The Importance of the Tail in Cat Body Language

Cats can tell us a lot about what they think and feel from their body language. Vocalizations are a key part of this, as are elements such as the ears and whiskers. One of the easiest body language signs to spot is the tail and there is plenty you can learn from the tail movements.

Tail tips

Cats are creatures of instinct and act accordingly. If something seems frightening, they will be frightened. If it threatens them, they will defend themselves. Their body language follows these instincts and by learning the language, you can understand what they are saying. A cat's tail (unless they are a tailless breed such as the Manx) can act like a signpost to tell what they are thinking and feeling in a quick glance.

For example, a sweeping tail can indicate irritation. It might be you have petted them too much or are taking too long to feed them. It might be that they are cross about the presence of another animal or a child that is aggravating them. This is the stage before anger and could be seen as being vexed.

Anger involves sharp movements, snapping whip-like from side to side. This is a clear sign something has made them very cross or alternatively, they are frightened and are trying to hide it by appearing big and impressive. They can erect the fur on their tail to a surprising degree to accompany this feeling, again making themselves look bigger and more threatening.

On the other hand, a tail that is snaking around the body and relaxed is a sign of a contented cat. A gentle movement or the flick of the tip can also show they are happy and content in their surroundings. It is often used in playfulness, flicking their tail then chasing it as it is were a toy independent of their body or to entice another cat into playing. A tail upright in the air when walking towards you is a bit like the cat saying "hello, good to see you!"

Other body language

The tail movements will also come associated with other body language signs. For example, ears flattened to the head is a classic anger/fear sign often accompanied by hissing and other vocalizations. Ears facing forward or following a sound is a sign of an attentive and engaged cat. Relaxed ears mean a relaxed cat. Their whiskers too follow a similar pattern to explain their behavior.

Sitting positions can also indicate when a cat is relaxed and happy. Sitting on their side with their belly on show is a relaxed positive, as is sitting with their paws underneath them. If they felt threatened, they would want their paws out in front, ready to move and wouldn't show their vulnerable belly.

Conclusion

There is no hard and fast rule for how a cat reactions to a situation as they learn in their own way. Something that scares them first time around may not scare them when repeated as they realize it is isn't a threat. Yet something familiar can suddenly be frightening if encountered in an unusual way or paired with a loud noise.

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Credit: Angela Tempest