Do cats have control over the movement of there tail, and if so what are they trying to tell us?
2006-10-24 13:57:42 · 19 answers · asked by Paige 4 in Pets ➔ Cats
Hi Paige...not only do they have voluntary control over their tail, but it is used either for balance to help turn quickly when they are running, used for correction of their body position when they are falling and also for body language communication. Here's a website that has a chart of the tail communication signals with the tail: http://www.messybeast.com/images/cat-chat3.png
2006-10-24 20:13:51 · answer #1 · answered by ♪ Seattle ♫ 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Your Cat's Tail, Ear, and Eye Signals
Tails
When the tail is erect for its full length, it is used as a greeting to another cat or to a friendly human and is an invitation for contact rubbing. This can also be a request for food. The tail flicks of a seated cat often indicates irritation. Tail wagging can range from small irritated flicks which may express indecision--wavering between two possible courses of action--or in its most pronounced form, it can be the prelude to a fight between two male cats and undoubtedly accompanied by growling. A tail that is held down with an elevated rump belongs to an aggressive cat that is standing sideways near another cat. A fluffed-up, arched tail is seen when a cat stands with its back arched (the "Halloween cat") and it is torn between being aggressive or defensive. A fluffed tail that is positioned straight out or down, is seen when the decision moves toward aggression. (All of these tail positions can be observed when two kittens engage in play fighting.) The tail that is wrapped against the cat's body may mean that the cat is contented or for a nervous cat, it is a defensive posture.
2006-10-24 14:13:15 · answer #2 · answered by real_sweetheart_76 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Their tail is part of the body language that they give off. A shakey tail is the cat showing you that they love you. They will even tuck their tail between their legs when they're really scared like a dog does.
2006-10-24 21:39:34 · answer #3 · answered by shirazzza 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes they do.
A cat's tail can tell us alot. When it's puffy, they're pissed, when it sways back and forth is usually means that they want to play or are on the prowl. When they move the tip, it usually means that they are content and happy.
Their tail is used for balance. If they fall from a high distance, they spin it like a helicopter. It's funny.
2006-10-24 14:00:01 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
The cat I have now is the only cat I've ever had but....I have had her for 5 years now. The best thing I can tell you is watch your cat and learn from her.
I can tell you one thing though....if the tail is fully fluffed out - don't touch her!!!
2006-10-24 14:51:46 · answer #5 · answered by laurie 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
When they are nervous, or don't like what you're doing their tail swishes. Say if your cat doesn't want to be petted at that certain time, then he will swish his tail if u do.
2006-10-24 14:31:56 · answer #6 · answered by Persia Prince 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes, they do have control over their tails. They use it for balance mainly.
2006-10-24 14:03:32 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think my cat gives me the finger when he flicks his tail.
2006-10-24 14:05:55 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
yes, i've found each cat speaks a differnet kind Cat with thire tail, and you can figure it out with much play and petting
2006-10-24 14:02:20 · answer #9 · answered by If I run 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Of course. Just ask the cat. However, you must speak cat.
2006-10-24 13:59:43 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