Why Does a Cat’s Tail Tremble?

Cats are fascinating animals that provide their owners with hours of pleasure and enjoyment. Some cat owners enjoy the company of their cat as it sleeps on their lap while they knit or watch TV, while others are entertained by the playful antics of multiple cats as they play fight and wrestle each other to the ground. But have you ever noticed your cat’s tail tremble and wondered just why the tail trembles?

My youngest cat, that is less than 2 years old, is the most sprightly and energetic of all 4 cats. But it was not until just a few months ago that I ever noticed my cat, or any other cat for that matter, perform a movement I had not seen before, and that was when I noticed his tail tremble for the first time. At first, my husband and I could not work out why this was happening. Did it mean our cat was happy? Hungry? Angry? Or frightened? Fortunately, after some detective work and close examination of our cat, I was able to work out why our youngest cat’s tail trembled.

Watch closely and you will soon catch the nuances of your cat’s mood through the way it communicates using its tail. One way in which cats communicate their needs, emotions and desires is through their tail movements. According to Iams.com, a cat’s tail tells a story. While a quivering tail can signify mild irritation (time to put kitty down when he is behaving like this) and a cat that swishes its tail from side to side, does so to gain its balance before pouncing, a cat’s tail that is erect and trembles all over means that the cat is excited.

If you are still concerned about why your cat’s tail trembles, observe the cat and make a note of when this occurs. Does your cat’s tail tremble when you get home from work? Does he do this while you are stroking him? If so, rest assured that your kitty is simply expressing his joy and excitement. But if you suspect that there may be an underlying medical condition such as a broken tail or nerve damage, take the cat to see the vet, who can examine your cat and let you know if there is anything wrong.

Source:

http://www.iams.com/iams/en_US/jsp/IAMS_Page.jsp?pageID=DHP