Why cats move their tails so often: the nature of cat signals
For a cat, the tail is a real tool for communication, balance and even hunting. In nature, the tail acts as a “rudder” for balance during jumps and becomes a powerful means of non-verbal communication. In wild cats it serves to communicate with relatives, to signal emotional state and intentions, to warn of danger or, on the contrary, to show friendliness. Domestic cats, despite their independence, have retained this multifaceted language of the tail, using it also in communication with humans.
The cat’s survival has always depended on its ability to avoid conflicts, to demonstrate strength or, on the contrary, to show willingness to coexist. Since cats cannot speak human language, tail movements have become their way of conveying emotions: from joy to fear, from curiosity to aggression. For a cat, the tail is like a separate “language” understood by all felines, and, by observation, even those who live only among humans. Therefore, by observing the tail of the Pet, you can feel and understand what the cat is thinking about and what it is going to do next. It is this universal language that helps to avoid many misunderstandings, warns of danger or helps to build a trusting relationship between the cat and his master.
Interestingly, different breeds and even individuals can have their own nuances of tail language – somewhere the tail is shorter, somewhere very fluffy, but the essence remains the same: the tail is the main emotional indicator in the world of cats.
The main emotions are on the tail:
An upswept tail
Signifies confidence, friendliness, good mood. The cat is greeting the owner or feeling safe.Raised and quivering tail
A genuine display of delight or joy. The cat is excited or marking territory.Tail curled around the paws or torso
A signal of calm, comfort, relaxation. Favorite place of rest and sleep.Tail down or between the paws
Sign of fear, anxiety, discomfort. The cat is tense, stressed.Bristling, fluffy tail
A state of fear or aggression. The cat is trying to appear larger to ward off a threat.Sharp swishing or twitching of the tail
Manifestation of irritation, frustration, aggression. It is better to let the cat rest.Smooth swaying of the tail (“goose” movement)
The cat is interested, attentive, going to hunt or play.Tail arched, tip in the form of a hook
Indecision, waiting for a reaction or response from the owner or another animal.Tail micro-movements, slight vibrations
Total comfort, sleepiness, deep relaxation.
Does the tail always tell the truth?
Not all tail movements have an unambiguous interpretation. Often even experienced owners can misunderstand a Pet’s intentions if they only pay attention to the tail. For example, rapid tail wagging can be a sign of play and a warning of irritation – the only difference is the speed of movement, the general state of the cat and accompanying signals.
It’s worth remembering that the tail is only part of a larger feline body language system. For an accurate “translation” you need to take into account the position of the ears, eyes, even the body and paws, the mood of the Pet before, the type of situation, to whom the cat turns its signal (to another cat, dog or person). Some cats are more reserved by nature – they may be less likely to show open emotion through the tail. Others, on the contrary, actively “talk” to them, and then even a slight twitch is an important clue.
It is important to learn to perceive the cat’s language in a complex way: observe the cat in different situations, compare tail movements with events around, pay attention to changes in behavior, and you will quickly begin to understand when the cat is in a good mood, when he is anxious, and when he is ready to play or offended.
