Why Do Cats Wag Their Tails? Kitty Movements And Their Meanings

Cats are mysterious creatures at times and we can't even always understand at times what they need.

Unlike dogs who wag their tails only when they are happy, a cat has its very own tail language. However, both these pet animals have one thing in common: you can figure out how they are feeling and their mood by looking at their tail and body language.

The common myth is that cats wag their tails when they are angry, but that is not the case as a cat's wagging tail can have multiple different reasons. Physically, a tail is a very important part of a cat's body. It is essential for its body balance and movement. A cat who has suffered a tail-related injury might not be able to walk in extreme cases. Additionally, cats do not appreciate it when someone else touches their tail as they are pretty sensitive about it.

If you enjoy this article, why not also read about why do cats wag their tails while lying down and why do cats have tails here on Kidadl?

How do cats wag their tails?

Cats generally wag and twitch their tails to express and convey their mood or to deliver a message and to communicate. The six different moods or conditions they express by wagging their tails include feeling confident, excited, afraid, annoyed or secure or when they are hunting. These are multiple potential meanings of a cat's tail movement. You must be wondering: it's just one tail, how can it express six different moods?

Well, the position and movement of the tail are different in all conditions; that is how cat owners understand this unique tail language of their feline friends. Now, before we move into what tail movement gestures which mood, let's find out how cats wag their tails. Interestingly, cats are quite different from dogs in controlling their tails; they usually keep flicking their tails while they walk, or at times, keep them held up. When cats come to a rest, they thump their tails on the ground. People have at times also noticed a domestic cat wagging its tail even while it is sleeping.

There Are Different Cat Tail Movements And Here's What They Mean

In general, researchers have concluded that there are six tail movements of a cat and each of them exhibits a different mood of your pet. We will be discussing and describing all of these movements in great detail so you won't have any trouble deciphering what your cat is going through.

If you see your cat's tail straight up in the air and twitching a little at the top, it means that your cat is feeling positive and confident. This is a good time to play with your pet as it is in a happy mood. The next sign is when a cat feels excited, you will see its tail wagging in a shaky motion. If you suddenly come across a cat and you see this motion, it is a positive sign as your cat is excited at seeing you and is in a happy mood. Although on the flip side of the coin, this body language of your pet also means that it is marking its territory and if you interrupt it in the middle, then things might get ugly. A cat also displays annoyance when it wags its tail. Annoyed cats wag their tails back and forth continuously, or at times, flick it with little bursts of energy. It is wise not to bother them when they are in such a mood. Cats have a unique tail movement when sad: their tail will wag in a low position. Additionally, if you see your cat tuck its tail in between its legs, it's a sign that it is frightened. Under such conditions, it is best to leave it alone for some time and give it some space. Now, when your cat's tail waves back and forth in a mysterious manner, it is a sign that your cat is hunting and is getting ready to pounce upon its prey. Cats also twitch only the end of their tails while playing and hunting or when they are a tad bit irritated. If you notice your kitty swiftly wagging its tail while you are petting it, it shows that your kitty is feeling secure around your presence. This is positive behavior as your cat feels loved by you.

Why do cats swish their tails when you talk to them?

Cats tend to swish and wag their tails for a number of different reasons, but it is usually positive when they wag their tails while you're talking. A cat's tail movement is negative or uninviting only under certain specific conditions.

If a cat swishes its tail when you talk to it, this usually signifies that it feels safe around your presence and acknowledges it. This is a happy gesture exhibited by your cat and you can feel it while talking to them as they will be in a playful mood. Additionally, if they wag their tails rapidly, this indicates that your presence has excited them and this is a good moment to bond with your pet. Your cat might not continually keep on wagging its tail as the characteristic of a cat is to twitch or flicker its tail for short spans. The next time you see your cat swishing or wagging its tail while you talk to it or pet it, don't think that it is hostile behavior as it is your cat's happy mood gesture.

Cat tail wagging vs. dog tail wagging: What is the difference?

The tail movement of a cat and a dog has huge differences. A dog's tail movement is arguably not as diverse as a cat's. When a dog wags its tail, it is much easier to understand than when a cat wags its tail, and there is hardly any similarity between the two. There are a number of instances where the same kind of movement exhibited by these two animals means two different things.

When a dog has its tail straight up, it is usually a signal of high arousal and increased chances of aggressive behavior. Whereas, on the other hand, a cat exhibiting this same movement means that it is friendly and relaxed. Ironically, the higher the tail position, the greater is the confidence level of your cat. Now if you see your dog wagging its tail back and forth casually, it indicates that your canine friend is in a good mood, while a cat showing a similar tail movement means that it might be getting ready to pounce upon its target. These are some of the most common differences one can spot between the tail movement of a cat and a dog.

Here at Kidadl, we have carefully created lots of interesting family-friendly facts for everyone to enjoy! If you liked our suggestions for why do cats wag their tails then why not take a look at why cats arch their back or Abyssinian cat facts?