La tail It is a very important part of the body for the cat. With it, he is able to let another cat know how he feels, and what his intentions are. He also uses it to try to convey a message to us, but we do not always interpret it well.
If you want to understand what your furry friend is telling you, then we will explain why does the cat wag its tail.
What does the cat's tail say?
Image - Elsecretodelosgatosfelices.com
When you live with a cat, you can observe the behavior patterns that will help you understand it. At first it can cost a lot, as it is almost like learning a new language: the feline. Since you cannot speak, you use your body to let us know what you think and how you feel, and it may take us more or less time to understand you.
In the image above you have a guide that will help you understand the movements it makes with its tail. Thus, for example, if you hold it up with the tip of the tail slightly curved down, it is because you feel happy and happy, but if it is standing on end, it will mean just the opposite, that is, that you feel very irritated, and he could attack if he deemed it necessary. why cats lift their tails.
When will we know that you feel bad or irritable?
- If he is sitting and drops his tail sharply to the ground.
- If it has a ruffled tail.
- If he has his tail between his legs.
- If he lashes quickly from side to side with dilated pupils.
- If you just shake the tip with stiffness, it usually indicates irritation or anxiety.
And when does that feel good?
- If it has the tail lifted upwards, with the tip slightly arched downwards.
- If it moves its tail making very smooth movements, from one side to the other.
- If you wear it straight and high When approaching, it is a friendly greeting.
- If it shakes slightly vertically near you, it shows positive emotion; in other contexts it may be urine marking.
The cat's tail not only helps it maintain balance while walking, or to land on its feet, but it is also very useful when trying to communicate with those around it, whether they have four legs or two. feline emotions.
Meanings and positions of the cat's tail
- Upright and straight: friendly and trusting state; usually invites contact.
- Erect with slight undulation: relaxed curiosity while exploring or investigating.
- Upright and trembling: great excitement; if it also sprays, it is territorial marking.
- In question mark: playful and inquisitive mood, ready to interact.
- Low and straight back: ready for action, balance in jumps or chase.
- Pointing down: caution or discomfort; observe ears and posture.
- Between the legs: fear or submission, seeks security.
- Bristling arched: defense due to fright; may be accompanied by arched back.
- Quick lashes: discomfort or stress; it is advisable to give space and stop petting.
- Slow swing: concentration on a controlled game or prey.
- Lying flapping: mild annoyance or active sleep; assess the context.
- Only the tip moves: attentive relaxation or slight irritation depending on speed.
- Rigid with a tip to one side: tense curiosity or expectation.
- Rigid with jerking of the tip: increasing irritation, possible aggression if not stopped.
- Wrapping your arm: affectionate and socially bonding gesture.
- Coiled to the body: self-protection, cold or insecurity.
- Fully inflated: fear response; do not force contact.
Key functions: balance, decisions and social exchange
dynamic balance: When walking on narrow surfaces or landing, the tail acts as a counterweight and stabilizer.
Internal conflicts: In moments of indecision (for example, whether to go out if it rains or stay), the cat may wag the tail until he figures out what to do.
Communication: The tail complements ears, eyes, whiskers and posture; domestic cats usually wave with your tail high and allow sniffing at the base of the tail.
Maternal interactions: A mother can use her tail as a playful stimulus to activate motor skills of their pups.
Resting tail, sleep and REM phase
Involuntary movements During sleep, especially during REM sleep, these may include twitching of the tail, legs, and whiskers.
Speed ​​and meaningIf your tail moves very quickly while you're asleep, you may be dreaming about intense activity; if only the tip vibrates, you're usually relaxed.
Signs of health and when to consult
Pain or discomfortA wagging tail while lying down, along with listlessness, hiding, or lack of appetite, may indicate a medical problem; see a veterinarian.
Touch sensitivity: the base of the tail is very sensitive; many times They do not enjoy caresses in that area and they express it with their tail.
This content is informative and does not replace veterinary advice professional life.
Tailless Cats and Full Body Reading
Anuran or short-tailed breeds (like some Manx or bobtail type lines) communicate with the rest of the body: ears, eyes, posture and pheromones.
Alternative equilibrium: they compensate with a inner ear highly developed and postural adjustments.
Practical interpretation and handling tips
Look at the contextA slowly fanning tail with a relaxed body suggests play; drooping ears and a tense body indicates fear.
Pause the caresses if whipping or jerking of the tip appears; many cats prefer head and neck caresses.
Redirects energy At signs of irritation, offer a toy or separate the cats if there is tension.
Cultural curiosity: The classical term "ailouros" has been associated with the idea of moving tail, reflecting the communicative importance of the tail in the cat.
Paying attention to the direction, speed and shape of the tail, along with ears, eyes and posture, allows anticipate moods, avoid conflicts and strengthen coexistence with your feline.
