what does it mean when a cat’s tail is curled

If your cat curls their tail around you or another family pet, this is a sign of affection. Your cat is relaxed and extending a hand (or, in this case, tail) of friendship. Think of it as the cat “I love you.”

Thus, this brief guide is an excellent overview of the fundamentals of cat communication, regardless of whether you’re a seasoned feline fancier looking to brush up or a first-time owner searching for a Translation Guide to Cat Speak.

A cat that slinks away from something they dislike or even something they are facing might have this tail.

Once more, this depends on the situation; a large, puffed-up tail may indicate excitement (possibly a case of the post-litterbox “zoomies”) or that they have been startled and are preparing for flight or fight.

When you are about to feed your cat, or perhaps when you return home after a long trip and your cat is overjoyed to see you, you may notice this twitchy vibration in their tail.

This low, curled tail is frequently seen in kittens who are acting large and tough as they learn how to play fight. It can be used to express fear, but it’s also frequently seen in cats trying to project an air of toughness and intimidation by puffed up tails.

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That is not a normal tail position for a cat. In fact, I don’t believe cats are typically able to lay their tails on their backs in that manner.

I think the cat you saw might have been in an odd position because of a kink in its tail. This may result from normal genetic variation or improper healing of a tail break.

I was able to dig up some more information. I think the cat I saw was an “American ringtail cat.” A genetic variation or mutation may be the cause of the tail bend, as Kai has indicated in the other response.

Additionally, the Ringtail tail range is shown in the blue box below by this chart:

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FAQ

What does it mean when my cat’s tail is curled up?

Just as we greet one another with handshakes or hugs, cats may greet by curling their tails around people and by intertwining their tails with other cats. Tail wrapping is an affiliative behavior that demonstrates a willingness to interact.

Why does my cat’s tail curl like a pig?

Cats with tail curls are usually happy, relaxed cats. Don’t worry about it, just enjoy it.

What can a cat’s tail tell you?

On a calm cat a straight-up tail with a hooked tip is a friendly greeting, while an aggressive cat may just have its tail straight up. A fearful “Halloween” cat will have an arched back and “its tail up and puffed.” A domestic cat seems less than thrilled during a studio photoshoot.

Why do cats raise their tails when you pet them?

There can be a few reasons for this positive display: It gets the good spot even closer to your hand (many cats like being petted right at the end of their tails) It raises the nerve endings to increase the pleasurable feeling even more.