Sometimes seeing your cat wagging her tail is adorable when she walks around you with her tail straight up or gently moving her tail when she is sleeping. You would be surprised to know there are many reasons behind the cat’s tail wagging.
Cats have unique body language. When you pay attention to your cat, you will learn your cat’s behavior and what she is trying to say to her pet owner each time she wags her tail.
You probably would have seen dogs wagging their tail but did you ever try to understand the reason behind your cat’s wag? In this article, you will discover the different kinds of cats’ wagging so that you can identify and understand their behavior better!
What Does It Mean When My Cat Wags Its Tail?
● Your Cat is Feeling Confident – Straight Up Tail
If you see your cat is walking and wagging her tail highly, a little at the top, she indicates a sign of confidence. Your cat feels confident while walking around the house. Not only does your cat straight-up her tail when she is feeling sure about her day, but she also offers her owner and other feline friends that she opens up for some pets and playtime. This is one of the reasons behind the wagging of your cat’s tail. Cats also show this behavior of their tail when they are calm and feeling happy.
● Your Cat is Scared – Puffed Out Tail
Another reason behind your cat’s wagging tail is that she feels scared. If you see your cat puffing out her tail, it means she is scared and wants to tell you something. This kind of tail movement is different from confidence. Keep in mind when your cat is frightened, you will often find her wagging her tail in a lower position. You can determine the amount of her scariness by seeing the exact position of her tail.
If your little cat tucked her tail between her legs, you should not approach her because she is terrified. In this case, your cat won’t show any aggression because she may be too scared to move. However, your cat may be scared when she straightens up her tail in the air with ears pushed back, then understand that she will not hesitate to fight either. You will need to give her some distance to calm down in this condition.
● Your Cat is Excited – Quiver Movement of Tail
Quiver movement of the cat’s tail is the cutest tail action, indicating your cat is feeling excited to see you and to be around you. As you enter your home, your cat will approach you with her tail high up in the air with little quivering tail movement.
Cats use this type of movement to let their owners know that they are ready for interaction, playtime, and purr. They also rub their face on their owner’s leg and sometimes also meow to their parent happily.
● Your Cat is Annoyed– Thrashing Movement of Tail
Your cat might be bothered if you see her thumping or thrashing her tail on the ground, which means she is irritated, angry, or annoyed.
In this case, keep a distance from your cat because when you pet your cat when she is annoyed, she will thrash her tail to stop you from rubbing her. If you don’t stop, she will end up hissing, swatting, growling, or biting you.
● Your Cat is Hunting Prey – Twitching Tail Movement
Did you ever notice your cat is twitching her tail, and she doesn’t listen to you when you call her? This twitching tail movement indicates that your cat is hunting, and you should not disturb her!
The tail movement often happens when she sees birds from the window or mice under the table; she focuses on her prey. You might see her making some clicking sounds during this situation or even see a fur ripple. When your cat dashes to her prize, she will also show the twitching tail in the same manner. Your cat will keep its balance and agility with such behavior, so swishing her tail while hunting really helps when attacking.
● Your Cat is Feeling Secure – Slowly Swish Tail Movement
Your cat will slowly swish her tail and purr when you pet her gently, which means she is trying to tell you she feels secure around you. This kind of movement shows that your cat loves you, trusts you, and lets you know that you care for her.
Moreover, your feline wagging tail also tells you when it is petting time and when you should stop petting her. This is a true meaning your cat will purr and wag her tail in different kinds. Not only this, if you find your cat slowly swishing her tail while sleeping, she is telling you that she is feeling secure even during her sleep time.
Can Cats Control Their Tail Wag?
Cats know when to control their tail wags. The next time your cat flicks their tail, realize that it’s a deliberate invitation to play. Alternatively, if you’ve ever questioned why your cat smacks you in the face with its tail, then it is more likely she has done this on purpose. Cats slap their tails against people to express affection, annoyance, or get attention.
Understanding what your cat is expressing through their tail wags will guarantee that it receives the attention they require. It will also create a strong bond between you and your feline friend.
Final Verdict
Tail wagging is quite usual for feline animals, but not every time they show straightforward meaning to you as you think. It is essential to look out and understand your cat’s different kinds of tail wagging.
We hope the article has helped you fully understand the phenomenon of your cat’s tail wagging to create a strong relationship with your little cat and become a proud pet owner!
