What Cats Signal With Their Tails

My cat had such an expressive tail, I sometimes thought she was spelling out letters in an effort to communicate with me. Although she couldn’t form letters as well as, say, the cowboy or Indian chief could make a YMC or A, she could certainly say a lot. As it turns out, a cat’s tail does more than act as a rudder and provide balance–like dogs, cats use their tails to signal their moods.

According to Arden Moore, author of The Cat Behavior Answer Book (Storey, 2007) recognizing the messages delivered in tail talk can help you better communicate with your cat. Here are some key tail positions and what they mean.

Hoisted high
A confident, contented cat will hold her tail high in the air as she moves about her territory. A tail that is erect like a flagpole signals a happy mood or a friendly greeting. Cats often send this message as they approach a welcoming person. If the top third of the tail twitches as the cat nears you, this means he totally adores you.

Question mark
A tail looking bent in a question mark often conveys a playful mood. This would be a good time to engage in a five- or ten-minute play session.

Flying low
A tail positioned straight down, parallel to the legs, may represent an aggressive mood. Be wary. That said, there are exceptions to this rule. Some breeds, such as Persions, Exotics, and Scottish Folds, normally tend to carry their tails lower than their backs.

Tucked away
A tail curved beneath teh body signals fear or submission. Something is making the cat nervous.

Puffed up
A pipe cleaner of a tail reflects a severely agitated or frightened cat whi is trying to look bigger to ward off danger.

Whipping
A tail that whips rapidly back and forth indicates both fear and aggression. It is a warning that says “stay away.”

Swishing
A tail that swishes slowly from side to side usually means the cat is focused on an object. Cats often swish their tails right before they pounce on a toy mouse. It is part of their predatory positioning.

Twitching
A tail that twitches just at the tip is a sign of curiosity and excitement.

Cat-to-cat
A tail wrapped around another cat is equivalent to a person casually putting her arm around a favorite pal. It conveys feline friendship.

Read more: Behavior & Communication, Cats, Pets, cats, tail

By Melissa Breyer, Senior Editor, Healthy & Green Living

Disclaimer: The views expressed above are solely those of the author and may not reflect those of
Care2, Inc., its employees or advertisers.

Rohaizad H.

12:58AM PDT on Mar 19, 2012

My cat licks my hands. What's that mean?

send a green star

Joe R.

12:11PM PDT on Oct 6, 2011

Interesting. Thanks.

C. G.

12:51PM PDT on Aug 21, 2011

thabk you!

Mari M.

4:07PM PDT on May 5, 2011

This will be very useful if someday I have a cat :).

Robin R.

1:01PM PDT on May 5, 2011

Thanks! My favourite thing is when my cat does the "rub by" (when he walks by me and rubs his face and then the whole length of his body past my leg on his way by) and he usually ends up with his tail wrapped around my leg. Cats are so great!

Sandy D.

12:32PM PDT on May 5, 2011

Very interesting. Thank you.

Jane H.

8:15AM PDT on May 3, 2011

Thanks. I used to be a dog person but since a cat adopted me I have become a dog AND cat person. I love to watch his tail which is mostly just straight up. He loves guarding his territory!

Trudi G.

2:40PM PDT on Apr 25, 2011

Don't let us forget the Devon Rex, which frequently wags its tail- no particular reason- just expressing "I'm Still here"....I have kept Rexes for about 30 years, and still find them fascinating!

12:26PM PST on Feb 20, 2011

thanks interesting, if I get out the cat food my cat's tail goes high up straight and even trembles, I guess he really likes getting food :)

Bon L.

5:37PM PST on Feb 19, 2011

Thanks for the info.