Impact trauma can render cats unable to lift their tail. This should see a natural movement of the tail as part of the interaction. This will instinctively result in a lifting of the tail. Cats with base of tail pain will react poorly to being touched here. Swelling at the base is a common symptom.
Look for signs of physical damage to the cat tail. There are tests that you can run to see if a cat is capable of moving its tail. Alternatively, it may be connected to nerve damage. This could be an injury to the tail or lower back, such as dislocation or a break or fracture. What does it mean when a cat’s tail doesn’t move? Often, a completely static tail is a sign of trauma. The tail should, at the very least, twitch and vary in position. Why Isn’t My Cat’s Tail Moving?Īs mentioned, whether a cat’s tail is held tall and proud or low and innocuous, it should be a conscious decision. If your cat is physically unable to lift its tail, it is automatically more concerning. You must learn if this action is voluntary. Of course, this is all assuming that your cat is willfully keeping its tail low to the ground. Your cat may be preparing itself for an attack, usually as an act of self-defense. Hunting cats keep their tails low and often swish them from side to side, ahead of pouncing on prey. Just as a high, prominent tail could denote happiness of aggression, the same is true of a low position. Felines like to feel in control of their affairs, so if your cat feels resigned to a life of bullying and misery, it’s no quality of life at all.ĭo not make the mistake of believing that a low tail is always a sign of meekness, though. This will make the cat nervous and worried.Ī low tail can also be a sign that a cat is feeling defeated. If your cat saw you pick up its carrier, it associates this with a trip to the vet. Have you changed your working shift patterns, moved home, or adjusted mealtimes? Change makes cats feel anxious. Your cat may smell a dog outside or be unnerved by loud noises in the distance. Ensure this does not cross the line into bullying.Ĭats have acute senses of scent and hearing. Multi-pet households fall into natural dominant and submissive dynamics. Your cat may be pining for a lost companion or former owner. Common explanations for cats to feel nervous include: Loneliness or Mourning:Ĭats are not as solitary and independent as they appear. Investigate if something is making your cat uncomfortable or uncertain. Like most animals, a nervous cat will keep its tail low. What causes a cat’s tail to go limp? This could be an issue with anxiety or unhappiness or due to physical trauma. Having established why cats lift their tails, we should now look into the opposite behavior. If a cat chooses to lift its tail or, arguably even more importantly, it chooses not to do so. Several of these muscles are used in any movement.įelines do not wag their tails in an excitable frenzy, comparable to canines. As per the Journal of Anatomy, cats have more muscles in and around their tail than almost any other mammal. Tail-lifting is almost always a voluntary action from cats. This is the cat making itself look large and intimidating. If your cat is hungry or wants to play, it will make itself look large so that it can easily be seen.īe mindful of the tail is puffed out. 
This is an invitation to scent happy pheromones. These glands are used to claim territory.Ĭats like to show each other their bottoms. Common reasons for cats to lift their tails include: Elimination:Ĭats are fastidiously clean, so they lift their tails in the litter box when eliminating to avoid staining.Ĭats have scent glands close to the base of their tail. Cats also lift their tails for a range of reasons unconnected to emotions. This is a common position when you return home after a prolonged absence. If the tail is curled like a question mark, the cat is saying hello to you.
Typically, a tail held high and prominently means that the cat is happy and contented. An experienced owner can often detect the mood of their pet through its tail. 5 Will My Cat’s Tail be Amputated? Why Do Cats Lift Their Tails?Ĭats’ tails are among the most expressive parts of feline anatomy.
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