When the cat’s tail starts to vibrate or tremble, many owners do not know what to think of it, even though this forms an important part of the animal’s body language.

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While in humans the eye are the window to the soul, in the case of the cat it is the tail that fulfils a similar role: if you pay attention to their signals, you can more easily understand what is going on inside your pet. Let us see what it can mean if the cat’s tail visibly trembles.

If you see that the cat’s tail trembles, there can be a good reason for it

This is how it can be interpreted if the cat’s tail tremble

According to veterinarian Dr Andrea Bodó, the cat is capable of expressing a wide range of emotions through their tail, but to interpret them precisely, one must take into account the overall picture – that is, the current situation, as well as other elements of the body language, among them the gaze and the posture.

If the cat approaches with a raised, vibrating tail, it usually indicates that they might be excited. This can be directed at their owner, another cat, or even the approaching dinner.

It can also precede “spraying”

“It is worth knowing that in an unneutered male cat, a raised tail trembling along its full length can precede spraying used for marking territory,” warned the veterinarian, adding that “in a female in heat it is characteristic that, while preparing for mating, she holds her tail to the side.”

The vertically standing, bristled tail on the other hand – especially if the cat meanwhile arches their back – can signal fear or aggression, while if it simply sticks up, it can be regarded as a greeting or as a sign of interest.

And what about when the cat wags their tail? This movement can have several meanings depending on the intensity. Thus it can also be connected to nervousness, aggression, or intent to attack.

In male cats, one must be careful with it!

Further signals of the cat’s tail

The cat can send messages not only by trembling, bristling, or wagging their tail. When they slap it on the ground or make sweeping movements with it, experts say they can be irritated, annoyed, or frightened (except when they are playing or hunting, because then they are probably just excited). And if they tuck it between their legs, it can mean that they have become scared or that they are in pain.

When the cat’s tail stands in the shape of a question mark, that too can be a sign of interest. Perhaps they want to tell you this way that they desire to play. And if your pet wraps their tail around your legs, that equals a cordial greeting on their part.

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