Cat possession could be lots simpler if our pets might inform us their ideas. Nevertheless, till somebody develops a cat-to-human translator, we’ve got to make use of context clues and our pet’s physique language to decipher their moods.
A cat’s tail is likely one of the most expressive components of their physique. So, in case your cat’s tail is twitching, you’re most likely questioning what they’re considering. Sadly, a quivering tail can imply many various issues, so that you’ll must put in your considering cap to find out what’s happening.
From the joys of working towards their looking expertise to the frustration of aggravating conditions, there are numerous potential causes to your cat’s tail twitching. Learn on to study extra so you possibly can start to higher perceive your cat’s temper and the driving forces behind this habits.
The 6 Causes Why Cats Twitch Their Tails
1. They’re Looking
Cats will generally twitch their tails as a result of they’re looking or enjoying. This occurs once they’re centered intensely on their prey, whether or not it’s a real-life mouse or a fluffy one you simply purchased from Amazon.
2. They’re Excited
When youngsters are blissful and excited, they usually leap up and down as a method to launch their pent-up power and specific their enthusiasm. Our cats don’t have the identical means to point out their happiness, so a quivering tail may mark anticipation and pleasure.
3. They’re Irritated
When your cat twitches the tip of their tail strongly back and forth, it might be that they’re mildly irritated or pissed off. This might be a warning signal that your pet isn’t keen on one thing you’ve been doing, however they’re not fairly on the level but the place they’re going to take the following step and act on their annoyance.
4. They’re Feeling Aggressive
Tail twitching is usually additionally related to aggression. The extra your pet’s tail strikes backwards and forwards, the much less blissful they might be. Speedy tail actions can imply they’re issuing a menace to you or one other pet within the house. You may also see different aggressive behaviors, akin to growling or hissing. Their tails may additionally thwack audibly on the ground or close by partitions.
5. They’re Spraying
You recognize your cat is spraying once they rise up, maintain their tail straight up within the air, and put their rear finish towards a goal (e.g., partitions, bedding, curtains, and many others.). Their tail can be quivering, they usually’ll spray urine onto an object.
Spraying is almost definitely to happen in cats which have reached sexual maturity, and it could possibly happen in each female and male cats. It occurs most frequently in intact women and men in warmth, although these which have been spayed or neutered may spray.
6. They Have Feline Hyperesthesia Syndrome
Feline hyperesthesia syndrome (FHS)—also called “twitchy cat syndrome”—is a uncommon situation that causes elevated sensitivity to the touch and uncontrollable muscle contractions. FHS is poorly understood, and its root trigger remains to be unknown, although it’s most frequently attributed to neurological, psychological, or dermatological causes. Earlier than it may be recognized, different situations that trigger related indicators should be dominated out.
Cats with this situation could quiver their tail, however they’ll usually exhibit different indicators, together with:
- Rippling or twitching of pores and skin on the again
- Biting or licking themselves (significantly within the again, facet, and rear areas)
- Ache or discomfort when petted
- Dilated pupils
- Temporary bursts of operating
- Tail chasing
How Can I Know Why My Cat’s Tail Is Twitching?
With so many causes to your cat’s tail twitching, it could possibly really feel inconceivable to find out what your cat is feeling. Nevertheless, it’s really comparatively simple if you happen to cease and think about your habits and your kitty’s present surroundings.
Take into consideration what your kitty is at the moment doing, their physique language, and what’s happening round them to find out the precise cause to your pet’s tail twitching.
For instance, a cat that your toddler is tormenting is unlikely to be twitching their tail out of pleasure, particularly if their ears are pulled again they usually’re staring your little one down. It’s more likely on this situation that your cat is feeling aggravated and able to strike.
Likewise, if you happen to’re utilizing your cat’s favourite toy to play with them, it’s unlikely they’re twitching their tail as a result of they’re spraying or feeling aggressive.
What Else Your Cat’s Tail Cat Inform You
Cats exhibit different tail postures other than twitching as a result of it’s one of many few methods they’ll convey their temper and talk with different cats and people.
| Query mark tail | Pleasant, playful |
| Puffy tail | Afraid, defensive, or aggressive |
| Low tail | Unease or concern |
| Tucked below: | Fearful or anxious |
| Straight up: | Assured, blissful, pleasant |
| Wagging: | Indignant, pissed off |
| Gradual swish: | Targeted, doubtlessly looking |
| Fast thrashing: | Irritated, uncertainty |
How Else Do Cats Convey Temper?
Cats don’t solely use their tails to convey their temper. Different refined (and never so refined) physique language cues embrace:
- Facial expressions. The methods your cat strikes their eyes, ears, and mouth can point out their temper. Cats feeling relaxed may have regular eye and ear positioning, whereas these feeling indignant may have erect ears and narrowed eyes. Cats with flattened ears and dilated pupils could also be fearful.
- Eye contact. How a lot eye contact your cat is holding can let you know how relaxed or confrontational they’re feeling. These gradual blinking with a peaceful stare could really feel comfy and composed, whereas these staring with out blinking could also be difficult you.
- Posture. Cats exhibiting the traditional black cat Halloween pose with an arched again and bottle brush tail are feeling aggressive or defensive, whereas these stretched out with their bellies up are relaxed and cozy.
Last Ideas
As you possibly can see, a cat’s tail twitches can imply quite a lot of issues. It’ll be arduous to find out the precise cause behind your pet’s tail actions with out additionally bearing in mind their physique language and context clues from their surroundings. Nevertheless, when you think about what else is going on in your cat’s world and how one can learn their physique language, you’ll be an skilled in your pet’s moods and emotions.
Featured Picture Credit score: olivier.laurent.images, Shutterstock
