Why Do Cats Wag Their Tails?

Little girl playing with cute kitten at home on double bed

Your cat’s tail can tell you a lot about how your cat is feeling, if it is low, this can signify that your cat is anxious or stressed, if it is high, they are happy and content. But what does it mean if your cat is wagging its tail? In this blog post, we delve into the many cat tail signs and discover exactly what it means for you and your cat.

 

Why do cats wag their tail while lying down?

If your cat’s tail is wagging while lying down, what exactly is your cat trying to tell you? Yes, the way your cat moves its tail is a sure-fire indicator of your pet’s mood, but the meaning behind it will often only be deciphered when taking in the context of what your pet is doing at the time. If your cat is lying down and its tail is quickly swishing around in the air, this could be an indicator that your cat is feeling unwell. If your cat is displaying this behaviour, back off and give your pet some space. Is your cat showing any other signs of distress? If so, your pet could be sick and you should seek advice from your vet as soon as possible.

 

What does it mean when a cat wags its tail on you?

The analysis of a cat’s tail wagging is a complex one. Unlike a wagging dog’s tail that only signifies contentment and happiness, the meaning of a wagging cat tail can change depending on what your cat is doing at the time and where he or she is located. What does it mean when your cat wags its tail while it is sat or laid on your lap? Usually a tail wagging motion signifies annoyance but if your cat displays this action while it is laid on your lap it is a sign of contentment as they are choosing to remain in your presence.

 

What does a cat's tail movements mean?

A cat’s tail is one of the most expressive parts of its anatomy and while a wagging tail often has negative connotations, there’s actually a number of reasons your cat is doing this. One way to decipher the body language your cat is expressing is to pay attention to the speed and direction of the tail movement. This will give you valuable insight into how your cat is feeling. A low wagging tail can often mean your cat is scared or anxious. A slow wagging tail is an indicator that your cat is feeling irritated, but a quick wagging motion signifies that your cat is ready to pounce on its prey.

 

Is a cat wagging its tail good or bad?

A cat’s tail that moves in a wagging motion is often a sign of a negative emotion. Often you see this behaviour before a cat will pounce on its pray but as we have mentioned above, the tail wagging motion can mean an array of emotions both positive and negative.

 

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