File :-(, x, )
Anonymous
Hey /an/, what does it mean when a cat thumps their tail? I've heard and read a bunch of different things, ranging from anger to impatience to happiness.

And actually, while we're on the subject of body language, what do different ear signals mean?

See, my boyfriend's got cats, and I've never been around them extensively, so I don't know when I'm pissing them off or not and I'd rather not find out via claws. Two of the tend to thump their tails a lot when I'm petting them so I usually back off in case they're on the verge of not having it. I'm moving in with him soon, so it'd be great to have some advice. Help me out, /an/!

Pic is of one of his cats.
>> Anonymous
flicking or twitching tails generally is a sign a cat is pissed, or irritated. They can of course also do this, maybe, when very interested in some kind of prey; but as a general rule a flicking tail means an irate cat, and you need to back off. Obviously pressed-back ears also = angry. Whiskers facing forwards also means this.
For cats, I strongly don't suggest going up and petting them if they're even slightly apprehensive to you. As a rule, you're better off ignoring them and letting them investigate you on their own. I know my friend kept trying to pet/play with my cat, and now the thing hates her (not in an attacking way, just in an irritated, silent rage way).
Just go on with your day and don't pay them any particular mind or force your company on them.
>> Anonymous
A cat thumping their tail = Stop whatever the fuck you're doing.

>>297087
Yep, cat's aren't like dogs where you can pet/carry/play with them whenever you please. You ignore the cat, the cat comes to you.
>> Anonymous
The tail thumping is a warning. Cats communicate through their tail signals a lot more than other animals considering it's so flexible.

When it thumps, she is saying "Stop, or I'm going to hurt you." I know, because my cat of 8 years has very distinct tail signals, and I know when she's going to attack me when we're playing because she does that right before, or if I'm irritating her she'll thump it a couple of times.

A flicking tail, from side to side, is usually excitment. It's like telling their cubs to watch closely on whatever it is she's fixated on before she attacks. Flicking tails are usually only seen when cats play with eachother, or are hunting. It doesn't mean she hates you, but if you don't want to be played with in a cat-fashion, leave her alone at that point.

When the tail is elevated and slightly twitching at the end if she's checking something out, she's telling you to stay where you are until the coast is clear.

Keep in mind since cats are solitary creatures, the mother is usually the only caretaker, thus females are usually more "vocal" with their tails. Because their kittens are always behind them, and that is her way of telling them whats going on without being distracted and loosing sight of potential food.

Ear communication is a little more vague, but there are obvious signs.

Ears back and flat is an obvious "Fuck off, NOW", especially if accompanied by the tail thump.
Ears twisted back slightly is usually annoyance, or else they're listening to something behind them.
Ears normal, like in the picture, are a relaxed and happy cat.
Ears perked way up and forward means she's heard something curious and is going to check it out.

Like humans, cats have slight facial expressions too. When they're angry, they look angry. Eyes usually narrow a little when they get pissed.
>> Anonymous
And..
I agree with letting her check you out. Just ignore her and let her do her thing until she's comfortable with you. Cats are extremely territorial about not only their home, but the people in it. Cats believe they own us, not the other way around. Every time kitty rubs on you and nuzzles you, she's claiming you with her scent glands, but we can't smell it.

So just leave the cat alone until she actually comes up to you on her own, and at that point you can simply hold out your hand for her to smell. If she rubs against it, then you've made a new friend. <3
>> Anonymous
cats are so tsundere <3
>> Anonymous
interestingly my cat is the opposite. if you're petting her and she's not thumping her tail she's about to try and eat your face, but if she's thumping her tail as hard as possible you're completely safe lol.

I suppose there is an exception to every rule, but with all animals you are best off letting them come to you and not going to them.
>> Anonymous
>>297663
Of course, not all cats follow that rule, as all cats are different and some have never seen their mothers do it, so they don't know how, either.
Then theres just a few who don't.

Males don't do it as much, either.
>> Anonymous
     File :-(, x)
my cat(pic related), he's about 8, twitches his tail. it thunks on the bed and sometimes he beats your face/arm/legs/whatever he can reach w/ his tail. he does it all the time, mostly when he's happy, but everyone once in a rare while it's when he's upset, but other signs come w/ the upset. he's the only cat i've known to do the tail beating on a regular basis.... i agree that all cats are diff but if your b/f says it's just one of the cats traits then don't worry.
>> Anonymous
>>298420
That cat is fucking adorable. I love black and white cats.
>> Anonymous
     File :-(, x)
>>298423
why thank you. that's perseus, he's camera shy so i don't have a whole lot of pix of him