Experienced and professional animal trainer provide their insights in answering this question :
A. Our feline friends express themselves in many different ways, including through the use of their tails. Most pet owners pay close attention to a happy or excited dog, but they are sometimes less attentive to the posture and movement of their cat. Here are some of the most common cat tail behaviors, and the underlying emotion behind each action:

A flicking tail: Many anxious, nervous or stressed cats will hold their tail in a low position and flick it quickly back and forth. This is often referred to as angry tail, and a pet owner or veterinarian should be on guard for any possible aggressive or defensive activity. If a cat is moving their tail slowly, and not exhibiting the flicking motion, then this cat is at a much calmer state.

Vertical position: Most of the time when a cat is holding their tail in a straight, vertical position this is indicating curiosity and a playful mood. A cat chasing after a laser pointer or playing toys will often have their tails in a vertical position showing their enjoyment. This position also helps with balanced movements. In contrast, if the tail is in the vertical position and the cat’s back is arched with pinned back ears then this could demonstrate a feeling of being threatened and thus result in defensive or aggressive behaviors.

The Tucked Tail: Similar to a dog, a tucked tail often indicates submission or fear. Your cat is conveying upset feelings and should most likely be left alone. This tucked tail appearance can also make a cat look smaller and less threatening to an aggressive cat.

The Tail Twine: Cats will often hook their tail around another cat’s tail, owner’s legs or other objects to show a friendly and affectionate nature. They are also trying to indicate whether they want to receive affection from their owners, be fed or have playtime.

The next time you are home with your feline companion take note on how they express themselves through their tail movements, their ears, body posture and vocalization. You can start to better understand their needs and wants, in addition to what makes them uncomfortable or happy. Cats will surprise you with their array of emotions and varied expressions they can express.

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A whipping tale on an alert cat can mean nervousness, potential aggression, and “Do not touch!” says Siracusa. On a calm cat a straight-up tail with a hooked tip is a friendly greeting, while an aggressive cat may just have its tail straight up.
Many of the cat`s tail down positions signal defensiveness or submission. A tail carried all the way down may mean that a cat is feeling defensive and aggressive behavior might follow. A tail tucked all the way down and curled beneath the cat`s body signals fear or submission.
Cats Wag Their Tails When They`re Happy and Confident

When your cat is feeling happy and confident, she`ll walk around your home with her tail held high, pointing straight to the sky. Sometimes she`ll also slightly curve the tip of her tail and even twitch or wag it softly.

Cats Wag Their Tails When They`re Feeling Secure

If you`re petting your cat and they acknowledge you by moving their tail a bit or your cat is wagging their tail while they are purring, they`re feeling secure. This is a good sign you`re free to keep petting your beloved cat and showing them that you care.

In general, a cat that`s walking around with its tail held high is happier and in a better mood than one with a low tail. If your cat approaches you with their tail held straight up – sometimes paired with a prancing walk or happy meows – they`re in a good mood and may be looking for attention.
When your cat is approaching you, someone else, or another animal and is holding her tail straight up, it means that she is open and even a bit happy to meet you or this person or other animal. If her tail is quivering, it may mean that she is is excited to see you or whomever she is encountering.
There can be a few reasons for this positive display: It gets the good spot even closer to your hand (many cats like being petted right at the end of their tails) It raises the nerve endings to increase the pleasurable feeling even more. It increases pressure and enhances the petting session.
Cats wag their tail when they`re excited: the quiver

They use this cat tail language to signal to you or other cats that they`re ready for interaction and will usually purr, rub their face on you and sometimes might also meow happily.

