Tail up or tail down?

[ruby6689]

Just wondering if anyone can shed some light on the difference between a cat carrying their tail up or down?

My long haired cat Mittens always runs/ walks with her tail up and my oriental cross of questionable parentage always has his tail down. It is a very long tail and he holds it just off the ground.

I have never noticed this difference in my cats before. Is it normal?

 

[Ms. Freya]

I know in some cats it indicates their confidence level - up is confident, down, not so much.

Personally, I've found it just seems to depend on the cat's build/personality - some seem prefer to hold their tails up, some keep them lower. I've found my short-haired mix holds his tail up, but the two longer haired cats keep their tails lower.

 

[ruby6689]

Thanks Ms. Freya good funny how it's the opposite way round with you. I wondered if Mittens held her's up so she wouldn't get it dirty.

Eddie certainly doesn't lack confidence so I guess all is ok.

 

[tobilei]

My domestic almost always has her tail up in the air. My Maine Coon on the other hand rarely puts his up (but he can) and carry's it almost dragging on the floor behind him. I assumed it was because his tail was heavy.