As surprising as it may seem to some people, catโs tail wags have different meanings. Cats wag their tails in 4 different ways and each of them has a meaning. Pay close attention to your catโs tail, because with every move your catโs trying to tell you something.ย
I remember the first time I noticed a cat wagging its tail, left and right.ย I thought it was because she was spending so much time with our family dog. However,ย all cats do it.ย
Hereโs the meaning of four different cat tail wags that will help you understand your feline friend even better.ย
1. The Windshield Wiper
I believe every cat owner immediately knows which tail wag Iโm referring to; that fast swish from one side to the other.ย **Your cat might do it once, or repeatedly from left to right. This is a sign that they want some privacy or are irritated with something.**ยHowever, there can be some exceptions. For example, when playing, cats might wag their tails this way before they pounce on their โpreyโ. So donโt try to pet your cat right away, but rather pay attention to its body language.
Iโm speaking from experience, donโt go in with your hand if you donโt want to be scratched!
2. The Sleepy Wag
Now the sleepy tail wag is exactly what it sounds like. Your catโs not completely asleep, so youโll notice its tail move, but it wonโt answer you either. Itโs your catโs way of letting you know that it heard you calling but wonโt make an effort to respond.
Your cat is simply choosing to nap and chill instead of rushing toward you when you call it.ย Unless itโs meal time, then theseย sneaky little rascalsย will rush to their food bowl and give you all their attention.ย
I hate it when this happens. When Iโm their food provider, then itโs all fun and games, but when I need some cuddle time, they choose to ignore me. Ughโฆ but letโs look at the bright side.ย
This also means that your cat is relaxed and contentย and that it feels safe enough not to be startled or woken up when you enter the room.ย
3. The Twitching Tail
Cats often twitch their tails. Most often it happens while theyโre watching squirrels or birds through the window.ยA cat concentrates so much that its tail starts to twitch, i.e.ย vibrateย in a way.ย Itโs a little different than โwindshield wiperโ movements, but it might appear the same at first.ย
Besides your catโs tail movement, youโll see its facial expression and eyes, so youโll know whether it is concentrating or angry. However, both โthe windshield wiperโ and the twitching tail let you know that itโs not time for cuddling.
4. The Quivering Tail
This movement is small and fast, itโs almost not a wag at all. Usually, only the tip of your catโs tail will quiver and it will have its tail in an upright position. This often happens when your cat is happy to see you or when itโs feeding time.ย
Your catโs tail will go up and the tip of it will quiver, similarly to the tip of a rattlesnakeโs tail. Now, this is the time to pet and snuggle your beloved feline friend.ย Theyโll most probably rub against you as well as purr when this tail wag occurs.ย
Have a look atย this; this affectionate catโs tail quivered so much it crashed theย UK Parliament sessionย hahaha.
The Bottom Line Isโฆ
Your cat will show different types of behavior, which includes different tail wags. Itโs always good to learn about all of it, so you know how to treat your kitty in the best way possible.ย Your cat will communicate with you, you just have to realize it and do your best to understand it.
If you haveย a tailless cat, then I wish you the best of luck! Perhaps, learning a bit more aboutย cat soundsย will help you out.
