Ethology is the science that studies animal behavior and reveals fascinating curiosities about species. This includes our pets, where cats are undoubtedly some of the most surprising. Kittens have the Flehmen reflex, a mechanism for gathering information about the environment through smell. But in what ways do they communicate to others?
Although it may seem incredible to you, the way they wag their tail is a fundamental part of their language. The message varies depending on whether their tail is relaxed or upright, and even depends on the direction in which they move it. Below, we teach you how to decipher each of these signals.
If a cat is relaxed and its tail too, it means that everything is calm. Sometimes this rest is not absolute, but, even though he seems asleep, your cat continues to flick his tail. This means that he is calm, but that he remains attentive to any noise or movement that occurs around him. If you notice that your cat is completely asleep and yet continues to swing his tail, he is most likely dreaming.
A cat will whip its tail to show its state of nervousness or alertness, although with different nuances depending on the direction of the swing. If the cat moves its tail up and down, it means that it is upset and does not want to be touched. However, if the movement of the tail goes from one side to the other, it probably feels its back uncovered and uses this mechanism to perceive by touch those who approach it from behind.
When a cat approaches us with its tail straight, but with the tip slightly curved, it feels calm and wants to say hello in a friendly way. On the other hand, if a cat is afraid or feels threatened, it will arch its back and try to raise and puff out its tail. Better not touch him!
The neutral position of a cat's tail is low and without dragging, although if it is carried very low or dragged it could also denote insecurity or fear.
Cats that rub their body and tail against us could tell us different things depending on the person. If we are someone they know, it is a sign of good relationship, trust and demand for pampering. The intention varies if it is a stranger: if he does this it is simply because he is marking his territory.
The tail has a double function for cats when it comes to socializing. On the one hand, he uses it as a means to show his state of mind and, on the other, as a resource to mark surfaces with his smell. If when interacting with a cat you notice that it has a raised tail and a slight tremor, don't worry, it is a piloerection and it is a natural movement.
