Tails...

[Purple_Popple]

Do cats wag their tails like a dog does when they are content and happy ? I know dogs also do it if they are scared/nervous but mostly when they are being made a fuss of etc...my friends cat seems to 'wag' his tail at me everytime i speak his name or say something in a friendly tone to him...

[scotman]

I always used it think it was the opposite of dogs and that cats were annoyed if they wagged.

[saxy_jag]

Never seen a happy cat wag it's tail - only when they've been distinctly annoyed and/or ready to attack. They usually purr.

[237SJ]

I don`t know whether is it a sign on contentment but yes, cats respond by moving their tails when you speak to them. My mum`s cat waves her tail when she is started to get a bit mad with me (if she`s had enough of playing for example)

[Purple_Popple]

He is a very friendly cat, loves human interaction, and is always purring...but just seems to lightly sway his tail very slowly from side to side each time you say his name softly, or something in a nice tone of voice...his tail is always upright with the tip turned over which is a sign of being friendly and approachable....

[wolf63]

They do communicate with their tails. Thrashing it from side to side is usually a really bad sign. As saxy_jag says - a thrashing tail is a sign of a really unhappy cat.

[ummmm]

If you say my cats name quite loudly when he's asleep he thrashes his tail. I take that to mean 'SHUT UP'

My he does move his tail about when contented....like when he's sunbathing in the garden.

[woofgang]

like cats though dogs do a slow stiff wag for stress and a more relaxed wavy wag for happy.

[wolf63]

I didn't know that cats could growl until I got one. He was your classic grumpy old man.

[Purple_Popple]

Yes I know when a cat 'thrashes' his tail means he's either had enough stroking or isnt generally happy with you and a warning to leave him alone, but its not thrashing its a gently sway from side to side, only once each time you talk to him...

[ummmm]

I didn't realise cats could be so bloody fussy until I got this one....and moany.

[wolf63]

My little boy does that PP - it usually means that he is pretty happy and content.

I find understanding cat language difficult. This could explain why my body is covered in wounds.

[sophie_1003]

I think more gentle wagging means uncertainty or indecision with cats.

[Lisa_Louise]

PP... My cat does that.... When you talk to her in the tone she likes she blinks slowly and gently waves her tail whilst walking towards me.. she then purrs and wraps herself around me!! So long as their tail isn't thrashing then they are generally happy :o)