What Does It Mean When My Cat Wags Its Tail?

What Does It Mean When A Cat Wags Its Tail?

Cats are pretty much the most expressive creatures on earth. They have many different ways to show how they're feeling, and one way is through their tail-wagging patterns. There are many reasons why cats might be wagging their tails. We've narrowed it down to six main ones: when they're feeling confident, scared, excited, annoyed, hunting, or just feeling secure in their surroundings. Let's get into it!

1. Confident Feeling Cat

A confident cat will have a high-tail wag. Cats use their tails to communicate with one another, which typically signals confidence in the cat performing it. It also displays that they are content about something.

When your cat wags its tail confidently, the kitty is feeling good about her environment. Your pet will also be more likely to notice people approaching or being near them. Also, they'll have an increased awareness of their surroundings. These are all signs of a happy feline!

2. Scared Cat

A scared cat will have a low-tail wag. The opposite of the confident cat, this type of tail wagging shows that your kitty is feeling very insecure in her surroundings. Wagging is also seen as a sign of submissive behavior for cats. So if your fluffy seems frightened but not aggressive, it might have her tail slightly tucked between her legs and will be moving from side to side.

 If you're noticing this behavior and are worried about what it could mean, talk to a vet or animal care professional for advice!

3. Happy And Excited Cat

Cats have a variety of tail-wagging patterns, and they all mean something different. The most common meaning behind feline tail wagging is that the cat feels excited, anything from being happy to play with another pet or human companion. Cats will often also use their tails for balance as they move across rough terrain like trees or bushes while hunting.

 So if you see your kitty holding her tail high in the air when she's walking around outside, then it means it may just be enjoying herself! Their tails also tap the ground in an almost circular motion as well when they're happy.

4. Annoyed Cat

Tail wagging can also be a sign of annoyance. The cat's body language may change when it is annoying, such as the ears being flattened or pinned back against its head. Also, the tail will be sticking out straight behind them while they walk away from their tormentor. Cats will sometimes even growl when feeling this anger towards someone else (although not constantly).

When cats are annoyed with another animal nearby, they will wag their tails to show the other animal that they're angry. If this happens, it's best to give the cat some space to escalate the aggression.

5. Hunting The Prey

You must pay attention to a cat's behavior when they're hunting. If you notice your pet starting to wag her tail, it could be because of the excitement and anticipation of catching her prey. The feline tail is just as important as the cat's other four limbs because it allows them to make very precise judgments when hunting their food sources or pouncing their enemies.

6. Feeling Secure

Tail wagging has many purposes and meanings. One goal is to communicate a feeling of security. Cats will use their tail as an extension of themselves when they are relaxed or content, which creates a sense that the cat feels safe in its surroundings.

If a cat feels threatened or insecure, it will keep its tail low and close to the body. Cats use this gesture of insecurity as an invitation for others to approach them.

Tail Wagging And Cat Behavior

A cat's tail behavior is an easy way for pet owners to assess their animal companion's mood. It can be a clear indication of the mood and mind frame of your furry friend. So it is essential to know how each wag of the tails means.

1. Slow Wag

The type of wagging expresses that your cat feels sleepy and peaceful. You may even call this a royal invitation. Such a sort of slow swaying tells you that you are welcomed to pay attention to your cat. Also, it indicates the mood of playing in a contented environment.

2. Low Flick

Low flick refers to the back and forth movement of the tail of a cat. It sometimes refers to the unhappy gestures of the cat. The best way to deal with it is to leave the cat alone for a limited time. And it's better to give it some space so that it could calm down.

3. Wrapped Tail

It is an indication of your kitty's deep affection towards someone or something. Wrapping the tail around your hand or any object indicated contentment. It also shows the playtime that you should pay attention to them.

4. Quick Twitch

If your cat's tail does a quick twitch, it usually means they are concentrating. You will most likely see this when the animal is watching something like birds or other small animals outside their window. Also, it might make strange noises such as chirping or even chatter in some cases.

5. Slow Swish

A cat's tail is a fascinating thing. It communicates so much of what they're thinking and feeling! If you notice your furry friend slowly swishing their tail from left to right, that means they are mildly annoyed or unimpressed with something. Giving them space is the best move from your side in these kinds of situations.

6. Fluffed Up Tail

When the fur puffs out, it means they're feeling defensive or scared! Maybe your kitty feels threatened by another animal in the vicinity. Sometimes, the cats also arch the back. The fluffing of tails refers to portraying themselves scary.

7. Sleep Twitch

Your cat may twitch its tail when you pet them or talk to them while they're sleeping. It is their way of telling you that, although aware and present, it feels safe enough to continue snoozing.

8. The Quiver

Your feline friend is thrilled to see you and can't contain their excitement. Their tail will be up in the air with a bit of quivering action going on near its tip. It means they're ready for some interaction! They might purr, rub their face against yours, or meow happily as well. It indicates that your cat wants more quality time together.

9. Lying Down And Waving Tail

When your cat's not feeling well, they might tend to lie down and wave their tail. If you notice this behavior in addition to other symptoms like going off of food or spending time hiding out more than usual, it may be that they're unwell! Consult a vet if you think that something is wrong.

10. Low Wagging Tail

You may have seen your cat's tail in a low position, but do you know what this means? Cats will typically make them small and tuck their tails between their legs when they are scared. Low wagging indicates that your feline friend is frightened of something nearby or within the room with them.

Summing Up

Cats wag their tails to communicate various emotions, from happiness and excitement to anger or annoyance. Knowing the tail's meaning can help you understand your cat better and provide them with what they need to feel safe and happy. In addition, understanding the different implications behind a cat's tail wagging may be able to help you identify how the cats are feeling on any given day!

References

https://www.petmd.com/cat/behavior/evr_ct_what-does-it-mean-when-a-cat-wags-tail

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18930121/

https://www.purina.co.uk/articles/cats/behaviour/common-questions/why-do-cats-wag-their-tails

https://www.prudentpet.com/why-cats-wag-tails/