Cat Tail Shaking: Is it an Emergency?

The tail is an important part of your cat’s body, and it serves a number of purposes. As well as providing balance and acting as a source of warmth when wrapped up close to the body, it is also a vessel for communication- both to cats around them and to you.

Tail shaking can be normal in certain scenarios, but it may also indicate that there is a problem. Assessing your cat’s tail movement can be a learned skill, and it is always best to consider it in conjunction with the overall picture, i.e., their general movements and behaviour.

What Does Tail Shaking Mean in Cats?

Movement in the tail is to be expected, and the trick is in determining what type of movement it is and what is causing it.

How Cats Communicate With Their Tails

A big part of a feline's body language is its tail. Every owner should know that a tucked-up tail indicates a worried cat, while one that is whipping rhythmically belongs to a cat that is furious.

Tail Shaking vs Wagging, Twitching and Vibrating

A shake is quite an uncontrolled movement. If you think about how their body shakes when shivering, this is quite different to a voluntary tail wag, for example.

Twitching is usually used to refer to a slight movement of the tip of the tail. Vibrating is more of a quiver, and the tail tends to be standing tall.

What Are Normal Reasons Your Cat’s Tail Shakes?

Cats' tails are not meant to be still! They will move and shake for many reasons.

Excitement and Greeting Behaviour

Cats can show excitement in different ways, but you may notice a quiver in the tail when your cat is really happy or pleased.

Focused Tail Movements During Play or Hunting

There can be a more controlled type of tail movement when your cat is ‘stalking’ a prey toy or hunting a bird outside.

You might see some focused swishing as they concentrate and a sudden ‘snap’ of the tail when they run forward.

Territory Marking and Spraying Posture

While we see this more in castrated males, any cat can spray, even females.

As they attempt to spray small traces of urine around to spread their scent and pheromones, their tail can stand up tall and quiver rapidly. Some cats also paddle their feet.

Tail Movements While Sleeping or Dreaming

During REM sleep, when a cat is dreaming, any part of their body can move. Movements are often jerky or twitchy.

They may move their face, limbs or even their tail as they act out whatever it is they are dreaming about.

When Can Cat Tail Shaking Be a Problem?

More often than not, tail shaking is just normal kitty behaviour. However, there can be occasions when there is more afoot.

Tail Shaking as a Sign of Pain or Discomfort

A sudden and urgent tail shaking, especially if unexplained, could indicate that your cat is in pain.

This can happen, for example, if they just caught their tail in the door or if they have been bitten on their tail or back by another cat.

Stress, Fear and Aggression-Related Tail Movements

Some cats may shake or quiver their tails when they are uncertain or worried. If this is the case, you should be able to pinpoint the trigger- such as fireworks overhead or a fox in the garden.

Neurological Problems and Abnormal Tail Activity

Less commonly, shaking of the tail can indicate a neurological issue such as localised seizure activity or abnormal salt levels.

When this is the case, we’d expect to see additional symptoms such as ataxia (wobbly walking), fainting, lethargy, or tonic-clonic seizures.

Is a Cat’s Tail Shaking an Emergency?

Sometimes, tail shaking indicates a very serious issue that requires immediate veterinary attention.

Red-Flag Signs That Need Immediate Vet Care

Call an emergency vet if your cat is shaking their tail and has any of the following symptoms:

• Inability to pass urine
• General seizure activity
• Weakness or wobbly walking
• A complete inability to move their tail voluntarily, or a lack of feeling
• Wounds or exposed tissue on the tail

Signs That Suggest You Can Monitor at Home

If your cat is coping well and is still happy to be social, be stroked, walk about and eat, then you can be less worried.

They should be able to move their tail where they please, and to pass both wee and poo as normal. Their tail should not be swollen or have any visible injuries.

What Are Common Conditions Linked to Abnormal Tail Movements?

There are certain medical conditions associated with abnormal tail movements, which are worth being aware of.

