6 Tell-Tail Signs of What Your Cat Really Wants

Can you guess what animal has a population of 73 million in the United States alone, can travel at approximately 31 mph for short distances, hates water because it’s coat isn’t insulated well when wet, can tolerate temperatures as high as 133 degrees Fahrenheit with enough drinking water, has 230 bones in its body, but no collar bone, is at it’s smallest at just under 2 pounds, and at its largest at 20 pounds, has a unique nose that’s like a human fingerprint, can live up to 20 years, but has lived as long as 38 years, and in just seven years can produce as many as 420,000 offspring? If you guessed the house cat, you’re right.

Still, of all the interesting and cool facts out there about cats, the most fascinating thing that few people know is that their tails can tell you everything you need to know about what your cat is thinking or feeling

Here are 6 Tell Tail Signs of What Your Cat Really Wants:

1. The Straight Tail. Simply put, it means the cat is happy. A cat with a tail sticking straight up in the air is telling you that it feels comfortable, content, and in control of the situation.
2. The Mountain. This a tail in a humped position and it’s practically screaming, “I feel tense!” This can act as a warning to stay away, or it can be a sign that a fight could be on the horizon.
3. The Sausage. If your cat’s tail is tucked tightly between its legs while it’s in a sitting position, that means he’s sad. When a negative energy comes over your cat, it could come in the form of sadness, depression, anxiety or even panic. Spending quality time with your cat to reassure and calm them is the key to getting them out of their blues.
4. The Windshield Wiper. A tail held high that’s swinging left to right means extreme confidence. This cat is in charge and owns the space and the moment. Think of someone strutting their stuff, and how it might feel. That’s how a cat with their tail in this position feels.
5. The Jump Rope. When the tail is jumping back and forth, almost like a jump rope, it’s probably best to stay away because this cat is angry. It’s at times like this when your cat is most likely to lash out with a claw.
6. The Belly Tuck. Holding your cat like a baby might be fun for you, but most cats don’t like to expose their underside. This is their most vulnerable area, so if they feel scared, they will likely pull up their tail to try to cover the stomach with it while it’s exposed. This means that the cat is scared. An easy fix is to reposition the way you hold and carry your cat so that their belly is either pressed up against you, or they are feet down, so that they’re underside is protected from the elements.

June is Adopt a Cat Month so we encourage you to show your adopted cat a little extra love this month. And, if you have room in your home and heart, go out and adopt a cat or kitten. You’ll be saving a life, and making a new friend.