single word requests - What does a cat's tail do?


A friendly dog will wag its tail, especially when it's happy to see his owner. Cats can communicate their approval and appreciation too, but I don't remember ever hearing a cat wagging its tail for joy.


So, what does a cat's tail do when it's happy?



Answer



It appears there are no specific terms for the ways a cat moves its tail, despite the many and different signals it may send.


The tail says it all: Watching a cat's tail is an excellent way to determine how they are feeling. If you get bitten by a cat, mostly likely you missed the warning signs.





  • Friendly and raised: Usually a cat with a raised tail (sometimes with a slightly bent tip), accompanied by their ears up high, is happy to see you and might approach you in a friendly greeting. You may also see cats approaching each other with raised tails with bent tips... these cats are being friendly!




  • Wagging tail = bad: Unlike a dog, a wagging cat tail does not mean they are happy to see you! You can tell a lot by a cat tail, and when it's moving in a wag, that generally means something or someone is being annoying.




  • Twitching curiosity: While a lashing cat tail usually implies anger, a little bit of twitching does not necessarily mean that.




  • Fluffy fear: When a cat's tail is puffed up and looks bristled, the cat is feeling afraid, threatened and could either be on the defensive or offensive.This is usually accompanied by an arched back.





Probably one of the very few 'cat-specific' verbs is to purr:



  • (esp of cats) to make a low vibrant sound, usually considered as expressing pleasure, etc.


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