
Cats are known for their graceful tail movements. Their tails serve many important functions in their everyday lives, but in this article, we will discuss how they use their tails to communicate and other animals in different ways. There are various cat tail signs to be aware of, commonly known tail positions include a straight tail. Compared to a thrashing tail, this is a friendly greeting. A swiping tail indicates aggression. The true meaning behind tail movements can often be misunderstood. This article will delve deeper into cat tail behaviour to help you easily decipher your cat's mood!
Why do cats have tails?
A cat’s tail helps them balance, provides sensory input from their environment, and helps them communicate with other cats and humans. Cats are known as excellent climbers and famous for balancing along fences, branches and the like - this is largely due to how the movement of their tail used expertly for balance. The tail works as a counterweight when cats take on jumping or walk on narrow ledges. The tail also provides warmth, cats often wrap their tail around their bodies as they curl up to sleep.
Movements of a cat’s tail are part of their language. Understanding key signals in cat body language will strengthen your bond with your pet.
Cat tail signs and meanings
Your cat’s tail points straight up
This tail position means your cat is feeling confident, relaxed and friendly.
The cat’s tail should be straight, but may have a slight curve at the tip. You may notice this cat tail behaviour when your pet is relaxing at home.
Your cat’s tail is low to the ground
This tail position means your cat is feeling scared, anxious or threatened.
The tail will be held low to the ground, you may notice this cat tail behaviour when they are anxious or frightened, for example, around new animals or people.
Your cat’s tail is in hooked position
The hooked tail position is similar to a straight tail, it generally indicates that your cat is feeling content and/or curious.
The tail will be relatively straight and will have a slight hook at the end. It means your pet is feeling friendly. Their tail will probably look like this when they greet you after you return to the house. This is a happy tail position used to greet you and may often be accompanied by a vocalisation or 'meow'.
Your cat’s tail is tucked down
This generally means your cat is feeling scared and fearful. It could also mean they are feeling unwell.
The tail will be tucked between their legs and down towards the floor. It is a submissive gesture. You may see this cat tail sign when cats are engaging in fights.
Your cat’s tail is bushy and straight
This means your cat wants to signal defensive aggression to other cats. You may see this cat tail sign when cats are fighting or having a stand-off.
The tail will look bushy, and it can be tucked down or stood up. Cats can make their hair stand on edge, the intention is to make themselves look bigger, which gives them a more intimidating silhouette.
Do cats fully control their tails?
Yes, cats have full motion and range of movement with their tails thanks to their unique bone and muscle structure. The tail also contains nerve endings which allow the cat to sense when something brushes against their tail, this is useful during hunting.
Do all cats have tails?
No! Not all cats have tails, certain breeds can be born with short, stumpy tails or no tails at all. Cats born with no tail or a shorter tail usually have a genetic mutation. The following breeds are born with very short tails or no tails.
Cats use other types of body language to communicate their feelings too, this includes ear movements and facial expressions. Cats and kittens also use vocalisations like purring to indicate their mood,
- Japanese Bobtail
- Mekong Bobtail
- Cymric
- Manx
- American Bobtail
Understanding cat tail movements - Conclusion
It’s useful to understand different moods motivating cat tail behaviours, helping you understand your pet better when they’re trying to communicate with you. Cat tail movements can let you know when your pet is happy, sad, angry or even in pain. Curious to learn more about cat communication? Check out our other articles for more great info.
Understanding cat tail movements - FAQs
Why do cats put their tails on you?
Cats put their tails on you to communicate their mood, it is generally a sign of affection. Cats wrap their tails around themselves for warmth, so it is like a cat hug. It can also mean they are scent-sharing (cats have glands in their tails) and marking you.
Why do cats lift their bum when you pet them?
This is another form of communication for cats. Cats generally lift their bums when you pet them as a sign of trust. It is also a way to transfer their scent onto you, greet you, seek attention, show satisfaction or show they are in heat.
Do cats wag their tails when happy?
Yes, cats are known to wag their tails slowly and calmly when they are content, this is often accompanied by purring and may happen when they are lying down. However, this should not be confused with a rapid tail wag or thrash of the tail, which usually means your cat is slightly annoyed or engaged in play.
Why do cats wag their tails while lying down on me?
If your cat is wagging their tail very slowly when they are lying down on you it is generally a sign that they are feeling happy, comfortable and content. However if your cat flicks or thrashes their tail when they are lying down on you it could also be a sign of mild annoyance. For example, they are trying to let you know that they have had enough petting for one day!