What Does It Mean When Cat Wags Tail
Does your cat want to play or does he want something else? If you’ve ever wondered what it means when your cat wags his tail, then you’re not alone. Many people have no idea what their cats are “saying” with this common feline gesture. So, why do cats wag their tails? Let’s explore the science behind this question together!
What Does It Mean When a Cat Wags His Tail?
The main difference between the two is that a wagging tail will display happiness and excitement, while a straight tail shows indifference.
In general, when a cat wags his tail it means he’s happy to see you or in a good mood. He might also be trying to get your attention if he wants something from you (like food). Wagging can sometimes mean aggression if it’s accompanied by certain facial expressions, though this is uncommon among cats. Any time you notice your cat displaying unusual behavior like this, it’s best to check in with him and make sure everything is okay.
If he doesn’t have any other cues—like an arched back or puffed-up fur—then chances are good that he’s just looking for some playtime!
Why Do Cats Wag Their Tails?
Let’s start with a quick biology lesson. The tail of a cat is made up of 24 individual vertebrae, which are bones that make up the spinal cord and support your pet’s body weight. Each vertebra is separated by cartilage discs, which act as shock absorbers for the spine, similar to those found in human knees. The tail also contains blood vessels and nerves that control its movement.
In addition to these anatomical structures, there are several types of hair (also known as fur) on cats’ bodies: guard hairs, undercoat and an outer layer called overcoat or furnishings. Guard hairs prevent rain from soaking through the fur while undercoat helps insulate against heat loss or gain depending on weather conditions—in other words, it keeps kitties cozy! Cat hair also acts as an excellent deterrent against fleas since they don’t like getting tangled up in it while they’re trying dig into their host’s skin so they’ll leave them alone instead!
Is a Wagging Tail Always Bad?
In short, no. A wagging tail can mean many things. First, remember that cats are not humans, so don’t expect them to act like us. Next, consider where you are and/or how you’ve treated the cat in question before making any judgments about what’s going on with the tail wagging.
Have you ever been mad at someone else and then seen them smile? You can tell they’re happy but that doesn’t mean they’re not mad too—just because they’re smiling doesn’t mean they aren’t also upset about something else! It’s the same way with cats: sometimes a cat will be clearly happy (you’ll see it in their face) but also ready to attack or run away from danger (like when a dog comes over). This is why some people call cats “two-faced”—they show different emotions at once depending on what’s happening around them.
A wagging tail can mean your cat is angry, happy or wants you to give him attention.
Wagging tails serve a variety of purposes, and it’s important to understand your cat’s tail wags in order to better understand what he may be thinking. Wagging tails can indicate happiness, anger, attention-seeking or playfulness.
A wagging tail can also serve as a sign that your cat wants you to feed him or allow him access to the food bowl. So if you have a friend over who seems interested in your cat but gets frustrated when he won’t sit still for petting and instead keeps jumping up on the countertops near where his food bowl is kept, this might explain why!
If you’re wondering what your cat’s tail is trying to tell you, pay attention to the rest of his body language as well. If he’s wagging his tail in a friendly manner when he sees you and purring at the same time, then it’s likely that he wants some attention from you. On the other hand, if he’s twitching or flicking his tail while growling or meowing loudly at someone else (like another animal), then it might be best just to leave him alone for a little while until things cool off!