Tail: Most cats don`t particularly like to be petted on the tail. And for what it`s worth, a cat`s tail is a good measuring stick for how stimulated (read: agitated) she`s becoming as a result of your petting. The more it starts to move, the sooner you should keep your hands to yourself.
Your cat stares at you as a way to communicate with you. Your cat may be telling you it`s hungry, scared or simply observing you. The best thing you can do is take in your cat`s body language as a whole instead of just the staring.
Tail Wrapped Around You: Touching you with the tail or wrapping it around you is one way your furry friend expresses affection, relaxation, and love. It`s the perfect opportunity for petting your cat and having a play and bonding time.
This is another friendly gesture that a cat may do when seeking attention or cuddling with a human friend. Flicking: If your cat is flicking its tail back and forth, particularly in a rigid way, there`s a good chance she`s upset or frightened—or stalking prey.
According to a study done by the nutrition company, Canadae, they discovered that the person who makes the most effort is the favorite. People who communicate with their cat by getting to know their cues and motives are more attractive to their cat companions.
Cats can be loveable, friendly pets — but sometimes they might not like you very much. If your cat has a lowered or puffed-up tail, it could mean they are afraid or uncomfortable. Cats might also bite you or hiss at you if they aren`t your biggest fan.
Your cat may quiver their tail when they are especially excited to see you or another cat. Sometimes, when a cat quivers his tail while holding it straight up and backing up against a vertical surface, they may be urine marking.
Cats slap their tails against people to show affection, irritation or because they want attention. Understanding what your cat is saying through their tail wags will ensure your cat gets the care that they need and will also make your bond so much stronger.
But why do cats like getting their cheek and chin scratched? Well, cats live scent-driven lives. And it turns out, their favourite places to be stroked releases a lot of scents called pheromones—we just can`t smell them. Scratching a cat`s cheek or chin causes your scent to mix with theirs, making them even happier.
Some cats may appreciate—and thus try to get the most of—petting, light fingertip massage, or brushing on their lower backs since that`s a difficult area to reach when grooming. The lifting action helps cats spread their scents from their anal sacs, just inside the rectum, onto “petters.”
Apart from showing love and affection, it may also be because cats feel safe when their owners are close by or are curious about where you`re going or what you`re doing while also acting on their instincts.
Cats typically don`t like being petted on their tummy, legs/feet, or tail. Of course, there are always outliers—some cats will love every bit of affection, no matter where they`re touched or who`s doing it. But generally, you shouldn`t pet a cat you don`t know on their stomach or extremities.
It is a very important and sensitive part of their body. However, if your cat lets you touch its paws, it means that they love and trust you. This small action truly demonstrates that you have created a great bond with your cat as they trust you enough to let you touch one of the most sensitive areas of their body.
If your cat is busy doing something else, like eating, sleeping or playing they are unlikely to appreciate being touched, or fussed. The same goes for if they`re hiding, or in one of their quiet places. If your cat appears scared, or in pain you should generally try and avoid touching them.

Relevant Questions and Answers :

the most relevant questions and answers related to your specific issue

Q. How should I interpret my cat’s tail movements?
ANSWER : A. Our feline friends express themselves in many different ways, including through the use of their tails. Most pet owners pay close attention to a happy or excited dog, but they are sometimes less attentive to the posture and movement of their cat. Here are some of the most common cat tail behaviors, and the underlying emotion behind each action:

A flicking tail: Many anxious, nervous or stressed cats will hold their tail in a low position and flick it quickly back and forth. This is often referred to as angry tail, and a pet owner or veterinarian should be on guard for any possible aggressive or defensive activity. If a cat is moving their tail slowly, and not exhibiting the flicking motion, then this cat is at a much calmer state.

Vertical position: Most of the time when a cat is holding their tail in a straight, vertical position this is indicating curiosity and a playful mood. A cat chasing after a laser pointer or playing toys will often have their tails in a vertical position showing their enjoyment. This position also helps with balanced movements. In contrast, if the tail is in the vertical position and the cat’s back is arched with pinned back ears then this could demonstrate a feeling of being threatened and thus result in defensive or aggressive behaviors.

The Tucked Tail: Similar to a dog, a tucked tail often indicates submission or fear. Your cat is conveying upset feelings and should most likely be left alone. This tucked tail appearance can also make a cat look smaller and less threatening to an aggressive cat.

The Tail Twine: Cats will often hook their tail around another cat’s tail, owner’s legs or other objects to show a friendly and affectionate nature. They are also trying to indicate whether they want to receive affection from their owners, be fed or have playtime.

