from the body and flicking side to side, this could be a warning sign that your cat may become aggressive because he isn’t happy.

You may have noticed this type of tail wagging while at the vet’s office, as some cats will flick their tails on the exam table to let everyone know that they want to go home.

Contrast this with a cat who’s at ease and observing his environment. In that case, his tail might still be lowered, but it will be more relaxed and move with less rigidity and force from side to side.

An Upright Tail Could Mean Several Things

If your kitty is holding his tail in a vertical, upright position, he may be in a playful state of mind. Motion from side to side will usually constitute a greeting in this case because the pet is seeking interaction.

But if the tail is upright and quivering, and your kitty has backed up against a piece of furniture or a wall, s/he might be spraying to mark territory. However, cats will also make this motion without spraying while they’re trying to get your attention, or they might simply be pretending to spray in order to claim ownership.

And if the tail is upright but in a concave position, your kitty may be behaving defensively and may become defensively aggressive. In other words, he doesn’t really want any interaction.

A Tail Between the Legs or a Puffed Tail Indicates Fearfulness

Cats, like dogs, will exhibit fear or submission by tucking their tails between their legs. If your kitty is frightened and is exhibiting this lack of tail wagging, it’s best to reduce or eliminate whatever stimulus is causing him stress and make an effort to comfort him and calm him down.

Also, if your cat becomes frightened, his tail may puff out and stand up straight while his back arches, and it will take a couple of minutes for it to go back to normal once the stressor is gone.

Recognize a Happy Tail

If your cat’s tail is held high in a relaxed manner, with a little bit of a wagging motion going on at the end of the tail, this means that your kitty is content, ready for attention, and playful.

This is different from a tail that twitches while your kitty is on the hunt, anticipating getting his prey or getting annoyed that he can’t reach the delicious looking birds outside the window.

Consider the Rest of the Body

Even though your cat’s tail position and movement can tell you quite a bit about his current state of mind, remember that it isn’t the only way to assess your pet’s emotions. Take a look at his eyes, ears, and overall posture to get a full picture of what he’s trying to tell you so that you can properly interpret feline body language. Knowing your individual cat’s behavior is the best way to assess what his tail wagging means.

ADVERTISEMENT

ADVERTISEMENT

You May Like

Jumping Dog On TV Makes Pooch Hopping Mad

Hey, what’s the big idea? Coming onto my TV and jumping up like that? Do you think you can come in here and out jump me? I don’t think so! In fac…

Upside Down Dogs Of The Week – Harley and Jet

We’ve got two silly winners for our Upside Down Dog of the Week! Meet Harley and Jet from Sunshine Coast, QLD, Australia. Here’s what their owner…

Kale and Apple Dog Treat Recipe

Wouldn''t it be great if you dog loved leafy greens as much as he loves treats? We combined the two with our Kale and Apple Dog Treat Recipe.

PupPod Smartphone-Connected Puzzle Toy Wins Innovation Award

PupPod, an amazing interactive new dog toy, recently won the 2017 Award of Innovation at the KC Animal Health Corridor Investment Fund.

Hatchetfish

Freshwater hatchetfish are a type of ray-finned fishes belonging to the family Gasteropelecidae. There are three genera, with nine different species.

Chinook

The Chinook has an even temperament and is gentle and loving. Because they are mellow and patient, they are great with children as well as disabled people.

DIY Halloween Costumes for Dogs: Lego Dogo

Excitement is building for this DIY dog Halloween Costume. Turn your pooch into a Lego brick - and it all starts with an empty shoebox.

Safely Decking The Halls For Your Dog This Holiday Season

Make this a happier holiday season with tips that will keep your pets safe The holidays are a happy, joyful time. There’s so much going on and so much…

Sleepypod Pet Carriers Earn Top Honors From the Center for Pet Safety

Is your car outfitted for your dog''s safety? These carriers from Sleepypod are the first carriers to meet critical crash testing guidelines.

Welsh Pony

There are four categories of horses within the Welsh Pony breed: Welsh Mountain Ponies, Welsh Pony of Riding Type, Welsh Pony of Cob Type and Welsh Cobs.

Gingerbread Dog Treat Recipe

We’ve checked our list twice and found out we had a lot of dogs to buy for this Christmas. That’s why we whipped up a couple batches of these Gin…

Huntaway

Also known as the New Zealand Sheepdog, the Huntaway is a talented herding breed. This breed is friendly and gentle with strangers.

Shih Apso

A designer dog, the loving Shih Apso brings together the feisty Shih Tzu and the aloof little Lhasa Apso for a fun companion dog.

Pointer

The Pointer is a affectionate, active and intelligent family friendly dog with a strong built and high energy levels that loves to hunt.

Mandarinfish

Sometimes referred to as dragonets or mandarinfish, mandarins are small, brightly colored saltwater fish belonging to the Synchiropus genus.