Cat Tails
It is always a good idea to get to know what your cat is thinking. Most of us intuitively understand them, but it can help to know the various ways a cat can communicate. Keep in mind it is a good idea to note the context in which a cat is displaying certain body language to fully understand what they are communicating. They communicate visually through body language, auditorily through vocalizations, tactile (touch), and through scent. Overall communication can be put into 3 categories: distance increasing (antagonistic), meaning the cat wants to get away. Distance decreasing (affiliative) meaning the cat wants to be nearer a person or object. Or simply neutral with neither a desire to get away or move closer.
I will start with visual communication, beginning with the details, then putting it together with whole postures.
Tails
Cats’ tails are quite effective in helping a cat to balance, but they also say quite a lot with their tails.
A neutral tail is generally horizontal or slanting slightly down, this can indicate the cat is confident and relaxed, yet alert.
An aroused cat will have a twitching, waving, wagging or flicking tail. Arousal could mean agitation for a number of different reasons such as fear, aggression, or playfulness. Sometimes a cat can exhibit arousal while stalking prey with almost complete stillness except for a tiny twitch at the tip of the tail.
It is a good idea to approach a cat with a thrashing tail with caution as this indicates extreme arousal that could result in attack.
They can communicate excitement with a quivering tail, of course this can also indicate spraying urine.
A tail tucked close to the body or between the legs indicates fear. Although relaxed “loaf” cats will also hold their tails close, it is often not pressed against the body tightly.
A standing straight up, puffed “bottle brush” tail is a show of fear or defensive aggression.
While a hooked L shaped tail indicates offensive aggression (ready to attack).
A tail held high is a confident and friendly greeting, particularly if it is in the shape of a question mark. A high quivering tail is excited to see the person or object.