What does it mean when a cat gently wags its tail?

Question

When I pet my cat sometimes she gently wags her tail back and forth, or up and down, every few seconds, sometimes stroking my hand. I always thought it was a sign of affection, but my friend said that meant she was annoyed or irritated. So which one is it?

Answer 1

It very often means she's annoyed.

Answer 2

There are at least twelve different signals that cats make with their tails.

When a cat is at rest, but readying itself for action, it sweeps its tail erratically from side to side. It seems to accompany the feline thought process of "do I or don't I?". As it becomes more alert or more emotionally charged, the tail swishes faster, wider and in a more regular manner. If the cat is lying on its side, the tail will be thumping on the floor, often loudly. Though this is most often associated with anger, it may also indicate another highly charged emotion - some cats thrash their tail in ecstasy when being groomed. Violent thrashing therefore indicates high excitement or imminent aggression.

You might find the web article "Cat Communication" by Sarah Hartwell interesting as it explains all about cat body language with photos and diagrams.

http://www.messybeast.com/cat_talk2.htm

Answer 3

I think both. I know that they do that when they are getting annoyed or anxious but like others have said if the cat doesn't run away while it wags their tail I think it means contentment. My cat does not love to be cuddled but when he is resting he will lie next to me & continuously lightly brush the end of his tail on my arm or face then keeps it there when he falls asleep. Seems like a contentment wag to me.

Answer 4

Aww! haha :)

I suppose it could be both, however, if she wags it up or down every few seconds, rather violently, like one of my kitties does, it means she is rather annoyed. It doesn't mean anything like "I hate you and I'm going to kill you if you don't stop what you're doing", it means more like "be careful where you touch me or else I might scratch you". Haha. I used to scratch my kitty on the base of her tail, and that would annoy the crap out of her.. However, some kitties find it nice.. at first atleast.

:)

Don't worry, your kitty still loves you. Just be careful so that you don't annoy her too much, because you might end up with a few scratches. I'm sure she'll forgive you no matter what though.

Good luck with your kitty :)

Answer 5

My Midnight used to do that. She would wag her tale and sometimes her ears would go flat. It generally meant she loved me, but was a little annoyed and wanted to be left along. When I'd leave her along, she'd stay in the other room for awhile, then she'd come out, hop in my lap and purr.
Cats are just amazing, I love 'em.

Agape,
Rhonda

Answer 6

Well, when my cat "wags" her tail it usually means she's hunting something- like a fly, or she is annoyed... But when I first got her, her tail would always do that. So it's most likely that she is annoyed. I hope that helps.

Answer 7

Cats are like people, they do their own things. If the cat then goes to attack you it's probably irritated. If she purrs she's happy. My cat is always wagging her tail a little when petted but purrs too, so she's a happy catty.

Answer 8

If she was annoyed or irritated she would move away. Cats show pleasure and affection by doing that. How many cats does your friend have? You carry on and enjoy petting your cat, she will love you to bits for it.

Answer 9

I think the cat is happy. The tail is wagging because the cat is relaxed.

Have fun with your cat.

Answer 10

Hmmm. I have always had cats, so I like to think I understand their language, but I am no expert.

If your cat doesn't get up and walk away from you, chances are she isn't irritated or annoyed.

With my cats...a lazy swish means they are content. If it is just the tip, they are starting to get annoyed (I picture someone tapping their foot with impatience, lol).

Answer 11

gently, she loves it

if her tail is snappish here and there harshly is when she's annoyed. watch the ears.