Cats' Tails Tell No Lies

[SoDesuKa]

When Otis is looking out the window there's no way to hide what he's looking at. Nothing says Bird like a swishing tail. It got me wondering why cats would even have tails, if they interfere with hunting.

Then it dawned on me. It doesn't interfere with his hunting; it acts as a displacement for nervous energy, enabling him to keep his head very still and focus on an opportunity to pounce. The movement of his tail is usually quite subtle, and away from the prey. At least, that's my explanation.

Cats' tails usually give away their real moods in their interaction with humans. If you pet a cat who really would rather be left alone, the tail tells the tale. It curls one way, then the other in a slow sinuous movement. A thoughtful human companion makes allowances for the cat's true feelings.