A cat wags the tip of its tail what does it mean

A long flexible whip or a fluffy fox tail – any tail is undoubtedly the most noticeable "decoration" of a cat. But Nature – a tireless dreamer and genius scientist in one person – probably gave animals this part of the skeleton for a reason. Let's see why cats need tails and how moustached pranks use this valuable gift of evolution.

A cat wags its tail when being petted: What does it mean?

Sometimes we have a hard time correctly interpreting the behavior of cats. Dogs are known to express joy by wagging their tail.

With cats, if rumors are to be believed, this is not the case. The only question is whether this is true or just information from unverified sources.

Does your cat wag its tail when you pet it?

In this article, we would like to show you the possible reasons for this, so that you can better understand your pet.

Why cats wag their tails and possible reasons for this behavior

Before we get to why your cat might wag the tip of his tail when you pet him, let's first discuss some of the possible reasons why cats might wag their tails.

A possible reason for this could be that the cat is a little agitated. It doesn't necessarily mean she's not feeling well or anything, it could also just mean that the cat is currently looking forward to a treat, for example.

Also, tail wagging is a sign that the animal's hunting instinct has been awakened. Especially during the game you should have noticed that the cat before the "attack" calmly lies on the ground, fixes his eyes on the object and slightly twitches his tail.

So pure joy, like in dogs, is not necessarily associated with the wagging of a cat's tail.

In addition, tail wagging in a cat can also indicate nervousness. By the way, this may be one of the reasons why dogs and cats often have problems with each other, because they misinterpret each other's body language.

By the way, if cats wag their tails in their sleep, it suggests that they are probably asleep at the moment.

Animals, like us humans, process experiences from reality. However, it is difficult to judge whether this is due to nervousness or to joyful excitement.

In general, however, we can say that a cat's tail wagging represents a certain tension that often serves to protect itself.

Do cats control the movement of their tail?

Although reflexes sometimes take over, most cats are in complete control of their tail. This is especially true when they are alert and attentive.

This is because the tail is full of countless nerves and receptors. They are connected to the spine, nervous system and brain. Just as a cat can order its paws to move, it can make its tail wag or curve.

Do cats have control over their tails?

A cat's tail may seem soft and flexible. If your cat has a long, fluffy coat, it may even seem like the tail has no value at all. However, you can be sure that the cat is fully aware of its tail, all the sensations it causes, and the way it moves.

This is why many cats yapping or hissing when you accidentally step on their tail. If you accidentally pull a cat's tail and it doesn't react in any way, chances are it's patient with you.

The rare exceptions are when the cat has a tail injury or nerve damage. In these cases, the cat may no longer be able to feel the tail and cannot control it. If your cat's tail constantly curls in a strange direction or doesn't move often, that may be the case.

How do cats control their tails?

Cats control the movement of their tails using various muscles, nerves, bones, and tendons. On a microscopic level, this is a complex system that researchers are still trying to understand. For your cat, however, it is second nature. Cats don't need to learn how to control their tails. Like walking, it's something that comes naturally with age.

A cat's tail is directly connected to the spine through a series of vertebrae, ligaments and tendons. It contains up to 10% of an animal's bone mass. According to the Department of Veterinary Physiology, cats have 6 different muscles in their tail. They are used individually to shift, twitch, and wag the tail at the cat's will. Reflexes and microreactions are performed by the cat's nervous system.

When the cat's tail makes contact with an object or even senses changes in air temperature, nerve receptors perceive this data. This data is then transmitted through the nervous system, up the spine and into the brain. Here, the cat's neural coprocessors calculate this information and allow it to respond accordingly.

Tail and communication

Since it is not too difficult to understand a cat by its tail, ethologists, when analyzing cat behavior, pay special attention to this part of the body. Cats are frank and straightforward animals, they cannot lie and do not hide their emotions, so every owner can learn to understand the mood of the cat's tail. You only need to observe the position of the tail in a particular situation.

Peacefulness: The tail hangs in its natural position, relaxed. The cat sits or lies with its tail wrapped around itself – it is in good spirits and trusts those around it.

