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Why Do Cats Wag Their Tails?

Cats being the fascinating animals that they are, it is often difficult to determine what they are thinking. Cats are unable to communicate their emotions, but you can gain insight into her disposition by observing how she grips or moves specific body parts. Understanding your cat's body language, especially the language of its tail, is the key to uncovering its secrets.

Let's continue with BestForPets (bestforpets.org) to answer the question, "Why Do Cats Wag Their Tails?"

What Is Cat Tail-Wagging?

You may be familiar with the sight of dogs wagging their tails, an indication that the dog is content and receptive to attention or play. Although cats may occasionally wag their tails when they are joyful, a cat with a wagging tail is often neither happy nor tranquil.

To determine the meaning of your cat’s wagging tail, observe the tail’s wagging pattern and other body language cues that may reveal your cat’s attitude.

Why Do Cats Wag Their Tails?

Cats wag their tails in a variety of ways and for a variety of reasons. You may observe your cat swishing its tail slowly or violently, or you may observe its tail trembling or flicking back and forth.

When attempting to decipher a cat’s wagging tail, pay attention to whether it is laying down or standing, snarling or hissing, and if its fur is resting flat or standing on edge. Here are some of the most frequent tail-wagging cat behaviors:

Tail swinging: If your cat is lying down, appearing comfortable, and maybe purring, and its tail is softly swinging back and forth and sometimes tapping the ground, it is probable that it is feeling content.

The tail flicks: If your cat is holding its tail low and flitting it slowly from side to side, it is likely feeling playful. To engage your cat in some playfulness, try tossing it a toy or pulling out the feather wand.

A twitching tail: Cats will occasionally quiver their tails when they are agitated or want to be left alone. If this is the case, your cat may also move its head or body away from you as an additional warning to stay away. Cats also twitch their tails when they are seeing something exciting, such as birds outside the window or a rat on your yard. In such instances, the tail twitching is most likely unintentional and only an indication of excitement or dissatisfaction.

Tail quivering: If your cat approaches you with its tail held straight up and trembling slightly, this is typically an indication that it is pleased to meet you. Other supporting body language signals include rubbing against your legs, meowing at you, and purring.

Tail swishing: A cat whose tail is slowly swishing back and forth may be preparing to pounce. Other body language indicators include maintaining the body immobile and looking intensely at an ambush target.

A thrashing tail: A cat whose tail is rapidly thrashing back and forth sends a clear message: Keep away! A cat’s tail thrashing indicates anger or fear. Other body language a distressed cat could exhibit includes flattened ears, snarling or hissing, a stooped posture, and standing fur (including a bottle brush tail).

When overstimulated by contact, cats may occasionally thrash their tails. If your cat begins thrashing its tail while you are touching it, you should remove your hands or risk being bitten.

A Joyful Cat Tail

Therefore, if tail wagging is not an indication of a cat’s happiness, what tail language indicates that a cat is feeling playful? A cat with its tail held straight up and extremely motionless, maybe with a little curled tip, is most likely seeking attention and play.

A cat that flicks its tail gently while holding it low is likely also interested in playing with you. If you are ever unsure of how your cat is feeling, simply give it some space and let it to approach you when it is ready for affection.

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Dr. Deborah Fletcher

Deborah R. Fletcher, DVM, is a skilled veterinarian with more than 15 years of experience dealing with companion and exotic animals. She has experience caring for a variety of animals, including household cats and dogs, reptiles, birds of prey, and even primates. Dr. Fletcher is a valuable part of the BestForPets team, where she contributes to their aim of providing pets and their owners with the finest possible treatment and services.

Veterinarian (DVM) Dr. Deborah Fletcher

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