Cat’s tails have always been fascinating because they never seem to rest, unless the cat is fast asleep. Their movements can vary from motionless to extreme lashing as well as puffing up their tails to look like a bristle brush. Of course, tails come in all shapes and sizes but their general movements will tell you what mood your cat is in.
Typical Cat Tail Positions and What They Mean
- Upright Tail Without Bristling: A full-fledged friendly greeting to another cat or to a human who appears to be no threat.
- Upright Tail But Quivering Gently: Happiness and excitement when anticipating something (perhaps food).
- Upright Tail with the Tip Tilted: A greeting but the cat may have some reservations.
- Slightly Raised Tail but Gently Curved: Something has caught the cat’s interest.
- Gentle Downward Curve but Tip Curved Up: Total relaxation and contentment.
- Tail is Still but Tip is Slightly Twitching: Slightly irritated or agitated.
- Tail is Still but Tip is Actively Twitching: Very irritated and annoyed.
- Swishing from Side to Side: Cat is extremely angry.
- Arched Tail and Bristled:Ready to attack or defend if situation gets worse.
- Upright and Fully Bristled Tail:Aggression or defense from another cat.
- Fluffed Out and Lowered Tail: Fear or trying to avoid a confrontation with another cat.
- Tail Downward and Tucked Between the Legs:Submission or defeat.
- Tail Wrapped or Tucked Around the Body: Contentment or slightly defensive (if cat is meek).
It is interesting to note that when cats are in conflict and their tails are bristled, they will turn their body sideways. This makes their bodies appear larger in hope of scaring off the opponent during the stare down phase.
How a Cat's Tail is Used for Balancing
A cat’s tail is used for balancing. If a cat is walking on top of a fence or on top of a narrow wall and decides to turn its head sideways, its tail will automatically move in the opposite direction. This shifts the center of gravity and prevents the cat from falling off. If a cat is running or pouncing and decides to change direction, the tail works as a counter weight and allows the cat to make a sudden turn without losing its balance.
Although tails are the main indicators of a cat’s mood, it sometimes can be misleading. Observing other features such as eyes, ears, legs and mouth can play a role in determining the feelings and messages a cat is sending out. Reaction to anger, fear or other stimuli is not an intentional response; it is based on a cat’s reflexes. For this reason, it may show the same signs when fearful or when being aggressive.
Maybe this helps support the belief that cats are mysterious creatures!
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