The next time you are home with your feline companion take note on how they express themselves through their tail movements, their ears, body posture and vocalization. You can start to better understand their needs and wants, in addition to what makes them uncomfortable or happy. Cats will surprise you with their array of emotions and varied expressions they can express.

Q. What should I do with a constipated dog?
ANSWER : A. Constipation can be tricky to deal with, and attempting to find the cause of the constipation can help with long-term relief. It is also good to figure out if your dog is truly constipated (no bowel movements) or if he is instead straining after an episode of a bowel movement (either solid or diarrhea). Dogs that are straining after a bowel movement can appear as if they are constipated, but instead may be having something else going on.

If your dog is constipated, adding in some fiber such as a little pureed pumpkin, or a probiotic such as plain yogurt to meals can help to make the stools easier to pass. However, if there is a stool piece that is currently stuck or lodged, preventing remaining stool from passing, it may need to be removed by your veterinarian before bowel habits can return to normal. Diet changes may also help if digestive issues or a food allergy are causing chronic constipation.

If your dog does not have a bowel movement at all for a few days, or the stools do not improve with an increase in water or supplementation, then it is best to contact your vet for an appointment. Your vet can checkfor any signs of foreign bodies blocking stool, and may also recommend performing an enema to remove any stuck or impacted stools so the body can return to normal.

Q. My cat has always held his tail straight up with a small hook at the top. Now he cannot hold his tail up. It turns down a short distance from body
ANSWER : A. It can be connected with tail or spine injury. See your vet to check it. You can also palpete the tail for signs of pain and injury.

Q. She is whining about, and protecting the midsection of her tail, as if it is injured. Maybe slight swelling, but see no outward cause. Her age 2 yrs
ANSWER : A. Breaks or injuries to the tail may not cause much swelling so it is very likely the tail could be injured without being visibly apparent. It is best to bring your dog into the vet for an exam and X-ray of the tail especially if she is painful or protective of it.

Q. My cats tail is in a arched position with no movement. Eats well, but has trouble jumping
ANSWER : A. An arched tail and difficulty jumping would indicate a source of pain and discomfort, probably in hips/pelvis or possibly rectum/bladder. Monitor his ability to use litter tray closely as a blockage could be present, Another common source is a cat bite on hip or tail. I would recommend getting s full examination and treatment for source of pain, as an emergency if his bowels or bladder are not functioning normally

Q. What is the disease that affects vertebra on Boxer dogs?
ANSWER : A. There are lots of problems with the back that can go wrong , however one common one is Intervertebral Disk Disease (IVD). This involves a gradual degeneration of the pads between vertebrae that are used to help pad impact and protect the nerves inside the spinal cord. This can cause pain, trouble walking, paralysis and more. Many other back problems can include Wobbler’s Syndrome- a problem where the neck and back meet, or even just plain injury to the back itself. Boxers that have docked tails may also have nerve issues in the cauda equina- a group of nerves that meet at the base of the back and tail and are important in proper function of the lower organs, tail and legs.

Q. My cocker spaniel is 9 years old. He has involuntary bowel movements (little drops) very frequently, especially when he is asleep.
ANSWER : A. Is your dog on a senior dog food? I would get your dog on a high quality high protien dog food. Ask a pet store assosicate or your regular vet for a food recommendation. When you buy a better food the dog will have to eat less to get the same amount of energy from the food. The dog has to eat more of the cheaper foods to get the energy it needs from it. Meaning more poop and buying more food. So the cost really evens out. So the lessen your dogs bowel movements get on a better senior dog food. Next talk to your vet they may have a recommendation. If you switch dogs do it slowly by mixing the foods. Start with 10% new 90% old mixed for at least a week until you have switched to 100% new 0% old. Senior foods have more fiber to help with bowel movements. Take the dog outside to go potty more frequently, right before bed time.

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Q. My pet rats tail is purple from her tail getting cought in the cage and now she licks it’s and she cries out in pain
ANSWER : A. You need to have this looked at by a vet right away. The tail could be broken and is likely very painful. It could also become infected and the licking will only worsen the infection. If the infection reaches the blood stream, then your rat will become septic and that is a very dangerous situation. Please seek veterinary attention as soon as possible.