What Is Your Cat’s Tail Saying?
A cat’s tail is one of its best communication tools. Here are six common tail positions and what they usually mean. Always read the whole cat, including the ears, eyes and body.
The text version
- Straight up
- Happy, confident and pleased to see you. A kitten’s way of saying hello.
- Up with a hook
- Friendly and curious, like a question mark. Often seen when a cat is about to say hi.
- Puffed up
- Frightened or very startled. The fur stands on end to look bigger. Give them space.
- Low and tucked
- Worried, anxious or unwell. A tail held low, or tucked under, is a cat feeling uneasy.
- Swishing
- Annoyed or very focused. A big, fast swish says “that is enough”.
- Wrapped round
- Calm and content when resting, or a little cold. Often the tail curls round the paws.
Questions people ask
What does it mean when a cat holds its tail straight up?
It usually means a happy, confident cat who is pleased to see you.
Why does my cat’s tail puff up?
A puffed tail means the cat is frightened or startled. The fur stands on end to make them look bigger. Give them space and remove whatever scared them.
Why is my cat swishing their tail?
A fast, big swish often means annoyance or intense focus. A slow gentle swish while resting is usually relaxed.
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