What does it mean when your cat wags its tail?

Cats move their tails practically all day, often also to communicate with humans: for this reason, the actions are linked together. The movement of the tail indicates a lot more things than we think we understand at first glance by looking at the cat.

Anyone who has a feline should know the body language of cats because together with meowing it allows you to know in-depth the personality and mood of your pet. In this article, we will answer the following question: “What does it mean when your cat wags its tail?” You will see that there are not only one or two reasons, but each movement indicates something specific.

What does it mean when your cat wags its tail?

The cat’s tail speaks. Thanks to its anatomy, the cat’s tail is able to move and take on different shapes that correspond to moods and communicative intentions. By observing this part of the cat’s body it is possible to notice that it moves it in very different ways: it can hold it up, down, question mark, stretched diagonally, between the legs, make fast or slow movements or vibrate, roll it around you, etc.

Furthermore, to understand what the cat is trying to convey, one must also observe the hair, that is, if it is smooth, straight, etc.

In practice, therefore, cats move their tails to express something and communicate with our desires, moods, dangers and much more, including some strange things that cats do. Most of the movements a cat makes with its tail, therefore, are voluntary, although some studies indicate that others may be involuntary. Below we will see why cats move their tails by analyzing specific postures and movements.

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Cats move their tails: they are happy

Tail up that vibrates: A cat whose tail is shaking is very happy to see you or is happy about something that just happened. This is a positive nervousness and it’s very common for a cat to wag its tail like this when you come home if you’ve been out all day.

A tail that points upwards: it is the moment of tranquility and cuddles. If you have a good relationship with your cat, you will see that he will behave like this when you are around. It is also a way of saying goodbye in a cheerful way. This is typical behavior of the mother with puppies: she raises her tail like this when she wants to get their attention or wants to be followed.

Tail on the back: This may seem like a strange position, but it indicates that the cat is really pleased and happy with you. The cat sees the human being as a similar one, so it is showing you the anal glands to be recognized, exactly as it does with other cats. It’s a way to be outgoing and friendly.

Cat tail movements are difficult to interpret

Tail raised with angled tip: it does not imply any threat either to you or to what is near the animal. Your cat may not feel completely comfortable in a new situation. In general, he holds his tail in this way in the presence of a new animal in the house or of a person who he does not know. If you notice, the cat sniffs the stranger when he holds his tail like this.

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Question mark tail: signals that the cat is reserved but calm and does not feel very safe.

A tail that moves from one side to the other: it is one of the most complex gestures to understand because it can mean different sensations. In this case, you will need to pay attention to other cues of the cat’s body language to know exactly how he is feeling (position of the ears, body, facial expression, etc.).

Wagging the tail from side to side can mean several things such as great attention to someone or something, frustration, desire to play or even that he is angry if in addition to moving it from side to side it slams it to the ground

Cats move their tails: negative signs

  • Hook at the base: When the question mark part is the base and not the tip, it means that the cat is on the defensive and may be ready to attack. In general, in this position, the hair on the tail will be straight and the back curved
  • Tail raised and waved: indicates that there is something wrong. The cat is angry and wants to be alone, so it will move its tail like this when it passes by your side, ignoring you and without stopping by your side.
  • Upright tail and shaggy, brush-like coat: if your cat’s tail swells and has a shaggy coat, stay away. The cat feels threatened or in danger, so it is likely to attack you. The same happens when he keeps it low and straight but always ruffled.
  • Tail between the legs: the cat is afraid, does not feel comfortable and wants to be alone. It is a submissive position but, at the same time, the cat stands at attention and does not let her guard down.
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Last words

In this article, we have seen why cats move their tails, but you need to know that it is not the only part of the body that they communicate with. In fact, they also do it with their ears, eyes, expression or posture. Pay close attention: only in this way will you get to know your four-legged friend thoroughly and how he feels at all times.

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