I’m fascinated with the way animals communicate with us, and like all cat lovers – I certainly want to make sure I’m understanding everything my babies want me to know!
Our cats actually let us into their emotions and psyche in a very unique way: Through their tails!
Tail lowered with just the tip curved up. This is a happy, relaxed cat.
Tail gently switching from side-to-side. This is a cat who has noticed something interesting like a bird at the window or the scratching sounds of a mouse. It can also signify indecision as to what to do next such as to climb a tree or stay on the ground.
If you approach a cat like this, she could be wondering whether you’re friendly or not.
Tail straight up. This is a friendly cat that is coming forward to greet you. If the tip is bent, this could mean he is a little insecure about his reception.
Tail tip swishing quickly and sharply from side-to-side. This cat is irritated or angry. If pushed, it could swipe with a paw or even bite.
Tail swishing quickly and violently from side-to-side. This is an angry or seriously frightened cat that could be getting ready to attack or flee. It’s best to back off until he calms down.
Staring at a cat is both threatening and provocative. It’s best to look away and move away until the tail switching stops.
Tail bristled. This is an aroused cat. If lowered it can mean fear. If the tail is up, it can mean an aggressive cat. Cats bristle their tails and the fur on their bodies when aroused. This makes them look larger than they are in an attempt to intimidate whatever is worrying or bothering them.
Tail held straight up and quivering as the cat is backed up against a vertical object like a bush or tree. This is a cat that is marking its territory with urine. If a cat is doing this inside your house, it’s time to get out the cleaner and find your cat another hobby.
Source: MetCat.com
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{ 9 comments… read them below or add one }
my cat bristles up during the playtime a lot, is it possible that she’s just trying to scare me , as a part of the game, instead of being frightened/irritated?
I think she is role playing, definitely! Cats are so adorable when they play – they “act out” the story, or game, and just have a great time. Alexa loves to play like she’s stalking me or a toy I’m using. Then, when I turn the tables on her, she acts out the whole damsel in distress thing. We have a great time but must look pretty nuts!
When I pet Ebony, my sister’s cat, she wags her tail in long, wide strokes. Her brother Onyx, my cat, doesn’t do that. Why does she? She doesn’t try to bite us or anything, and the rest of her body language is friendly, she just wants us to keep petting her, which confuses me.
I have a little question for you, My cat Lefty (he’s got the six toes on his front paws) is a very bio-polar cat, which I know he might have gotten from me, but he keeps bundling up the blankets that we have or anything that he can wrap his body around and fornicating with it, he is fixed we got him fixed at the earliest age possible but he didnt start doing it tell he turned 2. He’s been trying to do it for the past 2 years. Can you maybe tell me why he does that??
i had no idea all that stuff is so good to know.
THATS SO COOL
my cat sometimes purrs when his tail is violently wagging side to side and when i pet him to try to calm him down he goes ninja and attacks me- still purring. im confused
My one-of-a-kind crazy cat Carly (how I loved that cat!) was the same way. She honestly just seemed to love to attack, scratch, and act like I was prey! But, just like your little guy, she’d be purring and happy the whole time! She would be sweet and “normal” one minute, then the next – she’d want to rough house.
One thing is for sure, no two cats are the same. They each have their own little quirks and personalities.
Carly was certainly filled with funny little quirks but they were what made her my very special little girl. (I still miss her so much!) Your little boy is apparently one of a kind as well!
If your cat is doing that it means they are play fighting