Cat's Tail Holds Surprising Facial Nerve Mystery!
You might not be aware that cats' "facial paralysis" is due to the fact that feline facial muscles are much less developed compared to dogs and humans, which is why they often seem expressionless.
This can lead to a situation where a cat might appear to be happily playing one moment, only to suddenly launch an attack the next, or to be calmly sitting one moment, and then suddenly dart away like a streak of lightning the next.
Cats' "facial paralysis" makes many of their behaviors seem unpredictable and mysterious.
But while it may seem like someone has closed a door to observing a kitten's emotions, they haven't forgotten to open a window.
While you can't judge a kitten's mood from its facial expressions, you can still discern its current emotions through its behavior.
The Language of a Cat's Tail
1. The Tail Arched and Puffed Up
When a cat is angry, startled, or senses a threat, it will stand on its hind legs with its fur standing on end, particularly around the back and tail, which we refer to as "puffing up" or "fluffing up".
This is a selfdefense mechanism for the cat, using its fluffy fur to appear larger than it actually is, to intimidate the enemy.
Some cats may puff up in response to loud noises from large appliances at home.
2. The Tail Held Vertically Close to the Body, Slightly Clasped Between the Legs
When a cat encounters a threat, it may puff up to confuse the enemy.
However, when it realizes it cannot defeat the enemy and cannot escape, it will give up its "showoff" and instead resort to "flirtation", cowering down to appear smaller.
In this case, the cat will usually tuck its tail between its legs to shrink itself and show submission to the opponent.
When we see a cat tucking its tail between its legs, it indicates that the cat is extremely scared and lacks security.
At times, when a cat is picked up in an awkward position, it may tuck its tail to cover its abdomen. In such cases, please change the position to one that makes the cat feel more secure, such as supporting the cat's hind legs and bottom with your hand.
3. The Tail Stiff and Trembling
When humans are excited, they often tremble involuntarily, and cats are the same.
When a cat sees its favorite food or toy, or when it encounters something interesting, it will tremble with excitement, causing the tail to shake rapidly.
At the same time, a cat in an excited state may also have dilated pupils, sudden concentration, and whiskers standing up.
4. The Tail Swinging Back and Forth
According to the habits of dogs, the faster the tail wags, the happier the dog is.
However, cats are the opposite. When a cat swings its tail, it conveys the message: "I'm烦躁!"
Cats swing their tails to express inner unease and anxiety. As this emotion intensifies, the tail will swing more forcefully and rapidly.
At times, the cat may even use its tail like a whip, slapping it heavily on the ground. This can sometimes be seen in documentaries about lions.
If a cat suddenly starts to swing its tail during play, it may be signaling that it doesn't want to play anymore. It's advisable to let the cat be alone for a while, otherwise, you might end up with a "Dragon's Eighteen Scratches"!
5. The Tail Curled Up Slightly
Cats' tails held high indicate a good mood, and when the tip is curled up, it signifies an even better mood!
When owners come home, they often see their cats' tails standing straight and the tips curled into a hook as they greet them.
In addition, when cats are faced with beloved toys and treats, they may also display "happy tails", sometimes accompanied by slight tremors, expressing deep affection.
6. The Tail Held High
When a cat holds its tail high, showing its anal and reproductive areas, it indicates a very confident and joyful mood.
This behavior originates from a cat's kittenhood, where the mother cat licks the kitten's anal and urinary areas to stimulate defecation.
Although cats no longer need such help as adults, they still lower their defenses in the presence of loved ones or trusted individuals, performing this action.
Therefore, when cat owners see their cats walking towards them with their tails held high, the cat is silently declaring its love!
7. The Tail Swinging Gently
Many cat owners believe that cats do not respond to calls like dogs do.
However, in fact, while cats may not always respond warmly to calls, they do respond through the gentle swaying of their tails: "I heard you, what's up?"
If the owner calls too frequently, the cat may sometimes ignore the call, but if you see your cat's tail gently swaying, don't be disappointed that your calls of love have gone unanswered.