Cats may wag their tail because they’re unhappy, annoyed or even in pain. But occasionally, tail wagging may be a sign of affection By paying attention to the direction and speed of your cat’s wagging tail, as well as the rest of their body, you can usually get a good grasp as to how they’re feeling.
Your Cat’s Tail Is Wrapped Around Their Body
Your cat is scared, defensive, in pain, or feeling under the weather if they are sitting or lying down with their tail wrapped around their body. As soon as you notice this, stop interacting with your cat and make sure their surroundings are stress-free.
Your veterinarian should examine your cat to rule out pain or illness if they frequently crouch with their tail tightly wound around their body for longer than a few days.
Why Do Cats Wag Their Tails?
Cats can express their emotions through tail movements, just like dogs can. However, not every wag-like gesture is the same—many cat tail motions have entirely distinct meanings.
To find out what a cat’s various tail movements signify, let’s examine what it means when it wags its tail.
Your cat is agitated, annoyed, or furious when they wag their tail or thump the ground. This tells you that something is bothering your cat.
This is a distance-increasing behavior. Put another way, your cat is trying to tell you to stop petting them if they start thrashing their tail. If you don’t, the thrashing tail can signal an impending growl, swatting, biting, or hissing sound.
Other Ways Cats Communicate With Their Tails
Cats can use their tails for many purposes other than just wagging. Your cat can emote through the position, curling pattern, and size of their tail. In order to comprehend your feline companion more fully, you should also be aware of the following scenarios:
- A puffed-up tail: Your cat’s back will frequently have an accentuated arch in addition to a tail that puffs up to double or triple its typical size. In this case, your cat feels frightened or endangered. This reaction can be elicited by anything, such as seeing a cat they have never seen before or hearing unfamiliar footsteps. Your cat is displaying a defensive response, standing up their fur to make themselves appear bigger in an attempt to frighten away the impending threat. 6 It makes sense that Halloween decorations frequently employ this stance.
- A tail wrapped around the body: Your cat may be uncomfortable if they are holding their tail close to their body or entwining it around their legs. This is just another way your cat may communicate to you that they are in pain, so be on the lookout for any other unusual behaviors. 3 .
- A low-to-the-ground tail: Your cat will usually use this tail position while investigating a new area. They may be anxious and uncertain. It might also be a sign of submission or pain for your cat. 3 .
- A tail curled into a question mark: Your cat is happy and eager to interact with people when their tail is curled into a question mark and twisted to one side.
- A tail that is straight up: A self-assured and gregarious cat will hold their tails straight up. Kittens greet their mothers with this gesture, which serves as a friendly greeting.
- A tail that encircles you: A cat is expressing their love for you when they encircle you with their tail. They may see you as a friend. You can imagine holding hands or your cat putting their arm around you when their tail is wrapped around your arm or leg. Usually, your cat will purr and rub up against you during this action.
FAQ
Why is my cat’s tail wagging fast?
Do cats wag tail when happy?
What does rapid tail movement mean in cats?
Why do cats move their tails while lying down?