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Information About Pets Cats Cat Behavior: What is your Cat’s Tail telling you?
| Cat Behavior: What is your Cat’s Tail telling you? |
| Written by Kartika Damon |
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Tail Held High As time went by, and she gained confidence in her territory and in me, she began walking around with her tail held high. I later learned that when a cat’s tail’s is hoisted high it means the cat is feeling confident and contented as she moves about her territory. When your cat approaches you with an erect tail it signals a happy and friendly mood, and if the top third of the tail twitches as the cat approaches you, you are absolutely adored. Question Mark When your cat’s tail is bent in a question mark, it often indicates your cat is in a playful mood, and may be ready for five or ten minute play session. Flying Low When your cat is in an aggressive mood, she may position her tail straight down, parallel to the legs. Think of a cat’s stanch when a dog walks by! Tucked Away When a cat’s tail is curved beneath the body, something may be making the cat nervous, signaling fear or submission. Puffed Up A pipe cleaner of a tail reflects a severely agitated and frightened cat who is trying to appear bigger than she is to ward off danger. Swishing A tail swishing slowly from side to side usually means the cat is focused on an object. You will often see a cat swishing her tail in this way before pouncing on an object of prey. Twitching A tail that twitches just at the tip is a sign of curiosity and excitement. Cat-To-Cat When you see a cat with her tail wrapped around another car it’s like seeing a person putting their arm around another person. Cats have friendships too. I’m flattered when my cat, Leanne, comes up and puts her paws on my arms like I’m her best buddy. |
When I first brought home my Birman cat, Leanne, from the animal sanctuary, she was very frightened. At the sanctuary, she was labeled the shy cat that was always in hiding, and it was difficult to find her, as she was always by herself in some secret hiding place at the shelter. For several months, after bringing her home she was still hiding a great deal, and when she came out she seemed to dash around with her tail very low to the ground, as if trying to keep a low profile.