Your Cat's Tail Mean: A Window to Their Mood

Picture this: your cat walks up to you, tail raised high, quivering slightly from base to tip. That’s your cat’s way of saying "hello!" They are excited to see you. Interestingly, cats will also greet their fellow feline friends this way.

You may notice your cat displaying this behavior around feeding time, too. Tail a quiver, and they’ll eagerly wait for you to fill their bowl, almost like a polite reminder!

When your cat confidently struts through the house, its tail is often held high in a "question mark" shape. This posture means the cat feels in charge, and it’s their way of saying, "This is my space!" Cats who adopt this tail position typically feel secure and in control.

If you see this in your cat, it’s a sign they’re comfortable in their environment. On the flip side, unwanted behaviors like peeing outside the litter box or scratching furniture can occur when a cat doesn't feel like it owns the territory.

If your cat’s tail flicks back and forth quickly, it’s a sign of irritation. Perhaps your cat’s been interrupted while napping, or maybe you’ve been petting them a bit too much. If the annoyance continues, the tail movement escalates into something more intense.

According to cat behavior expert Jackson Galaxy, this is a physical sign of the energy building up inside the cat. Once the tail flicking reaches its peak, the cat may take action to release all that pent-up frustration.

Cats don’t wag their tails when they’re happy, unlike dogs. When a cat is truly angry, you’ll first notice the tip of their tail twitching. If the tail starts thumping hard against the ground, it’s a serious warning. When the cat is standing, expect quick, forceful tail swings from side to side.

Combine that with flattened ears, and you’ll know it’s time to give your furry friend some space.

When your cat is feeling a little impatient, its tail typically sits at a medium height and moves in a slow, swirling motion. You’ll often see this behavior when your cat is waiting for something, like asking you to open a door or window.

Once you’ve met their request, the tail may relax, or it will adjust to a different position, signaling the cat’s next action.

When your cat is hunting, its tail will likely swish back and forth. While some believe this movement helps cats mesmerize their prey, others say it’s more about balance. The swishing helps them maintain their stability as they stalk their target.

The tail often moves in sync with the cat’s hind legs, preparing for a swift, steady pounce.

If your cat is intently focused on something, like a bird outside the window, you’ll see quick twitches in their tail. This behavior is their way of saying, "I’m busy, don’t disturb me!" When a cat is in this mode, they’re very focused on their "mission."

It’s best to leave them alone unless there's an urgent reason to interrupt their concentration.