Decode your cat's mood: A guide to decipher tail signals

Living with a pet becomes much easier if you learn to read the signals they send. It's no secret that in the case of a cat, the tail plays a crucial role. A tail held high means something completely different from a lowered tail, a wagging tail, or one with a curled tip.

Cats walk their paths and often have their "moods." Many people believe that compared to dogs, it's much harder to understand them and read their emotions. For example, when they see their owner, they don't jump with euphoria, but that doesn't mean they aren't happy.

With cats, the signals may be subtler, but they exist. It's especially important to pay attention to tail movements. This part of the cat’s body conveys the most important information.

If you have a cat at home, it's worth learning to read the signals your pet almost constantly sends, typically using its tail. A tail held almost vertically up indicates happiness. A tail in this state and also vibrating indicates a very positive attitude.

If the tip of the tail held up is slightly bent, you can infer that the cat is friendly but a bit wary. However, if the tail is bent downward and covers the anus, it means the animal is submissive and feels uncertain.

It's also worth knowing that a cat with a stiff tail pointed down may behave aggressively. On the other hand, if a cat is sitting and "sweeping" its tail on the ground, it is irritated or even angry. These signals are very easy to catch and help you understand the emotions the cat wants to convey.