Friendliness: Why does a cat have its tail trumpeted when it approaches a person? This position of the tail means that the pet is happy to meet him and does not mind being stroked by his silky coat. In the same way, she meets a familiar tribesman.

Caution: If a cat doesn't know if a friend or foe is in front of her, she keeps her tail up at a 45-degree angle. Why do cats wag their tails even when they sit next to their beloved person and seem to be completely satisfied with life? It's simple – the pet is checking to see if there's an enemy behind them who wants to treacherously attack.

Curiosity: Why does the cat twitch its tail, moving the very tip from side to side? Most likely, she sees or hears something that interests her and awakens one of the most striking traits of her character, curiosity, in the huntress. It could be a fly, the sound of rain, or even the smell of pilaf from the next apartment, but be careful: the cat may be interested in the hand stroking her, in which case it is wise to leave the pet alone.

Playfulness: how to understand a cat by its tail during play? The cat, mindful of the established limits, wags its relaxed tail, moving it smoothly, without nervousness. If the cat gets too excited, it wags its tail more and more quickly, and its movements become more and more abrupt – beware, in the next moment the cat may prefer your hand to the toy. Why does the cat shake its tail pointing vertically? This, too, is a form of playfulness bordering on sexual excitement.

What does it mean when a cat wags its tail

Everyone knows that tail – is more than just a cat's ornament. It helps to land successfully on the ground or the floor during a jump from a height, to balance fearlessly on fences and tree branches, coordinating the animal's balance. Also, the whiskered pets' tails are a real indicator of mood. Not being able to express their emotions with words, our little brothers use their body language. And, perhaps, the movements of a cat's tail can more eloquently than any meow demonstrate to the owner what the animal is experiencing.

The animal's mood changes many times during the day, just like any human. To determine the mood of a cat by its tail you just need to observe it:

• The tail of the cat is pointed upward, the hair on it is curly, the back is arched, the eyes are dilated – the animal is in a state of extreme anger (perhaps the object of dislike of the pet is nearby: another person's cat, a dog);
• When standing or sitting the cat wags its tail chaotically, violently striking the floor or its sides – the pet is extremely unfriendly and can even attack. Such tail "behavior" can be observed, for example, after the cat meets its rival or after unpleasant games for the animal (throwing the cat to the ceiling, active stroking of its belly etc.);
• A cat shakes its tail quickly and finely, pointing it upwards – a sign of excitement, including sexual excitement. This behavior can be noticed in a cat when it sees a member of the opposite sex or is in anticipation of a favorite treat;
• A cat presses its tail to the ground or on the floor and its tip twitches nervously and finely – a signal that the cat has awakened its hunting instinct (a rodent, bird or insect is nearby);
• A cat wags its tail not too actively – a sign that the cat is thinking over its actions, for example, whether it wants to have a snack or go for a walk;
• The pet's tail pointing upwards, perpendicular to his back – a good sign that means the animal is in a good mood. With their tails up and purring, friendly cats greet their owner returning from work;
• In the sitting position, the pet actively wags the tip of its tail, looking interestedly at one point – a sign that the animal is in a playful mood at the moment. Such cat behavior can be seen while following a toy mouse on a string;
• A cat sitting looking into its owner's eyes with its tail wagging on the floor at a medium speed is an attempt to attract attention ("Boss, look at me");
• its tail is loose and drooping down, legs slightly tucked up, that means the cat is frightened (say, by a suddenly turned on vacuum cleaner or unknown person who has come into the house);
• A cat sitting, standing or lying with its tail relaxed – a sign of peace and good humor;
• The cat wags its tail, raising it horizontally – an action that means the animal is wary and distrustful. This happens if a pet has not definitively decided that he is safe (for example, if he came into someone else's yard or was in a veterinary clinic);
• A pet's tail pointed upright and the tip slightly bent, a good sign that the pet is in a quiet mood;
• A cat has gone to the resting place and even dozed off, but its tail is moving slowly from side to side – a signal that the animal is worried about something, nervous and does not feel safe. This sight can be seen, for example, if the pet is annoyed because of loud noises in the room or in the street;
• The head of the pet in standing position is dropped down, the tail hangs indifferently and relaxed between the paws – the pet Murzyk gives to understand that he is sad or bored;
• The pet almost falls down on the owner's legs, wrapping its tail around them – a clear sign of flattery. This is a way for the pet to beg for food or to call for affection;
• A cat with its tail slightly bent at the tip comes up to the owner and lightly bites his leg – an attempt to pay attention to itself ("master, don't forget to play with me" or "feed me");
• A pet pet pokes its head at the owner with its tail upright as a sign of love and friendship. Cats usually behave this way only with the most pleasant people and never with strangers.

