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However, unlike dogs, a cat may not wag its tail in happiness instead, its tail motions can portray different emotions, whether they be positive or negative.
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Similar to the species of dogs, cats wag their tails to express their emotions. Different Tail Movements Your Cat Might MakeĪlthough a cat has an imperceptible reputation, decoding a cat's tail position and understanding its body language provides the greatest insight into the cat's mood. However, when cats thump their tails with their ears pulled back, they might be warning you to back off. A thumping cat tail could mean that the cat is relaxed, happy, excited, or playful. A twitching tail may also mean that a cat is either hunting or playing. This behavior can signify anger or annoyance.
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Sometimes, a cat wags only the end or tip of the tail. Also, to a veterinarian, a cat wagging its tail while lying down may be a sign of pain or discomfort. They also wag their tails when they are deeply concentrating on something. Cats wag their tails side-to-side, hinting playfulness. Often, a cat will wag its tail and lovingly wrap it around your legs or arms to show you it loves you. Similarly, a cat wagging its tail while you're rubbing its head could be a sign that the cat is comfortable and contented. While a wagging cat tail moves side-to-side, a cat's thumping tail refers to a tail pounding or whipping on the ground back and forth.Īn upright wagging tail may be a statement that will tell you if your cat is happy or greeting you. There are reportedly several variations of feline tail wagging and, similarly, tail thumping. Thumping vs wagging: what is the difference? A play-fighting may cat also thrashes and thumps its tail quite often. A thumping tail, while the cat is lying down, is often a sign of excitement. If a cat quickly thumps its tail while lying down with its ears pulled back, it could be a sign or a warning to either stop interrupting its play session or to back off, as it is time to relax. Petting your cats can make them gently thump their tails on the ground, which portrays enjoyment. It is usually looks like a cat pounding its tail on the ground continuously.Ī cat may thump its tail when it is contented, or when it's not interested in anything. If you are enjoying this article, why not also read about why do cats wag their tails while lying down, and why do cats have tails here on Kidadl? What does tail thumping look like?Ī cat's tail flicking or swishing back and forth is referred to as a thumping cat's tail. A thumping tail accompanied by an uncharacteristic aggression or an arched back signifies that the cat may be in pain. Furthermore, a cat thumping and thrashing its tail may be a warning against you for intervening in its play session. Cats can thump their tails out of excitement or irritation, too. When a cat is hunting, it pounces with a tail wagging and body wiggling.Īdditionally, a cat may thump its tail while lying down as it may be overstimulated by petting. A cat may move while it is asleep, often because it is either fast asleep or is dreaming. Similarly, a cat's wagging tail can be a sign that it is in pain. Often, when a cat is excited and wants to play, it may lie down on its stomach with a wagging tail. Likewise, cats swish or flick their tails when they are either frustrated or quite unhappy. When a cat flicks or thumps its tail back and forth, it's a sign that the cat is relaxed and contented. Cats wag their tails to greet you or say hello. Do you know what an individual tail movement signifies? Although a cat is speculated to be imperceptible, its excitement, aggression, and several other moods can be better understood by its tail position. You may have often heard a cat thumping, flicking, swishing, twitching, thrashing, or wagging its tail. Its tail movement indicates the cat's mood. It can be quite the conundrum cats can't understand what people are saying, and people can't understand what cats are saying.Ī cat's tail is a vital organ as it provides balance and is also used to communicate using sign language. While cats communicate by meowing, hissing, or purring, humans talk and have various other ways of communicating, like by using body language. This is often because of the differences in its vocalizations. Surprising, isn't it? Cats can communicate by vocalizing, but sometimes they will use different tail movements as a form of sign language in order to communicate to their owners.ĭo you have a pet? If yes, you may know how hard it is to understand what your pet is trying to tell you.
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Did you know that your cat's tail tells you a lot about what it is trying to convey?
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