A cat's tail acts as an extension of it's mood, and as a warning of attention.

Annoyance: Broad swishing of the tail indicates annoyance. For example, a cat that decides it's had enough petting will signal you by swishing it's tail in impatience. If you continue, your cat may "bat" you with it's paw, or growl softly. Though usually good humored, the batting is an act of aggression indicating your cat's agitation.

Severly Agitated: Your cat will move his or her tail rapidly back and forth from the base, a clear, threatening signal when severely agitated. Generally speaking, the larger and more rapid the swish, the more upset the cat is.

Fear or Submission: If a cat is afraid or is trying to avoid confrontation with a dominant cat, it's tail will "puff up" or become bristled. It will then lower it's tail or tuck it between it's legs in a act of submission.

Excitement or Curiosity: Twitches(as apposed to swishes) of the tail display excitement and curiosity.

A raised tail, as long as the fur isn't bristled, indicates that a cat is being friendly. If the cat is really excited, as often happens when you come home from a long day of work, or when you open a can of cat food, the upraised tail may twitch with anticipation. Next, the cat will probably try to talk to her owner, or begin rubbing against her.


Body Posture

Body language is not just restricted to the cat's tail. From the way your cat stands to the position of it's ears, your cat is saying something.

Cat's Legs: A bend in the forelegs show your cat would rather avoid a fight, but will defend itself if the need arises. When your cat expands it's body, fluffing up, it is showing both confidence and aggression. If the cat's legs are stretched fully, it is self assured and ready to attack. A bend in the hind legs, however, shows indecision, or evn timidy. When a cat shrinks it's body size, legs tucked underneath, it's showing submission, as well as readiness for actions.


Cat's Ears: When the ears are back and the posture is steady, the cat is unsure of what move to make, considering it's options. If the ears are back, and the body is low to the ground, this is a display of shame or remorse. The cat's pricked ears show it's interest in what's going on around it. When a cat raises it's head directly, this is an attempt to display dominance. If the head is lowered, that means submissiveness, or even a feeling of inferiority. When the head is completely tucked in, your cat is probably bored. If it is sneaking around, low to the ground ata crawl, it is going after something, stalking it's "victim". Be aware that the cat will start a full speed assault.