If you've ever had a seemingly relaxed and happy cat sitting on your lap, flicking you in the face with their tail with what seems like annoyance (cats, am I right?), you've probably at least briefly thought about what a cat's tail position tells you. Cats express a lot about how they're feeling with tails — and if your cat's tail game leaves you feeling confused, it could be time to brush up on your cat tail language.
Cats use their tails as an important part of their non-verbal communication, and you can figure out their mood based on their tail position. Here's what the six most common cat tail positions tell you about your pet's emotional state.
1. Upright & Curved Tail: “I’m Happy”
Holding their tail upright with a slight curve in the tip means a cat is happy. It communicates that they're confident and comfortable, and it's probably okay to approach them. Other signs a cat is happy include rubbing up against your leg, purring, forward-facing ears, and relaxed whiskers.
Related: 22 Signs Your Cat Is Happy
2. Puffy Tail: “I’m Angry”
The puffed-up tail is a telltale (pun intended) sign that a cat is definitely not happy. It's a natural survival instinct that cats use whenever they feel threatened. A puffy tail and arched back make a cat appear bigger, which can help deter predators. Don't approach a cat with this tail position because they're frightened or angry and could act out.
3. Swishing Tail: “I’m Annoyed”
Dog people might think a tail moving back and forth means a cat is happy, but that's not necessarily the case with felines. If your cat is swishing their tail or thumping it against the floor while seated, it means they're ticked off. It's best to leave a cat alone if they show this kind of tail communication.
A jerky flick is more likely to convey annoyance than a gentle swish. Content or happy cats may gently swish their tails back and forth.
4. Quivering Tail: “I’m Excited”
If a cat greets you with a quivering tail, it means they're really excited to see you. Usually, their tail will be upright and appear as if it's almost vibrating. This can often look like the cat is spraying without any urine being released. Look to the rest of the cat's body language for other clues as to their mood because a quivering tail can occasionally point to impatience or annoyance, but in most cases, it means a cat is overjoyed.
Cats communicate how they're feeling to both humans and other felines with their tails, and some positions or movements are meant specifically for other cats.
5. Tucked Tail: “I’m Worried”
Similar to the way a dog tucks their tail between their legs when scared, a tucked cat tail means, "I'm worried." Cats will walk or stand with their tail tucked very close to their body as a sign of submission or fear. Unfortunately, this can also communicate pain.
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6. Horizontal Tail: “I’m Relaxed”
A cat who is lounging or walking toward you with a horizontal tail is most likely relaxed. This is a neutral tail position and one that says, "I'm indifferent." Cats with a horizontal tail aren't necessarily frightened but aren't terribly excited, either. Look to the rest of their body language for more clues as to their mood.
Tales of the Tail
Just as each cat's meow is unique, every cat may have slightly varied tail position meanings. If you've never seen your cat quiver their tail, that's OK. They probably just have another tail posture for being excited. Watch your cat to learn the nuances of their body language, and you'll feel even closer to your pet kitty.
