Feline Communication 29
The whiskers are relaxed or might also be held slightly forward during positive
encounters but are more likely to be held back against the face when fearful or at
times of physical conflict.
The tail
A vertical raised tail, known as a ‘tail-up’ signal, is a distance-decreasing signal. It is
usually a friendly greeting that often precedes allorubbing and sniffing (Fig. 3.5).
Cameron-Beaumont (1997) found that cats would unhesitatingly approach a cat-
shaped silhouette if the silhouette had a raised tail but were much less likely to
approach a similar silhouette with a lowered or half-lowered tail.
Twitching the end of the tail is indicative of increased ‘interest’ and arousal rather
than any specific mood state. This may be seen during play, when hunting, as well as
when feeling frustrated, cautious or mildly irritated. More definite tail movements,
however, such as swishing, slapping the tail on the ground while lying or sitting down,
are a more definite sign of annoyance, frustration or feeling threatened and can often
precede or accompany aggressive behaviour.
The ‘bottle-brush’ tail is part of a whole-body signal in response to a perceived
threat and is a result of the hairs standing on end (piloerection) (Fig. 3.6).
Fig. 3.4. A tongue flick can
be a sign of emotional conflict.Fig. 3.3. A slow eye-blink, or half-closed eyes
can be a signal of contentment and relaxation.