Caring For Your Cat

Have you ever wondered what your cat is feeling?  Did you
know that you can tell by the movement of their tail?  A cat
will convey their emotions through a simple motion of their
tale.  Just as we can show our feelings without talking through
our body language, cats do the same with their tail.

Now to interpret their movements is going to allow you to
know exactly what your cat is feeling or experiencing at that
moment. This will also help you to leave a cat alone who does
not want to be bothered or shower them with love when
they want attention.

When your cat’s tail is swishing violently back and forth,
sometimes called a Sword Tail, it is your indicator that they
are agitated or anxious.  This movement is also a warning
that they could attack at any time.  When you see your cat
moving its tail in this motion you want to either leave it be
and let it relax.  You can also try to get its attention away
from you or whatever is agitating it, by tossing a toy for it
to play with. 

A cat will curl up with its tail tucked all around it, showing
that it is content.  They may also want to keep to themselves
for awhile in this position.  Wrapping their tail around them
also allows them to keep their feet warm and protected. 

The tip of your cat’s tail will also tell you a lot when you are
watching it.  If your cat’s tail is lowered but the tip is curved
upward, also known as the Tip-Off, it could mean that it is
very nervous or unsure about its surroundings for something
that has gotten its attention.  You will want to approach your
cat with caution when you see its tail in this position as it could
get aggressive.  You can soothingly talk to your cat to calm it
down.  If it continues to hold the tail with the tip curved upward
give it space to calm down. 

There is one tail position that will portray different emotions
depending on other movements of your cat; this position is
holding the tail straight up.  If your cat is holding its tail straight
up or curling slightly means it is in a friendly mood or really
happy to see you.  When a tail is straight up but quivering, your
cat is showing its love.  I have only seen this particular tail
position in one of my cats.  Cuddles used to jump on my lap
and her tail would be straight up and quivering, it was a good
feeling knowing that she loved me so much.  You do however
want to watch out for your cat when their tail is straight up
and fully bristled, it is angry and is telling you to “Watch Out.” 

Another tail movement that has more than one meaning is
when your cat is swishing its tail back and forth.  If the
swishing movement is rapid and forceful, your cat is not
in the mood to play.  However, the opposite is true if the
movement  is gentle.  A swishing motion is often an indication
that something has caught your cat’s attention.  It could be
thinking about pouncing on a toy or climbing a tree.

There is one movement that may appear cute or harmless,
but if your cat is against something with its tail straight up
and quivering it could mean that it is marking that object. 
This type of tail movement is an indication that it is spraying. 
If you catch your cat backing up to an object, get its attention
away from spraying. 

Have you seen your cat’s tail bush out to make it look larger
than it really is?  I have seen this type of tail movement in all
of my cats. It is done when they are frightened or very irritated.
I have only seen my cats’ tail in the bushy position when they
get frightened, and it usually occurs when something catches
them by surprise. 

Another movement that only involves the tip of the tail is a
tick tock motion.  If the tip of the tail is sharply moving from
side to side it is a very good sign that your cat is very irritated
and that it wants to be left alone. 

Knowing the different movements that your cat’s tail make is
good to know, but what if your cat does not have a tail? There
are breeds of cats that do not have tails, and a cat can also lose
its tail in an accident.  So how do you know what they are saying? 
If you have a cat without a tail, listen to its meow, purring, or
watch how it is arching its back. It will show you what it is trying
to tell you without its tail.