Something that we don’t think of often in terms of communication is a tail. Humans don’t have tails, so of course, this is not the first thing that comes to mind when we say, ‘communication.’
But, for a cat, its tail can say a lot- and actually, be a significant form of communication and conversation.
You can learn to look at your cat’s tail and know what your cat is saying! How cool is that?
If you want to know, what is the meaning of a cat’s curled tail, read on!
There are many ways your cat can curl its tail, but in this article, I am specifically discussing when your cat has its tail straight (or fairly straight) up in the air with a curve or hook shape at the end. Essentially, it looks like a question mark.
This curl at the end is a good sign! Your cat is happy and is advancing toward you in a friendly fashion! Your cat is in a good-humored and engaging mood. Take the opportunity to play and interact with your cat when you see this tail position. Your cat is inviting you to play and have fun!
Pet MD notes that while it may be tempting to pet that curly-tipped tail, cats actually prefer to be stroked around their cheeks, under their chin, and next to their ears.
Knowing a cat’s tail language can really come in handy. We all know how independent cats can be, and if they don’t want to play or exercise, it can be much more difficult to get them to do so than it would be with a puppy or a dog.
But if you see your cat’s tail curling up with a curly tip, you can take advantage of this as the perfect time to help them play and have fun.
—>> For more on your cat’s tail, find out why they raise their tails straight in the air here <<—
If you are still looking for more information, when your cat’s tail is raised and curled at the end, check out their ears and whiskers.
If you’ve owned a cat for a while, then you have probably noticed that its ears can move around a lot.
If that tail is raised and curled at the end and your cat’s ears are also pointed towards you, (or slightly pointed towards you if your cat is not one that moves its ears that much), then you can definitely conclude that your cat is more than happy to see you!
What is more, look at the whiskers. Are they also pointed towards you? If yes, your cat is in a sunny mood indeed! Your cat is feeling peachy keen, fine and dandy, and on top of the world!
You may be wondering, at this point, if these cat tail meanings are universal. After all, no cat is like the other. Cat’s can vary so much in personality and behavior.
The good news is, that yes! Cat tail language is universal amongst cats, so you can count on the things you learn about their tails across all breeds.
—>Learn more: Interested in cat body language? Find out why your cat flattens their ears when you pet them here. <–
When you notice the curl at the tip of your cat’s tail, seriously consider taking a break from whatever you are doing. While it can be difficult to just drop our activities at the spur of a moment, teaching yourself to do so and creating a habit of it can really benefit you and your cat in the long run.
As mentioned before, cats are not generally like puppies in that they are always ready to play and have fun. It can be very challenging to get a cat moving if it is not in the mood. We all know the independent feline spirit.
However, dropping your work and playing with your cat when they are in the mood is taking advantage of the moment. This will help keep your cat healthy, fit, and of course- happy. Cats need to play with their owners just like dogs do, and it is very essential to their mental and physical well-being.
It has taken some practice but I have started to create this habit at home with my cat. I have experienced firsthand how difficult it can be to get your cat to exercise, and instead of working around my schedule, I have had much more success working around his.
Your cat is worth this extra TLC! 🙂
For more ideas on how to get your cat exercising, check out our guide here.
If you want to live life on the wild side with your cat and have some real fun, then don’t miss the cat wheel!
A Word from a VetWhile it is all well and good to hear me say that a cat carrying its tail high with a curve at the end is in a playful mood, this fact is backed up by science.
Reader’s Digest interviewed veterinarian Dr. Mark who concurred that “This is a wonderful time for pet owners to engage in interactive play and exercise,” Dr. Mark says. “Your cat should be quite responsive.”
Professional experience is on our side! 😉
You may come across the occasional time when your cat has a curled tail but won’t respond to playtime.
While not as frequent as the curled tail and playful mood, a curled tail can also express feelings of doubt.
Great Pet Care suggests noting the cat’s surroundings. Is something stressful occurring, or something that may be stressful to your cat in particular? Try giving them some space to assess and understand their surroundings, and of course, try to alleviate the stress for your cat if possible- perhaps something is making a loud noise or a small child is running around erratically.
Gently test the waters and encourage play if it seems that your cat is in a calm mood and not a stressful one.
Cats have a reputation for being aloof and snobby. The truth is that cats are very expressive, and can be very affectionate! Their emotions and affections can just be expressed a lot differently and more subtly than a dog’s.
With time observations, you can learn to understand your cat’s body language much better than you probably expected. In your journey, don’t forget your cat’s tail!
Recognizing the curvy tail will lead to playtime and bonding with your cat. You will experience for yourself that the aloof cat is a misleading stereotype, and you will never regret taking this time to enjoy life with your feline friend!
https://www.petmd.com/cat/behavior/evr_ct_what-does-it-mean-when-a-cat-wags-tail
https://www.meowingtons.com/blogs/lolcats/do-you-know-cat-tail-positions-mean
https://www.hillspet.com/cat-care/behavior-appearance/cat-tail-language
https://www.greatpetcare.com/cat-behavior/cat-tail-language-decoding-your-felines-flick/
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