The mysterious creatures that cats are, it can sometimes be difficult to know what a cat is thinking. Cats can’t tell us how they’re feeling, but one way to understand their moods is by observing how they hold or move various parts of their body.
Learning to read your cat’s body language, including tail language, is key to unraveling your cat’s secrets.
What Does Tail Wagging in Cats Mean?
You’re probably familiar with the sight of dogs wagging their tails, a sign that usually means the dog is happy and open to affection or play. While cats can sometimes wag their tails when they’re happy, more often than not, a cat wagging its tail isn’t happy or calm.
To figure out what your cat’s tail wagging means, observe how the tail moves, as well as other signs of body language that may give clues about your cat’s mood.
Why Do Cats Wag Their Tails?
Cats wag their tails in many different ways and for many different reasons.
You might see your cat swaying its tail slowly or thrashing it frantically, or you might see your cat’s tail twitching or moving back and forth. When trying to decipher a cat’s wagging tail, pay attention to whether your cat is lying down or standing up, if it’s growling or hissing, and if its fur is smooth or bristled.
Here are some of the most common movements of cat tail wagging:
Tail Swish
If your cat is lying down, appearing relaxed, and possibly purring, and you see its tail swaying slowly back and forth, occasionally tapping the ground, your cat is likely happy and content.
Tail Flick
If your cat is holding its tail low and moving it slowly from side to side, it’s often a sign that it’s feeling playful. Try tossing it a toy or using a feather wand to engage it in some fun.
Tail Tremble
Cats sometimes tremble their tails if they’re upset or want to be left alone. In this case, you may also see your cat turn its head or body away from you as an additional signal to leave it alone. Other times, cats tremble their tails when they’re watching something stimulating, like birds outside the window or a mouse in your garden.
In these cases, tail trembling is likely involuntary and just an expression of excitement or frustration.
Tail Quiver
If your cat approaches you with its tail held high and quivering slightly, it’s usually a sign that it’s happy to see you. Other body language signs supporting this include rubbing against your legs, meowing at you, and purring.
Slow Tail Wag
A cat that’s slowly swaying its tail back and forth may be gearing up to pounce. Other body language cues to look for include holding the body very still and staring intently at the object about to be ambushed.
Tail Thump
A cat rapidly wagging its tail back and forth is sending a clear message: Stay away! Tail thumping is a sign that the cat is angry or frightened.
Other body language you may see in a disturbed cat includes flattened ears, growling or hissing, crouched body close to the ground, and bristled fur (including a bushy tail).
Sometimes, cats wag their tails when they become overstimulated by touch. If you’re petting your cat, but it suddenly starts wagging its tail, it’s time to withdraw your hands, or you might get bitten.
A Happy Cat's Tail
So, if tail wagging isn’t a sign of a happy cat, what kind of tail language indicates a cat is feeling playful? A cat with its tail straight up and very still, possibly with the tip slightly curved, is probably interested in attention and eager to play.
A cat that’s slowly swaying its tail while holding it low is also likely open to play with you. If you ever have doubts about how your cat is feeling, give it space and let it approach when it’s ready for some affection.
If you suspect your pet is ill, immediately call your veterinarian. For health-related inquiries, always consult your veterinarian as they have examined your pet, know the pet’s health history, and can make the best recommendations for your pet.