CATS

Tail hanging down

A calm cat stands with a straight back, head held high with erect ears, no erect  hairs, and her tail hanging in a relaxed manner. However, cats may also lower their tails below the level of their backs if they are frightened or anxious. A lower tail is often a sign of a very serious mood; many of the cat’s tail down positions signal aggression, defensiveness or submission.

Certain breeds, for example Persians, tend to carry their tails low for no particular reason.

Puffed tail hanging down

A “bottle brush” hanging tail can indicate that the cat feels threatened and is being defensively aggressive. The hair on their spine also stands up, making them seem larger. If you try to interact with your cat, she may perceive your approach as a threat and become aggressive.

Tail hanging down with a curve

If the tail is hanging down with a dip near the base, it can be a sign of aggression. A bottlebrush tail held downwards in an inverted U shows fear or defensiveness, and if provoked, the cat may fight back with all claws bared.

Tail straight down or held low to the ground

A tail carried all the way down may mean that a cat is feeling defensive and that aggressive behaviour might follow. Don’t try to engage or pet her; rather, try to neutralise whatever is upsetting her.

Tail tucked under or next to their body

A tail curved beneath the body signals fear, nervousness or submission. Fearful cats will often lie prone with ears held outward and flattened, and tail tucked under body. When you see this, end your interaction with your cat and ensure that your cat’s environment is free of stressors.

If your cat frequently crouches with their tail curled tightly around their body for more than a few days, it can be a sign that she is in pain or feeling unwell. Often, her head will also be tucked in. It’s a good idea to see your veterinarian to rule out pain or illness.

Tail held between the legs

This is a submissive position that’s likely trying to convey that your cat is scared, upset or wants to be left alone. Unlike the bristled tail, a submissive tail can make a cat look smaller and less threatening to another aggressive cat. If you see her in this position, don’t approach. If cornered, she may still hiss, scratch and/or bite, or turn on her back with her claws up, ready for defence.

What your cat might be trying to tell you with her tail movements

Tails can move quickly or slowly, or they can be completely still. A moving tail in cats generally indicates arousal of some sort, such as excitement, fear or aggression. Tail movement adds another layer of complexity to cat tail language, making it even more confusing to understand.

And it’s not only us humans who are left shaking our heads in bewilderment. Be aware that dogs may mistake the tail-wagging cat as an invitation to approach, because dog tail wagging usually means “come close, let’s be friends”, but not so for cats!

Tail whipping/swishing/thrashing back and forth

A rigid tail that is held lower and slaps back and forth rapidly usually indicates fear, annoyance, anger and/or aggression. She is using her tail to increase the distance between herself and whatever is bothering her. Often it is accompanied by her leaning away and turning her ears back. This is definitely not the time for physical contact.

Tail angled down and wagging

This can indicate either ‘good’ excitement or ‘fearful’ excitement. When your cat is frightened, her tail may wag in a low position. In contrast, a cat that is relaxed and simply surveying the environment may also have the tail lowered but will move it leisurely and her other body language is generally also much more content.