It is a common sight to see a cat raise their rear when we pet them especially if we give them a scratch at the base of the tail. This is part of feline communication, and it can reveal a lot about the relationship you have with your cat. While this may be positive, Animal Wise reveals the different meanings of cat tail wagging.

If your cat raises their tail with the tip hooked over while you pet them, it is good news. It means they are thoroughly enjoying themselves, they are clearly telling you they love being petted and want you to continue. They might even accompany this movement with a deep purr, or gently headbutt you. It’s their way of showing you how much they love you.

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Cat Tail Shakes Like A Rattlesnake

You may have seen your cat’s tail shake like a rattlesnake, meaning they are excited to the max. This is their most effusive way of asking you to continue, but we need to be careful. It could also be part of their marking behavior, it may be they vibrate their tail and pee on you and act to mark you as part of their community. It may sound strange but for them it is pure trust and affection.

Tail Whipping At The Tip

Be careful if you see your cat’s tail whipping at the tip, this is their way of telling you they are uncomfortable and do not want to be petted. If you persist in doing so, they may become aggressive and bite you. The lesson is clear, you need to respect their space. It may not be the cat doesn’t want to be petted but that you are petting them in a place they consider forbidden.

Tail Wrapping Around Their Legs

When a cat wraps their tail around their legs they are telling us they are feeling insecure or uncomfortable. If you see this while petting your cat it’s best to stop, and give them time to relax. If you’re on the same level you may see the cat wraps their tail around your arm. This is both very cute and a clear sign they demand your attention.

Tail Wrapping Around You

It’s their way of telling you they want more affection, more cuddles, or maybe even something special. Don’t hesitate and continue patting them, or give them a treat if you can. As we share our lives with a feline we will find that understanding them is all about observing their body language. Their tail is a very powerful tool for communication.

Understanding Cat Tail Language

So the next time you pet them and they wag their tail, stop for a moment and figure out what they’re trying to tell you. Does your cat do anything special with their tail, let us know in the comments and we’ll see you next time [Music].

Overview Table

Cat Tail Behavior	Meaning	What You Should Do
Tail raised with tip hooked	Cat is happy, enjoying petting	Continue petting
Tail shakes like rattlesnake	Excited, could be marking	Be careful, respect marking
Tail whipping at tip	Discomfort, irritation	Stop petting immediately
Tail wraps around legs	Insecure, uncomfortable	Give space, let them relax
Tail wraps around you	Wants more affection	Continue cuddling or give treat

FAQs

Q1. Why does my cat raise their rear when I pet them?
Because it is part of feline communication, and they enjoy the petting.

Q2. What does it mean when my cat’s tail shakes like a rattlesnake?
It means they are very excited, but sometimes it can also be marking behavior.

Q3. Should I stop petting if my cat’s tail whips at the tip?
Yes, because this shows they are uncomfortable, and may become aggressive.

Q4. Why does my cat wrap their tail around their legs?
They are feeling insecure, or uncomfortable, and need some space.

Q5. What does it mean if my cat wraps their tail around me?
It means they want more affection, cuddles, or maybe even a treat