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The 12 Tail Signals A Cat Makes
The tail wagging of a cat in conflict is the most familiar, but there are other tail
signals that indicate mood changes. Each movement tells us (and other cats) about the
animal's emotional condition. Some of what follows may be of help:
Tail curves gently down then up again at the tip: This is a relaxed cat at peace
with the world.
Tail raised slightly softly curved: Cat is getting interested in something.
Tail held erect but with the tip tilted over: Cat is very interested & is in a
friendly, greeting mood, with slight reservations.
Tail fully erect with the tip stiffly vertical: Intense greeting with no reservations.
For adult cats this is borrowed from the action of a kitten greeting its mother. The
kitten's signal is an invitation to the mother cat to inspect its rear end.
Tail lowered fully possibly tucked between hind legs: Signal of defeat to totally
submissive cat showing its lowly social status.
Tail lowered fluffed out: Cat is indicating active fear.
Tail swished violently from side to side: This conflict signal of tail wagging is its
most angry version. If the tail is swinging vigorously from side to side, it usually means
that the cat is about to attack.
Tail held still, but with tip twitching: This version of tail wagging shows only mild
irritation. If the tip witches become more powerful, then it is a clue that a swipe from a
bad tempered paw is imminent.
Tail held erect with its whole length quivered: Gentle quivering action often seen after
a cat has been greeted by its owner. The same action is observed when urine spraying is
taking place outdoors, but in this case no urine is produced. The gesture appears to have
meaning of a personal identification as if saying "Yes, this is me!"
Tail held to one side: Sexual invitation of a female cat in heat. When she is ready to
be mounted by the male, she conspicuously moves her tail to one side. When the tomcat sees
this he knows he can mount without being attacked.
Tail held straight fully bristled: Signal of an aggressive cat.
Tail arched bristled: Signal of a defensive cat and one that may attack if
provoked further. Bristling fur makes the cat look bigger and may deter the enemy if the
defensive cat is lucky.
Doggy Data
Did you know:
That there are 701 different breeds recognized as pure bred dogs?
That the Afghan Hound is considered by the experts to be the world's dumbest dog?
That the poodle, border collie and golden retriever tie for the smartest dogs in the world?
That the Newfoundland has webbed feet?
That dachshunds were bred to look like they do so they could fight badgers in their dens?
That Pekinese served the purpose of being a mobile hot-water bottle?
That a greyhound can run up to 45 mph?
That the Chihuahua is the oldest dog breed in America?
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