do cats control their tails consciously?

Answer 1

I think, sometimes, yes, sometimes, no, just as we sometimes control the expressions on our faces, or nervous foot-tapping, or our posture, and sometimes do not.

Cats' tails are carried straight up as a form of greeting (for example); I think this is fairly automatic.

Sometimes, when I play with my cats' tails, they flick them in and out of my reach, just like they do with kittens who want to play with their tails. I think they do this on purpose. :-)) When they get tired of the game, they yank their tails out of reach, and tap me with their paw. :-))

When cats' tails "swell up" because they are frightened or startled, no, I do not think that they have any control over this reaction.

Answer 2

this sort of habit might have many distinctive motives. A painful condition interior the tail or rectal section might reason the cat to vocalize and chase her tail. In different circumstances a cat may be tormented by a behavioral disease which incorporate a compulsive disease or a psychomotor seizure that motives the habit. A veterinary pass to is mandatory to be certain the reason and to prescribe appropriate scientific care.

Answer 3

They certainly do!

Cats have a whole range of tail gestures that express everything from fear to curiosity to disinterest.

A good gesture to watch for is the "greeting tail", whereby a cat raises its tail straight up when he meets you (in a hallway, for example). It's the cat's way of saying, "Hey, hello." Mind you, they are MUCH more likely to do this when they like you.

Try calling your cat and see if he gives you the Greeting Tail!

Answer 4

No, but it shows almost exactly what they are thinking, as do ears, whiskers, etc. Live with a cat long enough and you'd think you could hear it talking. I recently had to put down my 18-year-old and at the end, even though she was still spunky and alert, she "told" me she didn't want CRF treatment anymore.

Answer 5

Of course. They use their tail for balance and to show how their feeling. straight up..hi how are you...rapid swishing usally means their fixing to attack something or getting irritated with you. bushy means that they are trying to look intimadating...they try and make themselves look bigger...they also do this by hunching their back up and walking sideways at you. Really funny.

Answer 6

I think it is a split answer...

Many times, it seems as though it is subconscious that it is flipping...

On the other hand, they do have a tendancy to know just where your face is to smack their tail at it.... ;-)

Answer 7

Good Question! Probably both, different at times

Answer 8

i know my cat does.
but she must think it's out to get her because she attacks it like it's an alien from another planet.

Answer 9

i think so yes, because my cat hits me with his when he wants attention

Answer 10

sometimes