Cat Tail Language: What Your Cat’s Tail Says

Does your cat wake up, walk to a new spot, then curl up with its tail wrapped around its body? Does your cat prance around your home with its tail sticking straight up in the air?

Your cat’s tail communicates what your cat can’t. Different tail movements and positions reflect different moods or attitudes in your cat. If you’ve had a cat for a while, you’ve probably picked up on a few of these by now!

Understanding your cat’s tail language is important for bonding with your kitten or cat and making sure you don’t overstep your cat’s boundaries.

What Does a Cat’s Tail Movement Mean?

Decoding your cat’s tail language can help you understand when your cat wants attention — and when they’d rather be left alone. Here are common tail positions and movements and what they mean.

Upright

If your cat’s tail is straight up into the air, this means that your cat is happy and feeling good. You’ll probably also notice that your cat has a bounce to its step.

Straight outward

A tail sticking straight outward and down toward the ground could mean your cat is in a serious mood. Maybe something caught their eye, or maybe they’re beginning a hunt. Regardless, your cat is highly alert.

Wagging slowly

A slow tail wag means that something has definitely caught your cat’s attention. You’ll notice that your cat is laser-focused on something and won’t respond to most of your calls.

Tail between the legs

A tail between the legs means that your cat is nervous or anxious. Maybe they did something wrong and they know it, or maybe a loud noise outside scared them.

Flicking quickly

This is a step higher than slow tail wagging. Quick tail movements mean that your cat is ready to pounce — whether it’s on a toy, a critter, or you if you’re bothering them!

Fluffed up

A fluffed tail usually accompanies the crab pose. Your cat is trying to make itself look as big as possible to ward off any threats. Or, they’re in a playful mood!

Question mark

The question mark tail means your cat is in a happy, friendly mood. Pets are most welcome at this time!

Wrapped around

If your cat is sitting or laying down with their tail wrapped around them, it means that they would prefer to not be touched right now. They’re essentially creating a little wall, so respect their boundaries!

Why Do Cats Curl Their Tail?

Cats curl their tails for different reasons, and they vary depending on the situation. For example, if you’re currently playing with your cat, a curl could mean that they’re excited and engaged. A tight curl around your cat’s body means that they would like to be left alone, or even that they are afraid of something. This is a method of protecting themselves. Relaxed cats with a slight curl in their tail are probably just content.

Pay attention to what’s going on around you, such as loud noises, strange scents, or other animals. In many cases you’ll have to consider the situation before you can decode your cat’s tail.

What Does it Mean When a Cat Flicks its Tail Up and Down?

Active tail movements including flicking, whipping, and swooshing all indicate that your cat is alert. Depending on the movement and situation, this could mean that your cat is incredibly playful, aggressive, or agitated.

Consider the situation. If you’re playing with your cat and they begin to flick their tail, they’re probably having fun and getting ready to attack the toy. If you’re bugging your cat then they definitely just want to be left alone.