Cats puff their tails to signal emotion. It’s technically called piloerection! Cats use body language to communicate with each other and with us. Puffed tails mean a variety of things in the cat language.
They’re not always a signal that your cat is scared or upset. It can also indicate anger or that your cat is feeling a bit chilly. And when combined with exuberant springs, your cat is having so much fun that it can’t contain itself. Read on for the four reasons why your cat is puffing their tail.
The 4 Reasons Why Cats Puff Their Tails
1. Anger
Cats often puff out their tails when they’re angry and getting ready to attack. A common feline survival strategy is trying to appear as large as possible to dissuade potential attackers. Angry cats often crouch down close to the ground and lay their ears sharply back. Some cats whack their tails when extremely agitated.
And it’s relatively common for angry cats to have raised hair along the ridge of their back. Some cats will shadow you or hiss if they’ve completely reached their limit. Most cats prefer to bluff their way out of confrontations.
They’ll often assertively swat their paws to try and get the threat to move back. These displays of feline anger don’t always lead to aggressive behavior. Feline signs of anger are designed to scare threats into backing down and going away. Most cats will calm themselves if the stressor is removed.
2. Fright
Startled or scared cats commonly arch their backs and puff out their tails to appear larger to dissuade attacks. Fearful cats often jump back and curl themselves into a question mark shape. Some lay back their ears when startled, and others hiss in a warning.
Most calm down quickly once they’ve recovered from the shock and feel safe again. Coming too close or touching a scared cat can be dangerous, as scared cats are inclined to attack when they feel unsafe and cornered. In fact, fearful cats often attack proactively out of a defensive instinct.
It’s why injured cats frequently become aggressive the minute a veterinarian comes near them. The best way to calm a frightened cat is to stay out of its way. Give them plenty of time and space to decompress, and your cat will return to normal in a bit.
3. Fun
Some cats, particularly younger ones, will puff out their tails in moments of exuberance. It’s often seen along with pounding, springing, and enthusiastic yet pointless running about. And there’s nothing to worry about if your cat suddenly starts bouncing around with a puffed-up tail during a play session; it’s not a sign of aggression but rather an indication of just how much your buddy is enjoying themselves.
The phenomenon is more common in younger cats. Ensuring your cat gets enough mental stimulation is key to maintaining your cat’s mental health. And a good play session is a great way for cats to get a bit of exercise and blow off some steam.
Most veterinarians recommend that cats get at least four 10-minute play sessions per day. A few interactive toys like food puzzles can go a long way to keep your cat mentally engaged.
4. Cold
Cats love warmth; it’s why they love to hang out in front of radiators and snuggle up in your lap. Healthy cats have body temperatures somewhere between 100.5°F and 102.5°F. They’re happiest when the room temperature is between 86°F and 97°F.
But during the winter, most homes in North America are heated to much lower temperatures, often 68°F, which is too low for feline comfort. Cats will often puff out all their fur, including their tails, if they’re cold and trying to warm up.
If you suspect your thermostat is turned too low for your cat, there are several things you can do to improve your pet’s comfort without breaking the bank. Self-warming beds and homemade pet-bed warmers are inexpensive ways to remove some of the chill. Microwaveable heating pads also go a long way toward creating a comfortable environment for cats when the mercury drops.
Conclusion
Cats often puff out their tails when they’re scared or angry. But those aren’t the only reasons. They’ll also puff up their tails when cold to retain warmth. And the puffy tail hop that some cats break into when truly beyond themselves with cat joy is one of the most adorable things you’ll ever see.
Excited or angry cats aren’t terribly likely to become aggressive. Scared cats are only likely to launch attacks when they feel cornered and threatened. Frightened cats are best avoided until they recover their composure and feel safe again.
Featured Image Credit: Samokhina Anna, Shutterstock
