

This is sort of the cat equivalent of a hug and is often part of a happy greeting that may include rubbing up against you and contented purring.Ī cat tail whip is a sign of fear or aggression and a warning to stay away or stop doing whatever it is that you’re doing. Are they eating and drinking like normal? Pooping and peeing at least once a day? Hiding under furniture? Disinterested in play or treats? If this goes on for more than a day or so, call your vet. If you notice this behavior, give them their space, but keep an extra close eye on them. Usually, when a cat lies down, their tail will relax away from their body, so when they wrap it close around themselves, it could be an indication that they are feeling ill or in some sort of pain. And if it’s a person, you best believe they did something to deserve it.

Look where they’re looking and you’ll probably see what’s freaking them out. Sometimes paired with an arched back and a hiss, a tail that is puffed up and rigid indicates a cat in distress - one who has either been startled or is feeling in some way threatened. So if you see your cat’s tail sticking out with a curl towards the end, take a moment to give them a stroke or a snuggle or a headbutt - or a little play, cuz they’re ready for it. This is another happy one and often indicates a desire to interact, according to Tamburo. They are strutting their stuff and feeling their oats. Your cat is telling you that they are happy and comfortable and just generally in a good mood. Sticking Straight UpĪs long as your cat’s tail isn’t puffed up, with all the hair sticking out like a pipe cleaner, this is a good thing. “Cats are actually quite communicative creatures,” she says, “and their tails often tell most of the story.” Even a cat biting their tail could be trying to tell you something. And while other forms of cat communication can be quite difficult to decipher - Why do you keep meowing at me? I already fed you and cleaned your litter box! - “tail talk” is generally pretty straightforward and easy to understand, according to cat behaviorist and Wildest expert, Cristin Tamburo, CFTBS, CAFTP. But more than anything, cats wag their tails to communicate, both with humans and with other cats. See our privacy statement to find out how we collect and use your data, to contact us with privacy questions or to exercise your personal data rights.Ĭats use their tails for all sorts of things - from balancing to marking their territory to just generally looking dead sexy.
