What does it mean when a cat wags it's tail?

Question

I realize when a dog does it, he's happy or excited. But I understand it means something different with a cat, but I'm not sure I know what it actually is. Just curious, my cat, Cuddles seems to do it with different emotions, contented, riled (sees hated cat neighbor outside window), etc. Thank you for your help.

Answer 1

Hi Regina...tail movements communicates either impatience, annoyance, anger...all depending on hard the switches are happening.

Here's a website that includes a chart of what a tail action possibly means. See section The Tail mid way through the webpage: http://www.messybeast.com/cat_talk2.htm

Answer 2

Cat Tail Wagging

Answer 3

1. Tail curves gently down and then up again at the tip. Cat is relaxed and all is well in his world. 2. Tail slightly raised with a soft curve. Something has peaked the cat's interest. 3. Tail is held erect but the tip is tilted over. Cat is in a friendly mood with slight reservations. 4. Tail fully erect with the tip stiffly vertical. This is a wholehearted greeting with no reservations. This is a carry-over from the kitten stage when greeting mom and inviting her to inspect the kitten's rear end. 5. Tail fully lowered and possibly tucked between hind legs. Cat is showing defeat and its lowly social status. 6. Tail lowered and fluffed out. Cat is showing active fear. 7. Tail swishing violently from side to side. Cat is not wagging its tail in joy. Often means that the cat is about to attack. 8. Tail held still, but the tip is twitching. Mild irritation. If the twitching increases a swipe from a paw may be imminent. 9. Tail is held erect and the whole length is quivering. Gentle quivering may be seen after a cat has been greeted by its human companion. Same action may be observed when urine spraying is taking place outdoors. The gesture appears to have a meaning of personal identification...yes, this is me. 10. Tail held to one side. Sexual invitation of a female cat in heat. Signal to the male that he can mount without being attacked. 11. Tail held straight and fully bristled. Signal of an aggressive cat. 12. Tail arched and bristled. A defensive stance which may indicate cat will attack if provoked further. Bristling fur makes the cat appear bigger and may deter the enemy.

Answer 4

This Site Might Help You.

RE:
What does it mean when a cat wags it's tail?
I realize when a dog does it, he's happy or excited. But I understand it means something different with a cat, but I'm not sure I know what it actually is. Just curious, my cat, Cuddles seems to do it with different emotions, contented, riled (sees hated cat neighbor outside window), etc....

Answer 5

They can switch their tails when they are excited. As a cat behaviorist working with cats with "issues" I was trained to watch the tail as a switching one could be an indication the cat was getting annoyed by holding, petting etc. and could escalate to a bite.

When I adopted cat at age fifteen I found out that she was a real biter, not used to being handled at all as she had lived totally outdoors all her life. Unfortunately she was a Manx (no tail) so I never had a clue as to when she was reaching her limit on handling.

Answer 6

I've seen this before. My cats do it all the time.

They lay down or stand up high and wait for something to move. It's tail slowly swaying back and forth, back and forth. Then suddenly they ponce on the thing they were waiting for.

Basicly it's a way of hunting. Being ready or something like that. That's what I've seen.

Answer 7

Haha well for kittens its play. A cats emotions are in it tail if you ever she a cat looking at prey she gracefully waves her tail as if ' cosentrate be quiet as possible *oh this is so cool*' And the tail is a way of balance cats land on all fours.

Answer 8

Cats usually wag or wave their tales when they are angry. A happy or content cat curls its tail around its feet while sitting, or walks with its tail straight up with the tip just bent over a little bit.

Answer 9

Cats tails twitch. Sometimes it is because they are excited by something. Sometimes it shows they are angry and will bite soon. Sometimes it shows they are content. The tail is definately the easiest way to tell what your cat is feeling. Emoti-meter.

Answer 10

It means that the cat is interested in something. That's where Curiousity Killed the Cat came from.