what does it mean if a cat shakes/ wag its tail?

Question

It's not a regular shake... it looks as if she is marking her spot or something. She is fixed... so I didn't think they could mark their spots. She only seems to do it when she's near where I'm at. She doesn't do it around the others in the household.

Answer 1

Cats flick their tails when they're cross - the exact opposite of why dogs wag their tails.

They can still mark their territory when they're neutered - my spayed cat did it for her entire 18 years and didn't my dad just looove that.

Chalice
TO THE PERSON WHO SAID THEIR CAT WAS PANTING - This is not a good thing - cat's only pant when they're stressed, for instance if they can't breathe properly!!

Answer 2

a million. Tail curves gently down and then up lower back on the top. Cat is comfortable and all is properly in his worldwide. 2. Tail extremely raised with a comfortable curve. something has peaked the cat's interest. 3. Tail is held erect however the top is tilted over. Cat is in a delightful temper with gentle reservations. 4. Tail completely erect with the top stiffly vertical. this may be a wholehearted greeting without reservations. this may be a carry-over from the kitten point whilst greeting mom and appealing her to examine the kitten's rear end. 5. Tail completely decreased and doubtless tucked between hind legs. Cat is showing defeat and its lowly social status. 6. Tail decreased and fluffed out. Cat is showing energetic worry. 7. Tail swishing violently from section to section. Cat isn't wagging its tail in exhilaration. in many situations means that the cat is approximately to attack. 8. Tail held nevertheless, however the top is twitching. gentle inflammation. If the twitching will advance a swipe from a paw may be impending. 9. Tail is held erect and the total length is quivering. comfortable quivering may be seen after a cat has been greeted via its human companion. comparable action may be stated whilst urine spraying is occurring exterior. The gesture seems to have a meaning of non-public id...confident, it is me. 10. Tail held to one section. Sexual invitation of a female cat in warmth. sign to the male that he can mount without being attacked. 11. Tail held at the instant and fully bristled. sign of an aggressive cat. 12. Tail arched and bristled. A protecting stance which will point out cat will attack if provoked extra. Bristling fur makes the cat seem larger and can deter the enemy.

Answer 3

The cat is expressing it's feelings towards you. If she runs up and expects attention following the tail shake, she was probably telling you that she loves you. But if she seems annoyed, something you have been doing is upsetting the cat. This seems to be the case with my 5 cats.

Answer 4

Not happiness, that is for sure! Irritated.

Or that quick kind while the tail is held high could mean they are scenting the area.

ps- my male cat is fixed and he definately can still mark his spot.

Answer 5

cats prepare the area where they want to nap or lay down, some kneed a blanket like dough, others scratch at the surface, it's a way of getting thier scent in thier area and to fluff it or warm it....she may shake to remove loose hairs, does she walk in a tight circle also? if so it's all a kitty kat ritual!!

Answer 6

Cats communicate a variety of messages using cat body language.

Examples include arching their backs as a signal of fear or aggression, and slowly blinking to signal relaxation. As is the case with dogs, the tail is often used as a signaling mechanism. A twitch can indicate minor irritation, and a tail held high suggests confidence. In addition, a cat's tail may "wag" or move rapidly to express a state of conflict. A cat who chooses to lie with its stomach and chest exposed conveys happiness, trust, and comfort (this is also typical of overweight cats, as it is more comfortable for them); however, a cat may also roll on its side/back to be able to defend itself with all four sets of claws. Usually other signs (like ears and whiskers folded backwards) give an indication of the cat's overall humour. A cat with tail held high and twitching shows excitement, but this is often mistaken for anger. Flattened ears mean that the cat feels threatened, and may attack. Mouth open and no teeth exposed suggests a feeling of playfulness.



Understanding cat body language
Many people fail to understand the silent body language of cats. In particular, 'dog people' who are accustomed to the outwards signs of dog 'language' seem slow in detecting what a cat is telling them in its body language, which creates the false impression that cats are cold-hearted, unemotional, or unintelligent. To understand cats, one must observe a feline closely and learn what its body signals tell them. It is important to keep in mind that each cat may display its emotions with different body language. The flattened ears, teeth showing, baring belly for submission are easily 'read' by humans. Some characteristic signals, however, are often misunderstood. For instance, a cat rubbing its body along an arm or leg of its human is not only a way in which to attract attention and, perhaps, a morsel of food; it is also a way of 'marking' its human as its own. Using scent glands located around its mouth and elsewhere, it subtly 'marks' its human as part of its cat territory. Most cats prefer gentle rubs behind the ears. To inform their humans they need petting or attention, a cat may push its entire body weight up against the human as the cat snuggles next to his/her favorite person.


Some common interpretations of cats' actions
Disgust - Lifting and subsequent shaking of a paw or paws. The more paws, the stronger a feeling is indicated; this can sometimes be a four paw affair with each paw being lifted and shaken in turn. This is possibly related to the identical action that's displayed after stepping in water.
Agitation or Aggression- The swishing or sweeping of the tail in a wide swath, mid-air or against a person. And if the message isn't getting through, the cat may simply leave the room.
Contentedness - Kneading with the paws on a person or, for example, a favorite blanket or sleeping spot. Young kittens knead their mother's nipples to stimulate the feeding reflex in her so that her milk flows for the kittens to suckle on. Cats may knead for a short or extended period of time, the extended period sometimes interpreted by people as a sign of discomfort or restlessness, but it is more likely the cat is happy. Most cats will demonstrate this for about ten minutes at the longest.
Relaxation - Sprawling on the side or back and, possibly, rolling about; this may be seen, for example, when a person enters the room or stirs from his seat. The cat may display this at the same time as the person's movement.
Greeting - A particular sort of vocalization, such as a low meow or chirp, possibly with simultaneous purring.
Affection - A pressing of the face or top of the head against a person's body, leaving a scent as a marking of territory.
Submission - Upon being approached, it will fall down on its side, indicating it is not seeking attention but is unwilling to put up a fight.

Answer 7

my cat was also doing a dog thing recently, she was panting! it was really weird! about ur question tho, i think that they still can mark they're territory when they r fixed, i'm not quite sure tho

Answer 8

they think they are spraying!!! it is an act of nature for them...even though nothing is coming out, it makes them still believe they can mark their spots

Answer 9

Fixed cats can still spray..
They twitch their tails when they do..

Answer 10

does she wrap her tail around you if she does that means
she just likes you and shes happy.