Tail thumping and swishing: when a cat has had enough

Dogs wag their tails when they are happy. Cats are different: a tail that swishes hard or thumps the floor is usually a sign of annoyance.

Swishing, lashing and thumping

A tail flicking at the tip can simply mean focus, for example when a cat is watching a bird. A tail swinging in wide arcs or thumping the floor, especially while you are petting, usually means the cat is getting irritated. Other signs tend to come with it: skin twitching along the back, ears turning sideways or back, a sudden look at your hand.

Too much petting

Some cats enjoy being stroked for a while, then suddenly bite or swat. This is often called petting-induced aggression, and the tail is one of the earliest warnings. Stopping at the first swish and keeping sessions short usually prevents it.

What to do

Take your hand away and let the cat settle. Don't scold it; it was communicating clearly. Next time, try shorter sessions focused on the cheeks and chin.

Thumps while resting

A cat lying down that thumps its tail once or twice when you say its name is often just acknowledging you without getting up. Look at the whole cat: soft eyes and a loose body mean all is well.