How do I interpret swishing tail?

[JavierG]

My cat Lola just jumps onto my desk while I am working. She sits on my notebook. I pet her and tail swishes more, but she seems to be seeking me petting her. I thought a swishing tail is annoyance and such. So feel confused

IMG_5460.mov

 

[Caspers Human]

It's not just the swish of the tail but how the tail swishes.

Consider position, speed and style:

1) Position. When the tail is higher, the better the cat's mood. When the tail is down, the more unhappy. Exceptions are the extremes. If the tail is straight up like the stereotypical "witch cat" the cat is feeling aggro. (Highly aggravated.) If the tail is tucked under the cat's butt, that means she's frightened.

2) Speed. Generally, the faster the tail moves the more likely the cat is to be upset. Slow, gentle movements mean relaxed while fast movements mean more stimulated.

3) Style. Does the cat move its tail in long, graceful strokes or short, twitchy jerks? Graceful movements are happier than jerky ones. Also, look to see if the hair on the cat's tail is puffed up. Puffy fur generally means upset or defensive. You know the old saying, cats puff up their fur to make themselves look more intimidating.

Take some examples. At tail that is up in the air but gracefully swishing means a happy cat. The classic "question mark" pose is usually a good sign. A tail that's down to the ground and twitching back and forth means that the cat is upset. If the tail is level with the cat's butt, sticking backward, is often just a cat that's hanging out and chill.

Look for sudden changes, too. If you're petting the cat and she's all "swishy tail" but suddenly starts to twitch, she's probably had enough petting, for now. Best to leave well enough alone!

Our eldest cat, Casper, does this thing where he flicks his tail at you when he's peeved off. If you tell him that he can't do something he wants to do, he'll walk away then stop and look back at you. He'll point his tail in your direction then flick the tip at you before turning his back on you and leaving the room.

Let's say that you're trying to go down to the basement and the cat wants to go with you. Our basement is off limits to cats because that's where we keep all the tools and dangerous stuff. Casper knows he's not allowed down there but you know cats. If you tell them they can't do something, they usually want to do it more.

Anyhow, if you open the basement door to go downstairs, Casper will try to sneak down with you. You'll close the door and tell him, "No!" That's when he'll turn, walk away and flick his tail at you.

It's kind of like his way of giving you the finger!

 

[game misconduct]

it can but every cat is different your just gonna have to figure out what she is trying to tell you

 

[JavierG]

My cat Lola just jumps onto my desk while I am working. She sits on my notebook. I pet her and tail swishes more, but she seems to be seeking me petting her. I thought a swishing tail is annoyance and such. So feel confused

View attachment 460381

Here is the video, I hope
IMG_5460.mov

 

[IndyJones]

Cats will also swish their tail when they are feeling playful. It will usualy be slow but broad swishes may be acpmpanied by a play bow or butt wiggling.

 

[Caspers Human]

it can but every cat is different your just gonna have to figure out what she is trying to tell you

Yup! Every cat is different!

Casper is the only cat I've had that ever flips you off with his tail. Each cat that I've ever had does something different.

 

[Eurocat]

Hi
IMO humble opinion she wants to find out what you‘re doing and what‘s going on and she want your attention- probably to play. This is not a kind of I want to be petted tail swish - this is I‘m thinking of something and want to be occupied swish. Just my interpretation.
Have fun with your beautiful kitty!

 

[daftcat75]

My cat Lola just jumps onto my desk while I am working. She sits on my notebook. I pet her and tail swishes more, but she seems to be seeking me petting her. I thought a swishing tail is annoyance and such. So feel confused

IMG_5460.mov

I called that position between operator and laptop Krista's filling station. Because when she parked in that spot, she wasn't moving on until she got her fill of loving fuss. Ten minutes was usually enough and then she would move on. Lola might be the same way. I think a swishing tail isn't anything to be worried about unless she's pounding it or otherwise making her swishing more aggressive than what you see here.

 

[JavierG]

Thank you all. Good to know it doesn’t always translate to upset or angry. I can see the she may want some attention. When I work from home she tries to find ways to get attention. For example She often inserts herself between me and the back of the office chair when I work from home.

 

[ArtNJ]

You have three screens open! You cant expect your cat to check your spreadsheet for errors, read the news and watch human porn at the same time. Cat is suffering from a serious case of WTH.

A nice fish screen saver and a chess game is about the limit. Three screens is just too much, cat will go blind.

In all seriousness, that is a lot going on. I think the cat was at least mildly interested and that is why you got a bit of tail action. If your just staring at an article and not moving the cursor too often, probably the cat will just climb on your keyboard or lap.

 

[Purr-fect]

Here is the video, I hope
IMG_5460.mov

Looks to me it looks like that's a "hunting" tail. She is watching the screen and looking for motion. Our cat's do this frequently in the yard. When they get really excited, their tail almost vibrates....just before they pounce.

She is just absorbed in the moment and being a cat. Don't touch her during this time.

 

[Purr-fect]

That's a "hunting tail".

She is doing what cats do...it's the predator instinct. She is looking for motion. Don't touch her at this moment.

Our cat's do this outside. When they get really excited, their nails vibrate....then they pounce.