What does it mean when cats walk with tails down?

If you’re a cat owner, you may have noticed that your cat sometimes walks with its tail down.

This can be puzzling since most people think of a wagging tail as a sign of happiness. So what does it mean when cats walk with their tails down?

As it turns out, there are several possible explanations. Keep reading to learn more!

Why do cats walk with their tails down?

Cats communicate a wide variety of messages through their tails. A happy cat will often hold its tail up high and wag it back and forth as a greeting, for example.

But if your kitty’s tail is lowered, this may indicate several different emotions.

Lowered tails can also convey various messages depending on the cat’s posture and how they hold their tail.

Posture: A cat may carry its tail lower when it is feeling cautious or submissive. Cats that see something that frightens them will often pull their tails in close to their body, for example.

If your kitty holds its tail low and tucks it between its legs, this is usually a sign that it is frightened.

Tail position: A cat may carry its tail lower when it’s feeling insecure or uncertain about something. The phrase “not having your tail up” is often used to describe someone who doesn’t feel confident about something.

For example, you might tell someone “don’t worry, everything will turn out fine. Have your tail up!”

Cats that carry their tails lower may also be sick. A cat’s immunity system is generally weaker than a human’s, so it can become ill more easily.

If you notice that your cat carries its tail low and has trouble using the litter box, this could indicate a virus or illness. You should take your kitty to the vet for a check up.

Is there anything I can do to help?

A cat that carries its tail low may not have a strong internal sense of confidence, so it’s important to keep the kitty feeling secure on an emotional level.

This is especially true for cats with lowered tails caused by illness or injury.

To help your kitty feel safe and secure, make sure that it always has an easily accessible window or door to leave the house in case of an emergency.

Cats are very good at hiding pain, so if you spot any signs of illness you should take your pet to the vet for a check up as soon as possible.

Also, try to make sure that none of your cat’s routine has been disrupted by a change in the family schedule.

Is the meaning different for each breed?

Types of cats with straight tails have a tendency to walk with their tails held high and proud.

These include breeds such as Siamese or Abyssinian cats. In contrast, cats with more flexible tails are less likely to carry their tails high.

These include breeds such as the Manx cat, which has a tail that curls tightly over its back.

All cats with straight tails tend to carry them higher than kitties with very flexible tails. Siamese or Abyssinian cats may also walk with more confident strides compared to Manx cats.

Cats that have shorter tails also tend to walk with their tail held lower. This is because these types of cats evolved from wild ancestors such as the African Wild Cat, which has a very long tail.

Cats with longer tails are more likely to carry them high and proud.

Where can I learn more about my cat’s tail language?

If you want to learn more about how your cat communicates through its tail, keep an eye on where it holds its tail when it enters a room.

If the catwalks in looking relaxed with its tail held high, for example, this might be a sign that it has been at ease for the past few minutes the cat entered the room.

On the other hand, if your cat enters a room with its tail lowered and tucked between its legs, this may be a sign that it’s feeling timid or insecure at that moment.

In this situation, you can try to make your pet feel more comfortable by asking if they need anything. For example, you might offer your cat a favorite snack or toy if it looks like it’s hungry or boring.

Conclusion

A cat’s tail is a very important tool for communication, and we can learn a lot about our furry friends by watching its movements. If you want to know more about how your kitty feels, pay attention to the position of its tail!