How you can know how a cat feels by its tail

By the movement of the tail you can not only understand the mood of the cat, but also learn something about the health and behavior of the animal, even to predict the weather:

• If the cat came to the wall (door, furniture), raised its tail horizontally and quickly shook it, it can mean that the animal "marked" the territory. This behavior can occur not only in males, but also in females;
• When the cat is quietly dozing or just resting in a sitting position, its tail is usually at rest. But as soon as you call the pet's name, the animal instantly responds to the owner's voice with a slight wag of the tail. It is as if the cat is saying, "Master, I hear you;
• Usually the sharp, chaotic tail movements symbolize the anger of the animal. But not always. Sometimes the tail shakes vigorously by a pet that is not feeling well;
• The cat sometimes wags its tail because of stress (change of residence, rearrangement of furniture, the arrival of a new pet in the house, etc.);
• The pet may twitch its tail and periodically chew on it due to fleas or other bloodsuckers;
• If the pet tucks its tail under itself when sitting or lying down, it means that it is cold. There is even a popular belief: the cat curled up and hid its tail between her paws, then soon will come frost. By the way, this is not the only folk omen about the tail of cats. It is believed that an animal can fluff up the tail before a snowstorm, and thoroughly lick it – before the rain;
• When a furry pet lies on the floor with its tail parallel to its back, it means it's hot.

Why does a cat wag its tail? And 9 more cat tail signals

Why does a cat wag its tail? And 9 more cat tail signals

Is your cat an open book to you? Or maybe you only think so? A cat is a mysterious creature, and it is very difficult to understand it. But there are clues that will help to unmistakably recognize the mood of a cat. One of them is the tail. What it can tell about the inner world of his mistress?

We sincerely love our pets. To us, they are full-fledged family members with their own desires and needs. No wonder we often humanize them. But that can be a problem. By giving cats our feelings, reactions, and behavior patterns, we misread their behavior and alienate ourselves from them.

A responsible owner needs to remember that cats have their own motives for everything. It is important to learn how to identify them correctly, so as not to make mistakes in training and not to lose that very connection with your pet.

The tail is one of the main clues, a guide to the world of understanding with your pet. We know that dogs wag their tails when they are happy. But with cats, it's more complicated. The position of the tail, its tension and curvature, active movements or slight vibration of the tip are all signals that unmistakably show the mood of the pet. How to read them?

Learn how to translate from cat language

If your cat's tail is confidently pointing upward, that's a good sign. Your pet is in a great mood, she feels great and is open to socializing and fun games. Just go for it!

A cat can curl its tail in such a way that it becomes like a question mark. If you see your pet with such a tail, it means it is in a friendly mood and quite possibly wants you to scratch its ear. Sit your pet on your lap or invite him to play with the teaser.

Is the cat's tail up and vibrating? Warning: your cat is excited, but the excitement is positive. Cats usually behave this way while they are getting a new batch of their favorite food or when their owner is unpacking a fragrant treat. In short, when they anticipate something very, very pleasant.

If the cat's tail is tense and drooping, it means that she is worried about something. Something of what's happening causes her anxiety, alarms. Perhaps the cat smelled the smell of the neighbor's dog coming from the driveway. Or maybe she does not like your new perfume.

