Why Do Cats Wag Their Tails While Purring – 10 Reasons

Tail wagging is often seen in dogs, not cats. However, you may have noticed your cat’s tail wagging while you pet it, and they’re normally purring while their tail is wagging. Why do they do that? Why do cats wag their tail while purring?

When you see your cat wagging their tail while you pet them, and they’re purring along with it, it simply means your cat feels secure. Therefore, your pet wagging its tail while it purrs implies that the cat feels secure and safe with you and that they’re enjoying it. If you notice this behavior, you can continue doing whatever you’re doing because you’ve made your cat incredibly happy, and it is enthusiastic with the petting. 

Safety and happiness are not the only reasons cats wag their tails. Cats are very expressive with their tails, so they not only show happiness through their tails but even anger and fear. To answer other questions you may have, including what tail motions correspond to what emotion, continue reading. 

Why is my cat wagging its tail, and what does it mean?

Your cat may do different kinds of tail wagging to show their emotions. The following is a list of different ways your cat wags their tail and what it means:

1. Quick Flick

The quick flick is when your cat flicks its tail quickly, which usually means your cat is irritated, and you should stop what you’re doing to it or leave it alone for the time being. You’ll see this tail flick at the vet or when your cat is uncomfortable, such as in a loud or undesirable environment. 

2. Low Wagging

A low level and cautious tail wag indicates that your cat is frightened. You may also notice their ears pinned back due to them being frightened. Do your best to remove whatever is scaring your cat from the environment to allow your cat to relax and be happy.

3. Swishing Slowly

Slow tail movements from left to right indicate anger. If you are petting your cat or something has angered your cat, you’ll notice this kind of tail motion. If you see your cat has slow tail movements like this, it is best to leave your cat alone so it can calm down.

4. Swishing Quickly

Quick swishing from side to side of the tail indicates your cat is playful and happy; this often gets mistaken as the angry tail-flick due to its similarity in appearance. However, the quicker the tail, the more playful your cat is. If your cat is making quick swishing tail motions, continue playing with it as it is enjoying playing with you.

5. Twitching Quickly

Twitching quickly indicates that your cat is focused. You’ll often notice this while your cat is “hunting” one of its toys, or even you. Use a focus-driven toy to stimulate your cats, such as a laser pointer, or a toy it will have to chase, such as the electric mice. The round cat toys with the bells inside may also work for this.

6. Tail Wiggle

When your cat’s tail seems to do a wiggle, it means they’re excited to see you! Your cat will run to you with its tail high and moving like a rattlesnake. Be very honored that your cat loves you so much!

7. Tail Wrapping

I’m sure you’ve had moments where your cat has come over to you, and their tail effortlessly wraps around your arm, hand, or even neck. Consider this to be a hug as it is one of the ways cats show their humans affection, including their signature head butt, which also means affection.

8. Poofy Tail

When the hair on your cat’s tail poofs, they feel they are in danger. Remove them from the dangerous environment immediately and calm them.

9. Sleeping Tail Twitches 

All cat owners know the sleeping tail twitch; it happens when you talk to or pet your cat while they’re asleep, and it means that they know you’re there with them but feel safe enough around you to continue sleeping. Feel proud as a cat owner when this happens because it means you have a special bond with your cat.

10. Laying Down With Swaying Tail

If your cat is lying down with a swaying tail, it could mean they’re feeling unwell. If this is followed by refusing to eat and hiding, make an appointment with your vet to get your cat back in good health. 

Is it bad if my cat is wagging its tail?

No, it is not bad if your cat is wagging its tail. Although more noticeable than dogs, cats also express their emotions through their tails. Your cat can show happiness, anger, frustration, and more all through its tail. Keep an eye out for the type of wag to determine how your cat is feeling.

How do cats have control of their tails?

The tail motion is almost instinctively. Compare a cat’s tail wagging to how we as humans blink our eyes. We do it without noticing. However, when the environment changes (becomes dryer, windier, etc.), we may blink more or less often without realizing it to conform to the new environment. Like blinking in humans, cats also flick their tails instinctively, and, depending on their environment, they have different types of tail wags. For example, when a cat is in playful hunting mode, you’ll notice your cat’s butt wiggles in the air, and its tail will quickly twitch to show they’re focused on the object (or person) it’s about to pounce on and play with.

Conclusion

Cats express themselves through their tails. You’ll need to learn the many different wags and what they mean to determine your cat’s mood. If your cat is wagging its tail while it is purring, it simply means it is relaxed and calm, and you should continue petting it (or let it continue doing whatever it was doing). Whereas if your cat is swishing slowly from side to side and looks angry, it may be because it is. It is best to stop doing whatever made the cat angry and leave it alone.