why does his tail fluff up like that?

Question

I saw him do this when our old roommate stopped by last night.I have never seen him do that before. It was sticking straight up in the air !

Answer 1

Sounds like he might either be afraid or angry. Friend could either have he scent of another animal on him, or may be sending out "bad vibes" to the cat to make your cat very aware or leery of him.

Answer 2

I don't know about cats, but my vet said that when a dog's hackles raise (when the hair on their shoulders and down their spine stand up), its a basic adrenaline reaction- anger, fear, whatever.

I suspect the same for a cat's tail getting all fluffy- I suspect that your cat feels some kind of strong emotion associated with your old roomie- Did ex-roomie do anything to/in front of your cat? or is there something that the cat doesn't like that Ex-roomie's been doing and smells of?

Here's a couple examples of that smell thing- We had a neighbor that our dog observed yelling at a child (his girlfriend's kid).... Well, our dog started getting all pissy at him- she'd growl, her hackles would raise, etc. Well, he was a smoker, and she started getting ornery toward anyone who smelled like cigarette smoke- including my husband's brother, whom our dog had in the past had liked.... So now, she reacts to anyone who smells like cigarettes....

Maybe there's some similar transference that has happened with your cat.

Answer 3

It's a defense mechanism.. there's actually a Far Side cartoon I love about it: dogs in class and the teacher says: "See how the cat suddenly appers larger? Trickery trickery trickery!" They'll also turn sideways when they do it so they look bigger: the bigger you are, the less likely you'll be attacked.

Answer 4

Ah yes, he had a "Poofy Tail" episode. He was probably scared or trying to protect his territory. My cat does this when she gets excited and wants to play, and on occasion if she gets scared because of a loud noise or something.

Answer 5

Your kitty's either agitated by all the excitement going on, or there's something about your old roommate he doesn't like--so he's letting you know how he feels about that.

Answer 6

he makes it fluff up to make himself appear larger to scare off whatever it is that is scaring him or making him mad. that's why dogs and cats will raise the hair on their neck and back. Its a defense mechanism

Answer 7

he was scared and in defense mode. Either your friend smelled of dog or some strange animal or he just plain old didn't like him lol

Answer 8

he's trying to show that he's boss and he doesn't want people tresspassing on his or his masters territory. or he just doesn't like your rommate for some reason. did he do anything to harm your cat? cause that's probably the case. not accusing anyone of anything, i swear.