Veterinarian Carlo Siracuso concluded that tail movement is closely linked to a cat's mood. He systematized his findings, so every owner of a clawed pet can easily recognize their pet's mood.
If a cat's tail is curled
A curled tip is a symbol of greeting. The absence of a curl indicates aggressive intentions.
A tail tucked under the animal's butt is a sign of sadness. It may be experiencing temporary anxiety, which can be easily relieved with a treat or a scratch behind the ear.
A curled tail pressed to the belly signals anxiety. Cats resort to this gesture when they find themselves in an uncomfortable position in a person's arms. Repositioning the animal to a more comfortable position should improve the situation.
When a cat arches its back and tail
An arched back and a similarly positioned tail indicate fear. A tail curved toward the ground indicates a defensive posture, while a gently drooping tail indicates appeasement. Interestingly, an arched back in kittens signals a desire to play.
An arched tail indicates the animal's tension; this mood is observed in a large crowd of strangers or when a competitor appears on the cat's territory.
If a cat twitches its tail sharply
Quick movements accompany a pet's playful and excited mood. It's worth paying attention to how often the cat wags its tail:
- long waves indicate interest;
- Short legs are a sign of a lack of comfort. This gesture can be compared to the shaking of a person's leg when they are nervous or concentrating on something.
Wagging in rhythm with the owner's movements demonstrates confidence—the cat is well aware that it is in its own territory. Pendulum-like twitching indicates the cat is tired of being held, so it's time to release it and give it some time to explore freely.
If a cat beats itself with its tail
One of the most well-known gestures is when an animal is preparing to attack or is nervous. This movement can also be observed while a cat is sleeping, showing humans that it is seeing and feeling everything.
By observing the movement of a pet's tail, you can easily determine its mood. This will allow you to build a healthy relationship with it, avoiding stress and unpleasant situations.
