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Cat Tail Communication

Cat Tail Communication
by
August 07, 2024
in Humane Education Column
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By: Judy Hamontre, AVHS Vice-chair

Just as dog tails talk, so do cat tails. Alison Gerken, a veterinarian and behaviorist at the San Francisco SPCA, states in an article on PetMD “a cat’s tail provides great insight into what a cat is experiencing and feeling (along with their eyes, ears and body posture).”

Veterinarian and Behavior Medicine Section head at The Ohio State University Veterinary Medical Center, M. Leanne Lilly adds in an article on BeChewy, “A cat’s tail is a complex language all its own with each position and movement signaling a unique message.”

She and other veterinarians and animal behaviorists offer a few basics in tail positions and their meanings.

Straight up or high tails indicate cats are attentive and alert, and usually confident, contented and willing to be sociable.

A question mark or hooked tail is also straight up but curls at the tip. These cats are playful, telling you they are ready to have fun.

Tails below the level of the back convey a serious mood and can indicate stress. However, certain breeds such as Persians carry their tail that way for no particular reason.

When a feline tail drops lower and tucks beneath the body, something might be making that cat nervous. It can be a sign of fear or submission.

Tails that are puffed up, looking like a bottle brush, signal cats may be severely agitated and frightened. Often they are accompanied by a Halloween style arched back. This can be a warning to stay away.

If cats wrap their tails around their own bodies they may just be settling in and comfortably getting warm. They also could be in a more defensive position because they are frightened, in pain or not feeling well.

If they wrap their tails around another cat or you, they are usually showing friendliness.

In addition to tail position, cat behavior experts advise that movement is also important in decoding cat tail communication.

Swishing tails slowly from side-to-side in a soft, fluid manner indicate cats who are relaxed, calm and perhaps mildly interested in something. Just let these purring machines hang out and enjoy life.

If that swishing changes to just the tip of the tail flicking, your cat is ready to play with you or a toy. You might even see some predatory type stalking, followed by a pounce.

Rapidly thrashing/whipping tails or ones thumping on the ground indicate irritation, annoyance or anger. Something might be bothering your cat, and they may want some distance from it, which could even mean distance from you.

If you or a visitor is petting your furry friend and tail thrashing starts, your cat might be shouting, “Stop!” It is wise to do so unless you want to witness an entirely different kind of communication, such as hissing or swatting.

Cats are wonderful, loving pets, but they also like to make their own choices as to the attention their humans give them. That is part of their special, beautiful intrigue and mystery.

Watching and understanding your cat’s tail communication as well as those of the eyes, ears and body posture will keep your cat purring and help you maintain your friendship and bond for many years of love.

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