What it means when a cat holds its tail up

When a cat trots toward you with its tail held straight up like a flagpole, it is saying hello in the friendliest way it knows.

A greeting between friends

Cats raise their tails when approaching cats they get along with, and a head rub or a nose touch often follows. Research on free-roaming cats suggests the raised tail works as a signal that the cat intends a friendly approach.

Reading the tip

A raised tail with a slight hook or curl at the tip is often read as extra friendliness or playfulness. A tail that is up but puffed out is different: with an arched back, it means the cat is frightened and ready to defend itself.

When the tail drops

A tail held low or tucked under the body usually signals worry. Give that cat space and let it come back to you when it is ready.

Other tail positions

A tail wrapped neatly around the paws usually belongs to a calm, settled cat. A tail held level behind a walking cat is neutral: the cat is simply on its way somewhere.