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Why Does Your Cat’s Tail Make a Question Mark?

A grey cat with a curved and raised tail walks along a stone path in the garden near green plants on a hunting trip.
Natalia Polupanova/Shutterstock.com

If you’re a cat owner, you might notice all kinds of movement with your fluffy friend’s tail. From twitching to thrashing to quivering—these motions are signs of “cat language.” So what does it mean when their tail looks like a question mark?

When your cat’s tail resembles this symbol, know that your feline friend is happy and feeling playful.

This might also look like a small hook at the tip of their tail. This sign can be an invitation to play or give them a few happy pets. Let them sniff your hand to see how playful your kitty wants to be.

While it’s tempting to pet the tip of their curling tail, most cats don’t like for their tails to be touched. Gauge their playfulness and pet them on their face or back.

Interactive Cat Toy

Give your playful cat some good exercise with an interactive cat wand.

A cat’s tail is how they communicate with the world. By understanding just a few movements, like a question mark or twitching, you can better understand how they’re feeling and the best way to interact with them.

While a cat’s tail helps us understand its feelings, it still can’t explain everything. It’s also important to watch your feline friend’s behavior and know when you should take your cat to the vet.

Kelsey Opel Kelsey Opel
Kelsey Opel is a freelance writer and digital storyteller based in Austin, Texas. She enjoys writing for food, entertainment and mental health spaces. Off the clock, she loves indulging in an avocado margarita and chips and queso at her favorite Tex-Mex spot in town. Read Full Bio »
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