The Tail of a Cat 🐱

Cats rely on their tail for balance when moving around and climbing, but the tail positions and movements communicate mood as well.

Relaxed Tail

Visual Signs

Slightly curled (not stiff or tense)

Relaxed high, low, or lower

*Note: Every individual cat will carry his or her tail in a slightly different way when he or she is moving around.

What Your Cat May Be Feeling

“Just handing out!”

Relaxed

Not bothered by anything in particular.

Tail Up

Visual Signs

Tail is vertical and loose and floppy

Tip may be softly curled like a question mark or candy cane.

What Your Cat May Be Feeling

Happy

Confident

Friendly

“I come in peace.”

“I’d like to interact with you.”

Quivering Tail

Often observed when your cat is greeting someone. 

*Note: This is not the same type of tail seen in male cats before spraying.

Visual Signs

Tail is vertical and vibrating from the base; not flicking.

What Your Cat May Be Feeling

Happy

Giddy

Super excited or really wants something.

Tail Contact

Visual Signs

Tail is touching, wrapping, or intertwining around another cat’s tail or body, or a person.

What Your Cat May Be Feeling

Affectionate

Wants interaction.

“I like you.”

Tense Tail

Often observed when the cat is moving away.

Visual Signs

Talk is held stiffly, lowered from a vertical position.

Tail tip is pointed to the ground or tucked under the body.

What Your Cat May Be Feeling

Unsure

Unsafe

Worried

“Do I need to get out of here?”

 

 

 

If you or your friends or family live in Renton, Washington (or surrounding area) and are looking for a compassionate cat sitter to care for your feline friends this summer, book me on Meowtel.

 

 

 

 

 

Reference 

Chin, L. (2023). Kitty language: An illustrated guide to understanding your cat. Penguin Random House, LLC: New York. P. 47-63.