Cat possession can be loads simpler if our pets may inform us their ideas. Nonetheless, till somebody develops a cat-to-human translator, now we have to make use of context clues and our pet’s physique language to decipher their moods.
A cat’s tail is without doubt one of the most expressive elements 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 alternative issues, so that you’ll have to put in your considering cap to find out what’s happening.
From the joys of practising their searching expertise to the frustration of aggravating conditions, there are numerous potential causes on your cat’s tail twitching. Learn on to be taught extra so you possibly can start to higher perceive your cat’s temper and the driving forces behind this conduct.
The 6 Causes Why Cats Twitch Their Tails
1. They’re Searching
Cats will generally twitch their tails as a result of they’re searching or taking part in. This occurs after 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 kids are blissful and excited, they typically soar up and down as a technique to launch their pent-up power and categorical their enthusiasm. Our cats don’t have the identical capability to point out their happiness, so a quivering tail can even mark anticipation and pleasure.
3. They’re Irritated
When your cat twitches the tip of their tail strongly back and forth, it could 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 could be. Fast tail actions can imply they’re issuing a menace to you or one other pet within the residence. You may also see different aggressive behaviors, equivalent to growling or hissing. Their tails might also thwack audibly on the ground or close by partitions.
5. They’re Spraying
You realize your cat is spraying after they get up, maintain their tail straight up within the air, and put their rear finish towards a goal (e.g., partitions, bedding, curtains, and so on.). Their tail can be quivering, and so they’ll spray urine onto an object.
Spraying is almost definitely to happen in cats which have reached sexual maturity, and it will possibly happen in each female and male cats. It occurs most frequently in intact men and women in warmth, although these which were spayed or neutered can even spray.
6. They Have Feline Hyperesthesia Syndrome
Feline hyperesthesia syndrome (FHS)—also referred to as “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 continues 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 comparable indicators should be dominated out.
Cats with this situation might quiver their tail, however they’ll typically exhibit different indicators, together with:
- Rippling or twitching of pores and skin on the again
- Biting or licking themselves (significantly within the again, aspect, and rear areas)
- Ache or discomfort when petted
- Dilated pupils
- Temporary bursts of working
- Tail chasing
How Can I Know Why My Cat’s Tail Is Twitching?
With so many causes on your cat’s tail twitching, it will possibly really feel unattainable to find out what your cat is feeling. Nonetheless, it’s truly comparatively simple in case you cease and think about your conduct and your kitty’s present atmosphere.
Take into consideration what your kitty is presently doing, their physique language, and what’s happening round them to find out the precise purpose on 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 and so they’re staring your youngster down. It’s more likely on this state of affairs that your cat is feeling aggravated and able to strike.
Likewise, in case you’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 except for 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 worry |
| Tucked beneath: | Fearful or anxious |
| Straight up: | Assured, blissful, pleasant |
| Wagging: | Indignant, pissed off |
| Gradual swish: | Targeted, probably searching |
| Fast thrashing: | Irritated, uncertainty |
How Else Do Cats Convey Temper?
Cats don’t solely use their tails to convey their temper. Different delicate (and never so delicate) physique language cues embrace:
- Facial expressions. The methods your cat strikes their eyes, ears, and mouth can point out their temper. Cats feeling relaxed could have regular eye and ear positioning, whereas these feeling offended could 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 sluggish blinking with a peaceful stare might really feel snug and composed, whereas these staring with out blinking could also be difficult you.
- Posture. Cats exhibiting the basic 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 comfy.
Last Ideas
As you possibly can see, a cat’s tail twitches can imply plenty of issues. It’ll be laborious to find out the precise purpose behind your pet’s tail actions with out additionally considering their physique language and context clues from their atmosphere. Nonetheless, when you think about what else is going on in your cat’s world and learn their physique language, you’ll be an professional in your pet’s moods and emotions.
Featured Picture Credit score: olivier.laurent.photographs, Shutterstock