Can Cats Control Their Tails? Vet-Verified Positions & Movement Explained

Cats use their tails to communicate to the world through body language. You can tell a lot about a cat’s disposition by what their tail is doing. With that being said, cats have full control of their tails. The tail consists of 18 to 23 vertebrae and six tail muscles on each side, which permits precise movements in almost any direction.¹

Cats sometimes use their tails to send deliberate messages (the “thump, thump, thump” on the floor meaning, “Stop what you’re doing before the claws come out!”), but their tails also seem to move involuntarily, similar to our involuntary laughing when something is funny or crying when sad.

A cat’s tail, along with their ears, facial expressions, and body posture, will indicate what kind of mood they’re in most of the time. Let’s find out more.

Cat Tail Positions, Movements, & What They Mean

1. High Tail

A high tail with a slight curve at the end usually indicates a happy cat that wants to spend time with you. They’re interested in attention or play.

However, a high tail that is straight up with all the hairs sticking up, also called a puffed tail, is a frightened cat. This tail movement is a response to being startled and is usually accompanied by other gestures; ears back, haunches raised, and a hiss or growl.

2. Low Tail

When a cat’s tail is low, pointing downward, this means the cat’s tail has suffered an injury or they are in a negative mood. Think about it; when animals in the wild are frightened or submissive, their tails go down or between their legs. They want to be as invisible as possible, so they hide their tails away.

3. Neutral Tail

Tails held in a neutral position (in line with their spine) mean just that: a neutral mood. The cat neither wants attention nor is opposed to it. They are probably being passively cautious of the things going on around them and don’t feel one way or another about it.

4. Flicking Tail

The flicking tail is thought to be an involuntary movement. Your cat swishes their tail gently in their sleep or lounging. This indicates a relaxed cat. When they’re focused on something intriguing or are about to playfully pounce on something (like another cat), it will turn more into a deliberate flick back and forth or slow swishing.

5. Thrashing Tail

Thrashing tails will create a “thump” noise on the ground. This noise means that kitty doesn’t like what you’re doing, and you should probably change course or you’re going to get hurt! Sometimes cats will engage in more aggressive than average play with other cats and display this kind of tail movement.

6. Wiggling Tail

A tail held straight up and almost vibrating is a very good sign. Your cat is in a great mood. They’re likely happy to see you, want some pets, or you are about to give them some awesome treats.

7. Brushing Tail

Another good tail movement coming from your cat is when your cat idly walks by, brushing you with their tail. It almost wraps around your leg, and it's intentional. This is thought to be a voluntary action and a sign of affection.

Conclusion

The different cat tail positions help us to decipher what cats might be thinking and feeling. A cat’s tail consists of 18 to 23 vertebrae and six tail muscles on each side, and this is probably much more than one would expect from such a thin and seemingly uncontrollable body part. Hopefully, now you have a better understanding of a cat’s control of their own tail and what it means. Remember that a cat’s tail is sensitive, so it is best to not hold your cat’s tail or try to pet it; they do not care for it.

See Also: 

• How to Spot a Broken Cat Tail: Vet-Reviewed Steps

• Longest Cat Tail In The World: 2023 Record Holder

• Cat Breeds With Curly Tails (With Info & Pictures)

Featured Image Credit: italay, Shutterstock