Understanding your cat: Decoding tail signals and emotions

Living with a pet becomes much easier if you learn to read the signals they send. It's no secret that, in the case of a cat, the tail plays a crucial role. A tail held high means something completely different than a lowered tail, a wagging tail, or one with a curled tip.

Cats walk their paths and often have their "moods." Many people believe that compared to dogs, it's much harder to understand them and read their moods. For example, when they see their owner, they don't jump with euphoria, but that doesn't mean they aren't happy.

With cats, the signals may be subtler, but they do exist. It's especially important to pay attention to tail movements. This part of the cat’s body conveys the most crucial information.

If you have a cat at home, it's worth learning to read the signals your pet almost constantly sends using its tail. A tail held almost vertically up indicates happiness. A tail in this state and also vibrating indicates a very positive attitude.

If the tip of the tail held up is slightly bent, it suggests a cat that is friendly but a bit wary. However, if the tail is bent downward and covers the anus, it means the animal is submissive and feels uncertain.

It's also important to know that a cat with a stiff tail pointed down may behave aggressively. On the other hand, if a cat is sitting and "sweeping" its tail on the ground, it is irritated or even angry. These signals are very easy to catch and help you understand the emotions the cat wants to convey.