Cat Tail Signs: 11 Secrets You Can Learn from a Cat’s Tail

The straight-up tail

How would you know that your cat is happy? The tail, of course! You might call it the aristocrat tail. But a tail that is straight up, reaching toward the ceiling, doesn’t belong to a pretentious and aloof cat. Actually, it’s the exact opposite. “It conveys happiness, confidence, comfort in its surroundings and a willingness to be friendly and interactive,” says Dr. Marks. “The pinnacle happy moment is if the tip of the tail shows a tiny twitch—that’s a really happy cat!”

The whip tail

Have you ever felt that your cat is mad at you? Well, here is a sure sign that things are not so good in the kitty kingdom: a tail that whips side to side. “Rapid whipping back and forth can indicate fear but also reactivity,” explains Dr. Marks. “And if a cat is extremely fearful, it can be a trigger for aggressive behavior.”

The slow-moving tail

Have you ever walked into a room to find your cat staring at something, and the only thing that’s moving is your cat’s tail? You might not see anything out of the ordinary, but your pet sure does. “A slow-moving tail indicates focus and intention around an upcoming event—pouncing on a toy, chasing a housemate, etc.,” says Dr. Marks. “It shows that the cat is getting ready to do a physical movement with purpose.”

The sleepy tail

Cats have no desire to hit the snooze button, and there’s a perfectly natural reason why they pounce on your face before your alarm goes off: cats are crepuscular, which means they’re most active between dusk and dawn. That leaves a lot of time for other activities, like taking cat naps, which they do for 12 to 16 hours a day. They snooze in all kinds of positions (we’re big fans of the adorable cat loaf), but Dr. Marks says that when you spot their tail tucked underneath their cute little face, you’re seeing “a very comfortable and relaxed cat.”

The question mark tail

If you notice your cat carrying their tail high with a little curl or curve at the end that resembles a question mark, that’s the green light for playtime. Think of it as an actual question that they’re posing to you: Are you up for some fun and games? “This is a wonderful time for pet owners to engage in interactive play and exercise,” Dr. Mark says. “Your cat should be quite responsive.” Since cats can sleep up to 16 hours a day and spend up to six hours grooming a day, this is a good time to take advantage of their playful mood.

The curly tail

When you come home to a dog, it’s an all-out welcome-home party. There’s jumping, tail-wagging and lots of slobbery kisses. Cats, well … let’s just say they’re a bit more subtle. Some might sashay by your leg, while others might not acknowledge you at all, preferring to check you out from the coveted sunny spot by the window. Later, when they forgive you for leaving them, they might snuggle in close and curl their tail around your face. What may seem like a bold and rude way to make contact is actually a genuine display of affection. “Cats curve their tail around people or other cats that they are bonded to or feel happy around,” explains Dr. Marks. “This behavior is called affiliative and is a reinforcement of the human-animal bond.”

The back-off tail

There’s nothing subtle about the message your cat’s tail is sending with this position. A tail that is pointing straight down is primarily telling you or furry frenemies to back off. “A low tail typically indicates reactivity or aggressive mood with the possibility of similar behavior,” explains Dr. Marks. “However, certain breeds, like Persians, normally have a low tail carriage, and this should not be confused with reactive behavior.”

The puff-n-fluff tail

Puffy and fluffy sounds all cuddly and inviting, but it’s not when it comes to your cat’s tail. If you startle your cat, or if they’re frightened of another cat or animal, their tail will be straight up and puffed out. This is a sign of a scared and anxious cat, but instead of shrieking and hiding, your little furball tries to put up a brave front. “The puffing of the tail is done to make the cat look bigger and more ominous in a threatening situation. This cat is nervous, scared and very agitated,” says Dr. Marks.

The tail shield

Have you ever noticed how your cat wraps its tail around its paws when it’s outside? This doesn’t necessarily happen when cats are cold. Cats wrap their tails around their paws indoors or outdoors as a way to protect themselves. Dr. Marks says your cat may be exhibiting nervousness or submissiveness when this happens. It could also mean something more. “If the cat is crouching and tucking its head as well, it can mean fear or pain,” says Dr. Marks. 

The sick tail

A cat’s tail not only conveys emotions—it can also indicate that your kitty isn’t feeling all that frisky. If your cat doesn’t seem to have enough strength to wag its tail, or if its tail hangs limply, it could be a sign of illness. Other noteworthy cat tail signs of a more serious issue are lacerations, bleeding, bite marks, abscesses, patches of missing fur or skin, or discoloration. Any of these signs would warrant an immediate trip to the vet, says Dr. Marks.

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Sources:

• Natalie Marks, DVM, veterinarian with Royal Canin
• RSPCA: “Why do cats wag their tails? [Factsheet]”
• Blue Cross: “What is your cat’s tail telling you?”