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Although many people say that cats are independent animals, it is certain that they are very affectionate social animals when they gain trust with us. If you have a cat and you spend time and care for it often, you've probably noticed that the cat lifts its tail when it strokes its back. Why does this happen?
In this PeritoAnimal article we explain what this position of the tail means. Keep reading and find out, why does the cat lift its tail when we pet it.
Don't forget to comment and share your photos so that other Animal Expert members know your will. So let's get to the meaning!
Feline language and false beliefs
cats communicate with us in many different ways, whether through meowing, behavior or body positions. In this case, we are faced with a very concrete posture: the cat squats down slightly and raises its tail.
Many people believe that this behavior is of the sexual type, as the cat or cat tends to let her private parts see. But that is not true. Even neutered cats lift their tails with the pleasure of being cuddled. If you have questions about your unsterilized cat visit our article on the symptoms of a cat in heat.
What it means?
when cats acquire a posture and an attitude of proximity they are trying to communicate that same closeness or affection for us. However, if we observe a cat with its tail down and stuck, we are probably facing a scared, frightened and tense animal.
O exchange of odors it is fundamental for the cats' communication, for this reason, when they raise their tails, proximity and caresses acquire another meaning: when the cat raises its tail, it reveals its anal glands, which produce an identifiable and unique smell for each. cat.
The meaning of the raised tail is not merely an "introduction" they can make as they get to know us or get acquainted with us. This behavior that they carry out repeatedly is a demonstration of affection, complicity and of great confidence they have for us.
The tail is feline communication
Although cats are able to use their tails to maintain balance, what is certain is that in addition to that, too express their different emotions through him.
- tail up: this position denotes confidence, security and total control of the situation. Generally, the cat shows its tail raised in situations of comfort, happiness and well-being.
- Tail close to the body: this type of position indicates exactly the opposite of the previous one. Fear, mistrust, uncertainty... The cat is trying to go unnoticed in the situation in which it finds itself. It does not expose your private information.
- bristly tail: if we observe a cat with a swollen, thick and bristly tail, it is better to get away from there as soon as possible and leave the cat alone. This tail position is very easy to recognize and identify: our cat is upset.
However, there are many other factors that influence and help us to better understand our cat's gestural communication, such as the ears, the head, its body position... Observing and living with our cat is the key to understanding it.
Cats are very interesting beings and have very peculiar behaviors. Ever wonder why cats like to sleep on their feet or why they lick our hair?
Also find out at PeritoAnimal why your cat does paw massages and why cats purr?
