Why Does My Cat’s Tail Twitch? 6 Vet-Reviewed Causes
Cat possession could be lots simpler if our pets might inform us their ideas. Nonetheless, till somebody develops a cat-to-human translator, we’ve got 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 occurring.
From the fun of working towards their searching expertise to the frustration of aggravating conditions, there are lots of potential causes to your cat’s tail twitching. Learn on to be taught extra so you possibly can start to raised perceive your cat’s temper and the driving forces behind this conduct.
The 6 Causes Why Cats Twitch Their Tails
1. They’re Looking
Cats will generally twitch their tails as a result of they’re searching or taking part in. This occurs once 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 youngsters are comfortable and excited, they usually bounce up and down as a option to launch their pent-up power and specific their enthusiasm. Our cats don’t have the identical capability to point out their happiness, so a quivering tail also can mark anticipation and pleasure.
3. They’re Irritated
When your cat twitches the tip of their tail strongly backward and forward, it might be that they’re mildly irritated or annoyed. 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 comfortable they might be. Speedy tail actions can imply they’re issuing a menace to you or one other pet within the house. You may additionally see different aggressive behaviors, equivalent to growling or hissing. Their tails may additionally thwack audibly on the ground or close by partitions.
5. They’re Spraying
You recognize your cat is spraying once they arise, maintain their tail straight up within the air, and put their rear finish towards a goal (e.g., partitions, bedding, curtains, and many others.). Their tail shall be quivering, they usually’ll spray urine onto an object.
Spraying is most certainly to happen in cats which have reached sexual maturity, and it will probably happen in each female and male cats. It occurs most frequently in intact men and women in warmth, although these which have been spayed or neutered also can 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 identified, different circumstances that trigger related indicators should be dominated out.
Cats with this situation might quiver their tail, however they’ll usually exhibit different indicators, together with:
- Rippling or twitching of pores and skin on the again
- Biting or licking themselves (notably within the again, aspect, and rear areas)
- Ache or discomfort when petted
- Dilated pupils
- Transient bursts of operating
- Tail chasing
How Can I Know Why My Cat’s Tail Is Twitching?
With so many causes to your cat’s tail twitching, it will probably really feel inconceivable to find out what your cat is feeling. Nonetheless, it’s truly comparatively simple should you cease and think about your conduct and your kitty’s present atmosphere.
Take into consideration what your kitty is at the moment doing, their physique language, and what’s occurring round them to find out the precise purpose to 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 they usually’re staring your baby down. It’s more likely on this state of affairs that your cat is feeling aggravated and able to strike.
Likewise, should 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 other than 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 below: | Fearful or anxious |
| Straight up: | Assured, comfortable, pleasant |
| Wagging: | Indignant, annoyed |
| Sluggish swish: | Centered, 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 indignant 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 relaxed stare might really feel comfy and composed, whereas these staring with out blinking could also be difficult you.
- Posture. Cats exhibiting the traditional 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 cozy.
Ultimate Ideas
As you possibly can see, a cat’s tail twitches can imply lots of issues. It’ll be exhausting to find out the precise purpose behind your pet’s tail actions with out additionally making an allowance for their physique language and context clues from their atmosphere. Nonetheless, when you think about what else is occurring in your cat’s world and learn their physique language, you’ll be an skilled in your pet’s moods and emotions.
Featured Picture Credit score: olivier.laurent.images, Shutterstock
