This behaviour of cats is nearly always not something to worry about.
We all know about dog tail wagging, and most pet owners can identify the difference between a pleased twitch and a cautious one. But did you know that cats use their tails to express themselves, too? The cat tail swish, like the dog tail swish, could imply a variety of things, and deciphering their movements requires some understanding of feline behaviour — and your unique kitty. So, why does a cat wag its tail while lying down? We’ll go over the most common causes and explain when you should intervene.
Why does a cat wag its tail while lying down?
If you see your cat lying down and only moving their tail, it’s usually for one of these four reasons.
They experience happiness or playfulness.
You might notice your cat lounging in the sun, but as you approach, they twitch their tail. It is not your imagination. They’re thrilled to see you and eager to play. Assuming you don’t see any signals of aggression (we’ll get to those later), you should approach your cat and pet them or grab their favourite toy to start a game.
It’s hunting time!
We can all visualise a lion pursuing their prey while slowly moving their tail back and forth; your cat does the same. This usually occurs when they are laying on a perch or near a window and can see birds or small mammals in the garden. It’s possible they’ve noticed a fly and are about to pounce. All you have to do here is grab your camera and enjoy your crazy kitty at its best.
They’re stressed.
A stressed cat may typically floof its tail and begin to wag it. Kitties typically puff up their fur to appear larger and more frightening. This motion may be combined with an arched back or a hiss. Alternatively, tail thumping might result from overstimulation. You’ll quickly recognise which gestures suggest anxiety and which indicate enjoyment.
They are dreaming.
Sometimes you’ll see your mouse twitch their tail while napping. It could be caused by a simple muscle spasm, similar to those experienced while sleeping. Furthermore, your sleepy kitty may be faking it. They may appear to be asleep, but they are simply relaxing and waiting for you to arrive.
The tail twitch is rarely a cause for concern. You’ll rapidly learn your animal and comprehend all of its peculiar behaviours. Because their tail swish frequently indicates a positive outcome, you may be confident that it is nearly never a sign of discomfort. However, when a pet is in discomfort, he or she will rarely wag their tail. If you believe that is the case, contact your veterinarian to discuss further.