What makes cats wag their tails

However, a constantly wagging tail may also indicate that your cat is in pain. Your cat is excited, marking his territory, or is feeling stressed, anxious, or insecure if his tail shivers or shudders. When your cat is crouched and ready to pounce, his tail goes straight out and rigid so it can be used as a balancing tool when making quick turns or jumping. A flicking tail or side-to-side swish indicates excitement, contemplation, beginning irritation, or that your cat is in pain.

This could also mean your cat is focused, such as when watching a bird outside the window. When your cat wraps his tail around you or drags his tail over you, it's an affectionate, trusting gesture similar to humans holding hands or putting an arm around someone.

Bonded cats will frequently walk with their tails entwined or will relax together that way. If the hair on your cat's tail puffs out and his body arches think Halloween cat silhouette , he's been startled by something and is really scared.

When the tip of your cat's tail forms the shape of a question mark, it means he's happy or in a playful mood. It is also a way cats who are friends will commonly greet each other. When your cat is in a relaxed position and tapping the end of his tail, it means he's slightly annoyed or contemplating something. Like "I'm trying to sleep and that sound is bothering me," or "My tummy is grumbling," or "I'm thinking about getting up to go to the litter box, but I'm so sleepy.

Feline Fine. This is a good sign when you enter the room because it means your cat is happy to see you. At least until they are feeling more sociable. When cats wag their tails it can mean your cat is on the prowl. Trust us. This will also answer the question as to why cats wag their tails while sleeping. Now that you know why cats wag their tails, you are better prepared to interact with your cat. This type of communication tool will help make your interactions with your loving pet even better.

Pet insurance helps with costs of medical treatments, from last minute treatment to scheduled wellness visits. Tail wrapping is an affiliative behavior that demonstrates a willingness to interact. A research study by Cameron-Beaumont in found that cats were willing to readily approach a cat-shaped silhouette if it had a raised tail but were reluctant to approach the silhouette if it had a lowered tail.

If your cat approaches you with their tail up, this is a good time to pet them or play with them. This cat tail language indicates that your cat is happy and approaching amicably. However, while it is tempting to pet that curly-tipped tail, most cats prefer to be pet around their facial glands on their cheeks, under their chin, and next to their ears.

If your cat assumes the quintessential Halloween-cat posture with a puffed tail and arched back, then they are startled or frightened by a sudden, severe threat. This is a defensive reaction indicating that your cat wishes to be left alone. This tail position is often triggered by feeling threatened by other animals in the yard, dogs approaching, visitors in the home, or sudden noises. If you try to interact with your cat when their hair is standing up, they may perceive your approach as a threat and become aggressive.

A cat may lower their tail below the level of their back if they are frightened or anxious. If your cat is sitting or lying down with their tail wrapped around their body, then they are frightened, defensive, in pain, or feeling unwell. If your cat frequently crouches with their tail curled tightly around their body for more than a few days, then an evaluation by your veterinarian is warranted to rule out pain or illness.

Cameron-Beaumont CL. Visual and tactile communication in the domestic cat Felis silvestris catus and undomesticated small felids Doctoral dissertation, University of Southampton, United Kingdom. ISNI: Home Cat Care Center. Published: July 30,