If the cat is flicking its tail at its sides, don't think it's happy, like your friend's cheerful corgi. On the contrary: she is very tense and perhaps even angry. Cats often react this way to new animals in the house, people they don't like, or a hated vacuum cleaner.

The cat can wag its tail not only left and right, but also up and down. If your cat is doing this, you'd better not touch her. She is stressed or frightened, and the best way now is to keep her away from stressors and turn her attention to something pleasant.

Has the cat fluffed up her tail so much that she looks like a roosterfish? And in addition the back is arched and her ears are flattened? This is cause for concern.

Your cat is very angry and ready to attack. Another scenario: on the contrary he is frightened and is going to defend his territory, because he has nothing else to do (in his opinion, of course).

In this situation the cat really needs your help. But do not be in a hurry to pick it up, it may behave aggressively. Try to eliminate and distract the cat, let it calm down and come to its senses completely. And only after that you can try to pet your pet.

How is a cat's tail constructed, what functions does it perform?

The cat's tail is a direct extension of the spine. It originates from the sacral vertebrae fused into a single bone, and consists of three parts:

• Root. It is located closest to the sacrum and consists of four to six vertebrae. The first ones are short and flat, the last ones become cylindrical in shape. Retain the body and arch like the rest of the bones of the vertebral column.
• Tail. The tail itself, i.e. its flexible, movable part. Consists of 10-15 vertebrae with elongated cylindrical bodies.
• Tip. The ossicles are shortened and thinning toward the end. The tail ends with a small, rudimentary, irregularly shaped vertebrae.

Cats have a total of 20-27 vertebrae in the tail, the number depending on the breed. The bones are connected by intervertebral discs and ligaments, the elasticity of which provides mobility of the organ. The cat can wag its tail thanks to the three main tail muscles and many short muscles.

• balancer, which allows the animal to stay on sloping, slippery, uneven and narrow surfaces;
• orientation in space;
• communication with congeners and other animals;
• thermoregulation – can act as a "blanket" or "blanket".

Read also: How to teach kitten tricks at home, can you teach commands to an adult cat?

What does tail wagging mean?

Tail wagging is not only important for a cat to communicate with humans. Cats communicate with each other with their body language and the tail plays an important role in this, as it is almost constantly on the move. Changing its position, rhythm of movement, the amplitude, the animal expresses its aggression, discontent or, conversely, calmness, invites to play. So how does the owner understand his pet by looking at his tail?

"I'm satisfied!"

Satisfaction with a nourishing meal, pleasant stroking, sleeping on a warm radiator, interesting play, cats express with the help of tail movements. How does the owner know that his pet is happy, calm and in a good mood?

Wiggling is light, unhurried, only the tip of the tail is involved. During stroking, the cat may squint its eyes, roll over on its back, thus expressing the highest degree of trust in the person. However, you can still keep your guard up. Tail wagging is not only for pleasure, but also for timely detection of enemies that may suddenly sneak up while the cat is lounging in the sun.

If a cat welcomes its owner returning from work with its tail held high and its tip trembling, this is how it expresses its joy of meeting him. In addition, the cat begins to rub its feet, taking in new smells and leaving its own behind.

"I'm not happy!"

Why do light tail wagging alternate with harsh wagging and what does it mean? When a person obsessively strokes a cat, ignoring its needs, it can quickly become disgusted with the attention. It means that she is bored with communication with the person and wants to rest, or maybe she was uncomfortable with the fact that some part of her body was touched.

Lack of intellectual development

Lack of mental tasks leads to apathy and stress, which is detrimental to health, your furniture and other possessions. The easiest alternative is toys.. Your pet should be offered a variety of, preferably interactive, entertainment devices. Almost all four-legged animals love to play with feathers attached to a holder or bells on a string. A toy with a rattle or catnip will also puzzle and occupy the pet's mind for a long time.

Cats' temperaments are classified similarly to humans' – choleric, sanguine, melancholic and phlegmatic. Choleric – a quickly excitable type of mind. It is interesting that among representatives of all breeds (and among non-breeds) there are individuals with choleric temperament.

