What is the cat trying to tell you with the tail?

The system by which cats try to transmit messages is very difficult to understand. This is a kind of gestures, and the use of voice, and even sound signals, the meaning of which people can not immediately accurately determine. All these signals help cats identify and strengthen the social position within the framework of cat-cat, cat-people and cat-dog relationships.

Such communication can be as subtle and skilful as a slightly wagging tail from side to side. Improper understanding of a clear cat signal can lead to aggression or even worse - the animal can injure you or cause harm to other pets.

The position of the cat's tail

This part of the animal's body, or rather its position, can tell a lot about his mood. A high-lifted tail pointing straight up is a kind of greeting, and the cat expects attention and communication from the person at this moment. But the dog's tail in this position means quite the opposite. And it is worth considering this fact, if you have cats and dogs in your household. They do not speak the same language, and disagreement may arise between them.

When the cat is relaxed, its tail is bent and twisted in the shape of the letter "y". The more interest he feels, the higher the tail raises.

Wigging the tail

Some signals given by this part of the body warn you about the danger, that is, it's time to move away from the animal. A tail swinging from side to side tells you: "Back off!" And when the cat starts to knock them on the ground, it means that he is ready to attack. A strong wagging tail usually indicates an excitation of some kind. This can be agitation, fear, aggression, but the dog can mistakenly accept this gesture as an invitation to play.

Such dog tricks often mean: "Come closer, let's be friends."

If the tip of the tail moves forward and backward, it usually indicates a disappointment or a surge of emotion. In this case, it is better to retreat from the animal, and if this signal is ignored by a person, then everything can turn into a real attack.

Stiffened tails of a cat

Look at what level the coat has risen to. Fur, standing straight, indicates a strong excitement. Bristly tail, standing straight, indicates aggression. Beware! But if this part of the body looks like an inverted U, it shows fear or protective force. And if the fear turns into something more, then the cat rises to its hind legs and releases its claws.

The turned tail between the paws signals a strong fear. This does not mean that the cat does not resort to using claws and teeth, although if it is cornered, this will not happen. You, as a rule, also hear a hiss, growl and other sounds, and a frightened animal can fall to the floor with its ears pressed back, thrown back. Or he can turn on his back, but not in submission, but to prepare all four paws with the claws released to the defense. Again, this can confuse dogs (and owners) who misinterpret such an action and mistakenly think that it is a sign of submission. Cats never obey.

Understanding first

It is important that the owners of cats look closely at the gestures of animals, their behavior, because almost all problems arise because of misunderstanding. Pets tell us how they feel and what they want, and they should not think that people are incredibly stupid to not understand this.

If you like pets and have cats with dogs in your house, you sometimes need to act as an interpreter.

Dogs may need time to understand what the cat is telling them (and vice versa). Over time, this will help solve or prevent many potential problems with pets.