Understanding a Cat's Body Language and the Tail How do you know your cat's mood? Simply by watching the way they move their tail. The tail of cats and dogs send a lot of messages to other cats and dogs, as well as its owner. However, all cats won't be the same. Different movements may mean different factors. Also, changing their environment can change how they react.
Here are a few examples:
• If the tail is bent a slightly downwards and then rolled at the tip looking like an S-shape usually indicates the cat is very happy and content.
• If the tail is straight and not ridged with a rolled top looking like a question mark usually indicates the cat is pleasant and friendly.
• If the tail is still but the end is twitching indicates the cat will get very agitated-the more the tail twitches the more angry the cat will get. Be careful, when you push a cat more and more then it will start showing this twitching tail and may get very aggressive.
• If the tail is straight and wobbling, the cat is really showing you affection.
• When the tail is moving from one side to the other like an S-shape again, usually the cat is getting angry.
• When the tail is straight and the hair is standing up on edge (this will usually be shown towards another cat), it's normal. Do not approach when this happens.
• When you see the tail is twisted like an n-shape and the fur is sticking up on edge (like the previous example), it means this cat is ready to fight. Also, if the cat is tip-toed or standing sideways this can also mean its ready for a battle.
• When you see their tail between their legs, the cat has had enough of being frightened and throws the towel in.
• If you see the tail is not rolled but lifted a touch and the hair blown out, the cat will be in a playful mood and wants to be chased.
• If you have a female cat, when her backside is in the air and the tail held to one side, the cat is in a flirting mood and may be in heat waiting to mate.
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