Why do cats wag their tails?
Article checked by a vet
A cat’s tail helps them balance, provides sensory input from their environment, and helps them communicate with other cats and humans. The movement of a cat’s tail adds to the sinuous grace that they are known for, but why do cats wag their tails? Tail wagging is a common yet misunderstood cat behaviour, in this article, we will delve deeper into cat tail language to help you decipher what different tail movements mean more easily.
Different Types of Tail Movements
What does it mean when a cat wags its tail? Cats have a dynamic range of tail movements, the most common tail movements include slow swishing of the tail, rapid tail wagging back and quivering the tail. However, as with all cat behaviours, it is essential to view the body language of the cat as a whole and evaluate the environment to determine what's driving the behaviours.
Slow Swishing
When a cat swishes their tail slowly it generally means that they are content and feeling relaxed. Slow, lazy swishing is not to be confused with rapid wagging. For example, if your cat is licking you and wagging their tail slowly it means they are happy.
Rapid wagging
If your cat is rapidly swishing their tail it means they have set their focus on something, this could be a toy, something inside or outside the home, another pet or it may even be you! This tail movement could be followed by pouncing, so be wary. It usually happens when a cat is engaged in play, however, it can also be a sign of annoyance, so take this as a cue to give your cat some space.
Quivering
A quivering tail can have a few different meanings, so ensure you observe everything else that is happening with your cat’s body language to give you more clues. A quivering tail can mean that your cat is excited, look out for other signs like purring, rubbing their body against you and meowing. Alternatively, a quivering tail may also occur when they are marking their territory with urine or when they are uncertain about someone or something around them.
Most common reasons why cats wag their tails
Why do cats wag their tail? There are many different reasons why your cat might wag their tail in various everyday situations. A cat will use their tail to communicate their emotions and feelings to their owners and other cats, so it is important to understand the basics of their body language. For example, cats will let us know they are annoyed, stressed, curious or happy by using different motions with their tail. We have detailed the most common everyday situations you will encounter cats wagging their tails to express their emotions. Make sure to observe everything else that is happening with your cat’s body language to give you more clues, for example, if your pet is wagging their tail slowly and purring, they want you to know they are feeling content.
Stressful Situation
Your cat will wag their tail rapidly or sternly to let you know they are feeling stressed or overstimulated. For example, this may happen during an interaction with humans or other animals. It is best to give your cat some space if you suspect they are stressed or annoyed. A low tail that is being thrashed around is a sure sign of annoyance.
During Play
You will also notice a cat wagging their tail during play, the tail should swish back and forth in a controlled manner, this means they are engaged or locked into play time. The movements of the tail will be more fluid, compared to the stiff swinging of an annoyed tail.
When Interacting With Humans
Why do cats wag their tails while lying down? Cats may combine purring, tail wagging and head nudges to let you know they are feeling content and happy! This tail wag will be slow and lazy and may happen when they are lying down. However if you’re scratching their tummy during a cuddle session and their tail starts to thrash around it’s time to give them some space.
Interpreting your cat’s tail movements
Observing your cat’s overall body language is the best way to draw the most context from their tail movements to understand their true mood. Make sure to pay close attention to their stance, tail, how low they are to the ground, their ears and their eyes.
Flattened ears let you know your cat feels scared and dilated pupils mean they are feeling strong emotions, they may be engaged in play or are feeling threatened, if these cues are combined with a rapidly wagging tail then you can be sure your pet wants some space. Cats may also combine tail movements with vocalisations such as purring, meowing, huffing or hissing. A slow wagging tail combined with a purr means they are feeling content. A hiss and a rapidly wagging tail means it's time to back off! A quivering straight tail could mean your cat is excited or that they feel nervous or threatened, it may also be a sign that they are about to mark their territory with urine.
How to respond to your cat’s tail movements?
As mentioned previously, it is important to take heed of your cat’s tail movements and aim to understand their overall body language so that you can read their moods and respond appropriately! If you notice that your pet is wagging their tail rapidly it's probably best to back off, as this is generally a sign of annoyance and aggression. A calm tail wag when your cat is lying down or receiving cuddles is most likely a sign that they are content, so there is no need to change your behaviour. Don’t antagonise your pet if they are wagging their tail to communicate that they are stressed or annoyed. The position of a cat’s ears will also let you know how they are feeling, a cat will pin their ears down when they are feeling nervous, frightened, or uneasy.
Conclusion
Tail wagging is a normal part of cat behaviour and the more time you spend with your cat the more easily you will be able to read their body language. Making an effort to decode your cat’s overall body language, including tail movements and vocalisations will help you better understand their needs, feelings and moods.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
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 a 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!