Tail or Spine Injuries

A common injury seen in vet clinics is a ‘tail pull injury’. This occurs when the tail has become entangled in something, and the cat has run, causing the tail to be physically pulled.

There can be very significant nerve damage, resulting in signs such as an inability to move the tail (so the tail hangs limp) and a cat that cannot urinate or defecate.

Skin Irritation, Allergies and Parasites

Skin disease is really common in pet cats. One dermatitis that affects the rump and tail is a flea allergy dermatitis.

Cats typically tremble and shake their tail as they try to cope with the intense itchiness. You may also see short fur and scabby skin on the tail and rump.

Neurological Disorders and Seizure Activity

Uncontrolled shaking can indicate a neurological issue, although shaking is usually observed in other areas, not just the tail. These movements are rhythmic and repetitive, and your cat cannot stop them.

Bladder obstruction

Sometimes, a cat may shake or flick its tail in response to discomfort, and there can be a lot of movement in the tail area as it strains and tries desperately to pass urine.

If you suspect your cat has a blocked bladder, it needs to be seen by a vet immediately.

What to Do if Your Cat’s Tail is Shaking?

If you notice tail shaking as a new thing, the first step is to determine why it is happening.

Safe First Steps at Home

Try to determine if there is an obvious cause- like the room being cold or loud noises outside. Could something be worrying your kitty?

Check the litterbox to ensure your cat has been toileting as normal.

Examine the tail, checking for any swelling, redness, scabs or a wound. It is also important to gently hold the tail to see if your cat can move it and pull it away.

What Not to Do

It is important never to pull on your cat’s tail, as it is incredibly sensitive.

Do not consider giving any over-the-counter pain relief or anti-inflammatories, as these are usually highly toxic to cats.

How Do Vets Investigate Tail Shaking in Cats?

If you do bring your cat to the vet, they’ll want to know about when this shaking started and what seems to trigger it.

Do make your vet aware of any relevant medical history, such as a recent cat fight or a previous episode of cystitis.

Physical and Neurological Examination

Your veterinarian will check your kitty over from head to tail, assessing their movement as well as their neurological responses. They’ll focus on the tail, checking for any visible changes.

Further Diagnostics

Your vet may discuss some tests, such as a blood test, urine analysis or imaging of the spinal cord and tail.

These tests can check for issues such as abnormal salt levels, infections, or damage to the spine or tail.

What Treatment Options Are Available?

Therapy options are going to depend on the underlying cause and can include pain relief, antibiotics or anti-inflammatories.

For severe cases of tail pull injury, amputation may be considered as a treatment option.

Get Vet Care for Your Cat

Contact us if you need to book a consultation for your cat and are concerned about their tail movements.

It is a good idea to bring along a video of any behaviours that are worrying you.

Cat Tail Shaking FAQs

Why is my cat shaking or quivering their tail?

Tail shaking often means excitement or friendly anticipation, especially if your cat is greeting you or asking for attention. It can also happen during scent marking; some cats quiver their tail while backing up to a surface. If the shaking is accompanied by hiding, flattening of the ears, yowling, or a puffed-up tail, it may signal stress or overstimulation.

When should I worry about tail shaking and contact a vet?

Seek advice if tail shaking is new and persistent, occurs with pain signs (such as crying out, sensitivity to touch, or limping), results in loss of tail movement, or leads to changes in toileting (including straining, frequent trips, or blood in urine). These can point to issues like injury, nerve problems, or urinary discomfort, and it’s best to rule out anything medical.

What does a cat's tail position indicate about their mood?

Their tail can be a real indicator of mood. A tail held high can indicate confidence, while a low tail signals uncertainty; one moving from side to side could be a sign of irritation.

How can understanding tail language improve cat-owner relationships?

Learning to read your cat’s body language includes understanding their tail movements. Reading their cues helps you gain a real insight into their inner world and can help you respond appropriately, nurturing a strong bond.