Such cats always need to have fun and find something to do. Lack of mental stress leads to so-called normal bouts of activity, when the cat starts running around the house, screaming, scratching the furniture, and after 10-15 minutes everything goes back to normal.

Separately, we should note the active breeds of cats that are in vital need of exercise and active intellectual development. The usual toys will not do here. Such pets need several scratching posts, a game complex or really entertaining games. The owner may hide toys and offer the pet to find them, "throw the fetch", teach the pet complex tricks, etc.

Developers of computer games have come up with interactive entertainment for cats. The app is installed on the tablet or phone, once launched, the cat intuitively understands what to do. Usually the apps focus on catching graphic fish or figurines.

This is interesting! The wards of a European cat shelter received tablets to play with. Caretakers noted that after receiving the gifts, the condition and mood of the purrs improved dramatically.

Tail chasing should be seen as a symptom

If a dog starts chasing its tail, it is recommended to be examined for neurological problems. There may also be physiological reasons behind the cat's similar behavior.

A cat's tail is a section of the spine made up of oval vertebrae and articular tissue. The cartilage provides flexibility to the tail, but it is also its weak point. A spinal canal runs through all the vertebrae, and there are nerve endings between them. Any injury or bump can cause the vertebrae to dislocate, resulting in severe pain. In this case, the cat will get angry at its tail and chase it clearly not playing. Growling and anger toward the tail may be related to what is known as slip disc syndromewhich is common to some breeds and older cats.

Note! The owner whose cat obsessively chases its tail may hear the diagnosis "neurology". It is worth understanding that this is a very broad term that implies abnormalities in nerve endings. Insist on a more extensive examination, and if you are brushed off, see another doctor.

A cat that catches up and bites its tail is obviously suffering from parasites. Fleas and hypodermic mites bring considerable discomfort and intense itching. The pain is greater than the itching, so the bite briefly eliminates the intrusive, irritating feeling. A similar reaction may indicate food allergies or dermatitis, which also cause itching.

Poor-quality dry foodbought at an attractive price, can cause trauma to the intestinal wall or anus. Cracks and scratches from pellets that have not fully softened can become inflamed, which is accompanied by severe pain. The same result is seen in cases of severe worm infestation or constipation.

Blockage and inflammation anal glands Also provokes a cat to chase its own tail. The causes are all the same – pain and itching. The cat gets angry at the sore spot and tries to act on it the way he knows how. Be careful at the vet appointment and do not agree to clean the glands if the blockage has not been diagnosed. There is a chance that by exposing healthy anal glands, the vet will condemn the dog to a lifetime of having to have them cleaned regularly.

Cat noises.

Meowing is a sound that most people associate with cats. However, it's worth noting that cats only meow at people, not at each other, so if your cat meows, it's probably trying to get your attention. The easiest way to distinguish these sounds is to recognize the different meanings that most cats imply.

• Asking for something – While in infancy, kittens make a long, high-pitched sound to get their mother's attention. Since adult cats often relate to humans as mother figures, they often repeat this sound throughout their lives when they need food, water or attention.
• Greeting – Usually a short, higher-pitched meow means greeting. If your cat won't stop meowing, she probably misses you very much.
• Displeasure – If your cat meows with a lower tone, it usually indicates frustration or annoyance. They like to make these sounds to scold their owners, although it is usually over nothing, as they show their true displeasure in other ways.

Anyone who has a cat has probably heard them howling or yapping at some point. It is most often characterized by a prolonged, very loud howl, and, unlike a meow, it is a form of communication between cats as well as humans. A howl or yowl can indicate a variety of needs, most of which require some attention from the owner.

