(Artwork and text by Glenda Moore)
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| Cats use their tails to communicate their emotions, both to other cats and to humans. Below are some typical "tail postures" you will see, and what they mean. |  |
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If the tail is
curved gently
downward, then curved up again at the tip:
The cat is relaxed and comfortable. |
 |
If the the tail
is slightly
raised and softly curved:
The cat is beginning to get interested in something. |
 |
If the tail is
erect, but
tip is tilted over, either forward or back:
The cat is very interested and feeling friendly. |
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If the tail is
fully erect
and tip is vertical:
The cat is offering a friendly, cheerful greeting. |
 |
If the tail is
erect with
whole length or tip quivering gently:
The cat is showing affection. |
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If the tail is
still, but
the tip is twitching occasionally:
The cat is slightly irritated or pensive. |
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If the tail is
still, but
tip is twitching intensely:
The cat is very annoyed (with some cats, tho, it seems to indicate the cat is very happy). |
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If the tail is
swishing
vigorously from side to side:
The cat is angry.* |
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If the tail is
straight
up and fully bristled:
The cat is showing aggression. |
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If the tail is
arched and
bristled:
The cat may attack if further provoked. |
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If the tail is
lowered and
fluffed out:
The cat is afraid. |
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If the tail is
raised and
fluffed out (the "Big Tail"):
The cat is probably happily chasing around. |
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If the tail is
fully lowered,
perhaps tucked between hind legs:
The cat is showing defeat or submissiveness (toward another cat). |
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If the tail is
held to one
side, and the cat is crouched or with rump in air:
This female cat is ready to mate. |
Note that you must, of
course,
consider what is going on with the cat and its environment.
Don't decide on the cat's
mood solely by tail positioning alone.
