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.

Tail Flips

Visual Signs

Top half of the tail flips or swishes back and forth

What Your Cat May Be Feeling

Engaged with the situation.

“I can’t contain my excitement!”

Busy processing something in the environment.

Fixated

Watching or waiting for something to happen.

The bigger the tail movement, the stronger the feelings!

Lashing Tail

Visual Signs

Tail is swinging or lashing – a big wagging, slapping, or thumping motion.

What Your Cat May Be Feeling

Overwhelmed

Frustrated

“This is too much!”

“I can’t relax right now.”

Big tail movements could signal excitement, irritation, or overstimulation, depending on the context. 

Puffed-Up, Startled Tail

Looking at whole body movements is important to understanding the whole story.

Visual Signs

Tail fur suddenly becomes bristly, bushy, or puffed up.

When the rest of the body relaxes, the tail remains puffed up.

What Your Cat May Be Feeling or Doing

Startled

Blindsided

Recovering from a scare or disturbance.

Puffed-Up, Defensive Tail

Sometimes called a bottlebrush tail or Christmas tree tail.

Visual Signs

Terrified 

Trapped

Defensive

“Stay away! Don’t come closer!”

“Offense is the best defense!”

Other Kinds of Tails

As a cat’s tail does not tell the whole story, it is important to look at the entire body in motion and in context, especially with cats who have short tails or no tail.

Bob Tail

No Tail

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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. 62-70.