Why Cats Wag Their Tails - Prudent Pet Insurance

It’s common knowledge that dogs wag their tails when they’re happy and healthy, but many might not know that cats wagging tails is a thing too. You might be asking, “Do cats wag their tails?” Yes, they  wag their tails like dogs do, however, these frisky felines do so for entirely different reasons. From slight shimmies of the tail to full wags, cats put their tails in motion when they are feeling certain ways. So, when cats wag their tail what does it mean?

If you’re a longtime owner of a cat you rescued from a shelter or are an owner of new kittens, you may already know one or two reasons why cats wag their tails. However, did you know that your faithful pet may be wagging their tail for one of six different reasons?

The following article will highlight the different reasons and offer the answer to the question, “Why do cats wag their tails?”

Cats Wag Their Tails When They’re Feeling Confident

If you see your friendly feline walking around with their tail held high and wagging a little at the top, your cat is probably feeling pretty confident strutting around the house. Not only will your cat be feeling confident as they go about their day, but this also lets other cats and their owner know they’re open for some pets and playtime. This is one of the reasons if you’re wondering why cats wag their tails. This also relates to when cats wag their tails when they’re happy.

Cats Wag Their Tails When They’re Feeling Scared

Another reason why your cat may be wagging their tail is when they’re feeling scared. This type of tail wag is different from the prior one of confidence. When your cat is frightened, their tail will wag in a low position. The degree of fright can be determined by looking at the exact position of the tail. If it’s tucked between their legs, this means your cat is extremely scared and you shouldn’t approach your pet. Your cat won’t be combative but may be too scared to move.

If your kitten’s tail is straight up in the air and their back is arched with ears pushed back, your cat is scared but won’t hesitate to fight. This is when you should keep your distance from your pet and give them time to calm down.