May 272016
 

 

A cat uses its tail not only for balance and as a rudder, but also as a method of a pretty sophisticated sign language all their own.  And amazingly enough it’s pretty consistent between all different breeds of cats.

Cat_Tails_Chart_2

The Flagpole Tail

When your cat’s tail is sticking straight up like a flagpole, it’s a sign your cat is feeling confident and content.  It’s a sign of happiness and a desire to be friendly with you.  And if you see the tip of an erect tail give a little twitch, it means they’re enjoying a particularly happy moment.

This is particularly prevalent in kittens – it’s like they’re saying their first word, and it’s “Momma!”

And the mother cat uses this position when she wants her kittens to follow her.  Just like those guides holding up their sign when leading a herd or tourists around museums and other crowded venues – it makes them easier to spot.

But sometimes the upright tail can be given a brief, forceful and sudden jerk forward.  This is a sign of irritation or derision – similar to giving someone “The Finger”.

Cat_Tails_Flagpole_2-Full

The Question Mark Tail

When it’s curved like a question mark or shepherd’s crook, this tail signals a friendly, playful mood.  Your cat is relaxed and ready to share some fun with you.  He’s saying: “Some head scritches and ear rubs would be most welcomed!”

Cat_Tails_Question

The Low-to-the-Ground Tail

When your cat’s tail is held horizontally straight behind it, s/he is not certain what is going on, and is signaling that she’s ready to either pounce or play.  Probably best to go very slow and let your feline friend make the call of what her mood will be.

Cat_Tails_Low

The Fish Hook or Horseshoe Tail

When the tail is held either horizontally or angled down a little and has a hook at the base, it’s an early sign of defensive aggression or at least feeling feisty – like running around like crazy for no apparent reason.

(Sorry … Couldn't find a good example)

Swishing Tail

A tail that moves slowly and methodically from side-to-side is seen when your cat is focusing on an object – a bug or a toy.  It’s frequently seen right before they pounce.

Cat_Tails_Swish

Thrashing Tail

This is a sign he’s preparing for offensive aggression.  When that tail whips back-and-forth – or slaps the floor – the critter is either irritated or fearful, and it won’t take much to provoke full-throated aggression.  Consider yourself warned!

Cat_Tails_Thrashing

The Bottlebrush Tail

We’re all familiar with this iconic tail – a tail of defensive aggression.  The tail is poofed out as much as possible, and frequently the back is arched and the hackles are up.  (Hackles are the special hairs down the middle of the back of animals – particularly cats and dogs.)

They do this in order to make themselves look bigger to their aggressor or perceived threat in hopes he’ll back off – but is ready to take action if necessary.

Cat_Tails_Bottlebrush

The Tucked Tail

We’ve all heard the expression about someone slinking away “with their tail between their legs.”

So when your cat tucks its tail between its legs, it indicates submission – or at least uncertainty. 

Cat_Tails_Tucked

The Entwined Tail

Those cute kitty pictures we’ve all enjoyed clearly demonstrates a feline feeling of friendship.  So when your critter wraps its tail around your leg or wrist, he’s simply saying “I like you – let’s be friends” … OR “How about feeding me some noms?”

Cat_Tails_Entwined_2

The Vibrating Tail

With its tail straight up in the air and quivering, your cat is telling you she’s not only happy – but excited because she anticipates something good is coming … like FOOD!

The Stretching Tail

This is a two-part process …

Cat_Tails_Stretch_A Cat_Tails_Stretch_B

The Fireplace Cat Tail

While sitting or lying down, their tails are wrapped around themselves – a sign of comfortable content … “All’s right with the world.”

Cat_Tails_Fireplace_2

And this is the "Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire" variant …

Cat_Tails_Fireplace_Chestnuts

Resources

http://www.catster.com/cat-behavior/cat-body-language

http://jacksongalaxy.com/2011/10/18/the-tail-speaks-louder-than-words/

http://www.mnn.com/family/pets/stories/what-your-cats-tail-can-tell-you

http://healthypets.mercola.com/sites/healthypets/archive/2015/01/03/cat-tail-language.aspx

http://www.petforums.com/showthread.php/7922-cats-tails-and-body-language

http://catwisdom101.com/cat-tail-talk-101/

http://messybeast.com/cat_talk2.htm

 

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  8 Responses to “Friday Fun – Cat Sign Language: The Tales a Cat’s Tail Tells”

  1. Thanks for the useful Fri. Fun Nameless!  Cross posted to Care2 at:

    http://www.care2.com/news/member/663679641/3987417

  2. You heve proven once again, my forien, that CAT is where it's AT.

  3. Have loved cats for years. Showed my Russian Blue, she doesn't care. 😉

    Good chart reflecting their behavior too.

    Thanks, Nameless for cool links, and post.

     

     

  4. I'll bet everyone who has ever been owned by one can come up with at least one gesture which is unique to his or her cat – though since it is unique, no other cat would use it, which makes it a little out of place in a primer.  And this is a very good primer!

  5. I rarely if ever see "annoyed","afraid", or "angry" around my house.  What I do experience is a whole lot of loving and happiness combined with an abundance of purrrrrring!  Oh I love me some major purring!!!

    As an aside, early this morning, my cat Winnie did some major grooming on my head.  Later I went to physio and the massage therapist's little dog Parker decided to sniff my head while I was lying on the floor doing an exercise.  He went absolutely nuts rolling around on the floor around my head.  I think the dog has good taste . . . he likes the smell of cats!  No wonder he goes nuts with my shoes.

    • My sister's GermanShepherd, who adores me, does the same thing to my shoes and it is so funny watching a giant roll around my foot.

  6. Having been owned by more cats than I can count right now, I have to agree with all of these.  Thanks, Nameless.

  7. As an ardent cat lover, owned by many cats in the past decades, I really appreciate posts like these, Nameless. Can't have enough of them!

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