Cats communicate through a complex system of sign language, occasional vocalization, and even unnoticeable scent cues. Signals assist define and reinforce the cat’s social standing while also facilitating interactions between cats, people, and dogs.
A tail flick can be used to delicately communicate in silence. Misreading a cat’s clear signal could cause a tantrum or, even worse, put you or your other animals in danger.
How to wear a cat tail
Friendly cat tails are intended to bridge social divides. A high-held tail that is pointed straight up is the feline equivalent of a “howdy!” and shows that Kitty appreciates interaction and conversation. On the other hand, dog tails held straight up and barely moving indicate the opposite, and in dog-cat families where the cats don’t communicate, a spat may happen.
A peaceful cat’s tail gently curves upward in the shape of a U. His curiosity heightens as the tail rises higher. The cat appears to be interested in engaging with humans because of the way its tail tip looks like a finger waving “hey there.” Cats with confidence will also lift their tails.
Ungainly Cat Tails
Other cat tail signals use indications to warn you to preserve your distance from people. A wagging tail is your signal to back off. When Kitty begins tapping her tail on the ground, she is also ready to attack. Cats frequently wag their tails when they are happy, frightened, or angry, but your dog may mistake this behavior as an invitation to approach. After all, dog wags typically denote “come close, let’s be friends.”
The tail’s end generally flicks back and forth to suggest frustration or an elevated mood. Tabby might behave in this way if the clumsy puppy won’t settle down. If this warning to back off is ignored, the tail starts to lashing or thumping and eventually turns into an attack.
Bristled Cattails
Also keep an eye on Kitty’s degree of fur. Fur that sticks out from the body in a straight line indicates great arousal (piloerection). Be wary if the cat’s bristly tail is held straight back or upright as this may indicate aggression. The bottlebrush tail, however, held in an inverted U form, denotes defensiveness or nervousness, and the cat will defend itself if required with all of its bared claws.
Tucking the tail between the legs denotes extreme dread. That doesn’t mean Kitty won’t use her claws and teeth if cornered, though. In addition, the cat frequently hisses, snarls, and makes other vocalizations. The cat might also hunch down to the ground and pull its ears back in alarm. Additionally, she had the ability to roll onto her back—not in a position of submission, but rather to ready her four claw-filled paws for defense. This can once more lead to confusion in both owners and dogs who interpret rolling over as a sign of submission. Cats refuse to yield to anything.
Communication amongst cats is crucial.
Because misunderstandings frequently lead to behavioral problems, cat owners need to grasp cat “tail talk.” Cats communicate their sentiments and desires to us, and if we don’t understand them, they must think that we are quite stupid.
If you are an equal opportunity pet lover with both cats and dogs residing in your home, you might need to act as an interpreter. Dogs can take a variety of amounts of time to understand what Kitty is saying (and vice versa). Learning various languages can help you solve or prevent a variety of potential pet problems.
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