Tail Upright
Slight tip curve
TailRelaxed

Tail Upright

Friendly, confident, happy greeting

Tension
Relaxed

Interpretation

TWhen a cat holds its tail straight up like a flagpole with a slight curve at the tip, it's saying “Hello, great to see you!” Mother cats do this when greeting kittens. An upright tail is the feline equivalent of a handshake — signaling openness and goodwill. If your cat approaches you with a vertical tail, congratulations: they genuinely like you.

How to respond

Speak softly back, crouch down and let it sniff your fingers — that's part of the mutual greeting.

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