LifestyleReading feline signals: Understanding your cat’s tail language

Reading feline signals: Understanding your cat’s tail language

Living with a pet becomes much easier if you learn to interpret the signals they send. It's no secret that the tail plays a crucial role for a cat. A tail held high conveys something entirely different from a lowered tail, a wagging tail, or one with a curled tip.

Identify a cat's mood by the movements of its tail
Identify a cat's mood by the movements of its tail
Images source: © Getty Images | Maslov Dmitry

27 July 2024 20:22

Cats follow their paths and often have their "moods". Many people believe that compared to dogs, it is much harder to understand cats and read their moods. For example, they don't jump with joy when they see their owner, but that doesn't mean they aren't happy.

The tail tells all about a cat's mood

With cats, the signals may be subtler, but they are there. It is especially important to pay attention to tail movements. This part of the cat’s body conveys very important information.

This is how a cat shows its emotions

If you have a cat at home, it’s worth learning to read the signals your pet almost constantly sends using its tail. A tail held almost vertically up indicates happiness. A tail in this position and also vibrating indicates a very positive attitude.

If the tip of the tail held up is slightly bent, it indicates a friendly but slightly wary cat. However, if the tail is bent downward and covers the anus, it means the animal is submissive and feels uncertain.

It’s also worth knowing that a cat with a stiff tail pointed down may behave aggressively. On the other hand, if a cat is sitting and "sweeping" its tail on the ground, it is irritated or even angry. These signals are very easy to catch and help you understand the emotions the cat wants to convey.

Related content
© Daily Wrap
·

Downloading, reproduction, storage, or any other use of content available on this website—regardless of its nature and form of expression (in particular, but not limited to verbal, verbal-musical, musical, audiovisual, audio, textual, graphic, and the data and information contained therein, databases and the data contained therein) and its form (e.g., literary, journalistic, scientific, cartographic, computer programs, visual arts, photographic)—requires prior and explicit consent from Wirtualna Polska Media Spółka Akcyjna, headquartered in Warsaw, the owner of this website, regardless of the method of exploration and the technique used (manual or automated, including the use of machine learning or artificial intelligence programs). The above restriction does not apply solely to facilitate their search by internet search engines and uses within contractual relations or permitted use as specified by applicable law.Detailed information regarding this notice can be found  here.