• Anxiety – Cats often make these sounds when something is bothering them, they are not feeling well, or they just want to complain. Some cats howl more than others, so this behavior varies from animal to animal. However, if your cat doesn't normally make these sounds, it may be worth talking to your veterinarian.
• Territorial – Howling is often an indication that the cat is unhappy about someone new entering its territory, which happens when new pets come into the house. These new pets may also howl until they get used to their new surroundings.
• Mating Calls – If you haven't spayed or neutered your cat, the long, loud yapping may be a sign that she is trying to attract a potential mate.
• Boredom – Cats are not immune to boredom, and these sounds may indicate that they need more attention or entertainment.
• Cognitive problems – If you have an older cat who suddenly starts and keeps yapping, it could be a sign of dementia or other mental problems.

Cat body language.

In addition to sounds, cats have a variety of body language that they use to communicate. Most signs come from three main points on a cat's body – eyes, ears and tail. Below are examples of what your cat may be trying to tell you.

• Slow Blinking – Slow blinking is usually a sign of adoration. If you notice your cat blinking slowly while looking at you from across the room, it means she is just happy to see you.
• Dilated pupils are always a sign of excitement in one form or another. It can be different: the cat may be playing or preparing to attack a toy, but pay attention to its other behavior as well. If it is combined with aggressive gestures or sounds, it may mean that your cat is scared.
• Squinted pupils are most often an expression of irritation. It may simply be a lack of food in the bowl or a treat. As with the other signs, watch for other signals that may indicate that something is wrong.

• Fully erect – This is another sign of attention. Cats have excellent hearing, and if their ears are standing straight, it means something has alerted them.
• Facing forward – This is usually a sign that your cat is curious and probably playing. If you have recently given your cat a new toy or something else to occupy their attention, you may often observe this sign.
• A flat, crouched back – this gesture indicates that your cat is furious or terrified, and is usually accompanied by hissing or growling noises.

More than anything, your cat's tail shows exactly how it feels. There are many ways to communicate your feelings with your tail. Consider below some of the most common expressions.

• Tail – If your cat's entire tail wags back and forth, it means that she is upset. This movement often occurs when the cat is tired of petting and wants to pull away a bit.
• Curved tail – When a cat curves its tail, it often feels like it is exploring. This movement can be a signal that it's time to introduce the cat to a new toy.
• Tail tip twitching is almost always an indication of a playful mood. If the cat only twitches the tip of its tail or chases the tip of its tail, it almost certainly wants to play.
• Tucked to the side – If your cat is hiding its tail between its legs, it is most often a sign of nervousness. Perhaps new people in their environment or other factors are bothering them.
• Inflated tail – While it may look adorable, it's not a good sign at all. This signal means that your cat is either completely frightened or preparing to attack if it hisses at the same time.
• Curled tail – If your cat is wrapping its tail around itself, this is a sign that it is feeling good and comfortable. This movement is also characteristic of cats when they cuddle each other!

Why do cats wag their tails when lying down?

Cats have a reputation for being inconspicuous creatures, but they can be better understood. For example, you can tell what a cat is feeling by the movement of its tail. The wagging of the tail while lying down can be especially indicative of body language in cats. Dogs wag their tails as a sign of happiness, but this does not necessarily apply to cats.

Tail wagging in cats can mean both positive and negative emotions. They range from anger and irritation to excitement and delight, happiness and satisfaction. You can learn more about a cat's mood by paying attention to which part of the tail is moving, the position of the moving tail, and the speed of the tail.

Usually a cat slowly wagging its tail in a lying position has a more positive explanation than a cat thrashing or wagging its tail. Sometimes tail wagging is an involuntary manifestation of pain. Consequently, you need to check for other symptoms of discomfort, such as a arching back or uncharacteristic aggression.

Why do cats wag their tails when stroked?

A lying cat may wag its tail when being stroked. Your cat is sending you a message about how it is feeling, so think about where you are petting the cat.

As Anthrozoos explained, cats respond to stroking different body parts, so if you get it wrong, your cat may go from purring to hissing. However, if your cat lifts its rear end and wags its tail smoothly, it means it feels happy.

If the tail wagging accelerates, you should proceed with caution. This is a sign that your cat is becoming increasingly frustrated. Note that purring can also occur when the cat is feeling agitated or sore. There is a limit to the amount of time a cat enjoys being petted, and if you pet it too long, it may bite or scratch.