Body language cats: The cat's tail reveals the mood

Created: 06/05/2022, 09:00

By: Nina Marie Jarosch

Cats communicate primarily through body language.

The cat's tail provides important signals about the current mood of the animals.

Munich – The tail of a cat can be seen as a real barometer of mood.

Because by the position of the tail you can immediately tell whether the cat is happy, anxious, excited or insecure.

Learn about the most important signals cats give with their tails and how to read them correctly.

Body language cats: The cat's tail reveals the mood

The cat's tail is a kind of mood barometer and reveals a lot about the mood of the velvet paw.

(Iconic image) © imagebroker/Imago

The tail of cats is clearly visible from afar.

Therefore, it is also used by the animals as a kind of long-distance signal and serves to assess the mood of a conspecific.

The closer they approach each other, the more the animals can tell the moods of their counterparts from the signals from their tails.

But cats use this body language not only among themselves, but also in communication with us humans.

It is therefore important for cat owners to recognize these cat tail signals and to be able to interpret them correctly.

This is the only way to avoid misunderstandings between humans and animals and to strengthen the relationship.

If you understand your cat's body language, you can respond to the needs of your pet and also know how to respect it when the animal wants to be left alone.

These are the most important signals that cats give with their tails.

Cat Tail Signals: Standing up with the tip of the tail straight

If the cat walks around with an erect tail, this signals a friendly, content and self-confident mood.

This is often the case when greeting - the cat is happy to see its human.

A slight twitch of the tip of the tail marks a particularly happy moment.

This is a great time to play or cuddle.

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Signals with the cat's tail: Standing up with the tip of the tail slightly curved

This tail position looks like a question mark and means that the cat is happy but still a bit unsure at the same time.

In any case, the animal signals curiosity and interest.

Cats with this tail position often also express that they feel like playing right now.

Signals with the cat's tail: Relaxed tail position carried downwards

A neutral tail carried down signals that the cat is relaxed and balanced.

However, if the tip of the tail is pointing up when the tail is held horizontally, it means that your velvet paw has more important things to do right now and wants to be left alone.

Signals with the cat's tail: Pointed straight down

A tail pointed straight down indicates a very tense mood and can signal anxiety and discomfort.

In order to express this tail position even more, cats usually also crouch down on the ground.

Great caution is required here, because the cat could attack if it sees no alternatives.

Signals with the cat's tail: Restless wagging back and forth

If a cat wags its tail back and forth, this indicates excitement or restlessness.

(Iconic image) © Ardea/Imago

If the cat wags its tail back and forth, this usually indicates great excitement or inner restlessness.

This tail position can have different meanings.

This tail pose can be observed before a cat pounces on a toy or when observing prey.

In cat language, however, it can also mean that the cat is stressed or does not feel well.

Signals with the cat's tail: Tail erect and ruffled

When a cat is very scared, it will try to look bigger and more menacing by rearing its tail and ruffling all the hair on its body.

This is intended to put potential enemies to flight.

In addition, the ears are laid back and hissed loudly.

Strong emotions like fear can make a cat unpredictable.

A frightened cat should always be given enough space and treated with respect and patience.

Pressure doesn't help in this situation.