Meditation on a Cat’s Tail
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Elsa Clair on her window hammock, tailed curled just so.
My first lesson in how to speak cat was Tail Interpretation. Having lived most of my life with dogs, I was fluent in canine tail talk. Dog tails speak in capital letters and exclamation points: I AM HAPPY! I AM EXCITED! I AM SCARED!
While the physical appendage attached to a cat’s hindquarters is also called a tail, it is a completely different concept. A cat’s tail is more of an indicator than a speaker.
It sways and sashays with irritation.
It telegraphs excitement with the subtle movement of a twitchy tip.
It exudes languidness and insouciance, casting a hypnotic spell.
It moves with the cautious sinuousness of a misty wisp.
It curls and tucks in a self-wrapping, self-satisfied package.
It is intriguing and intimate, mysterious and mocking.
Even if you don’t know what she’s saying with it, a cat’s tail beguiles and captivates.
The other day, I was drawn to the dreamy swirls and waves of Elsa Clair’s tail as she slept on the cat shelf above my desk. It was mesmerizing and calming. Like a visual meditation. Tranquility embodied in a tail.
Luckily, I caught it on video. I dare you to watch it and not feel relaxed.
I’m dedicating this post to my friend Flea, with hope that it provides a little bit of calm and healing amidst the storm.
Do you ever find yourself watching your pets — even when when they’re not doing anything particularly interesting?
You may also like:
- It’s a Very Sad Tale When a Dog Hurts His Tail
- What Dogs and Cats Say
- Dogs and Cats Living Together
- Photo: Visual Purr
- Photo: Zen Cat
- Photo: Sad Dogs: Grandma is leaving
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elsa clair…we gived yur moovee 984 paws up !!! ♥♥♥ we liked round 30..31…32..33….34 de best 🙂
Aw thanks! *Elsa Clair takes a bow.*
Elsa clair the main part in that mentalist show is yours… that’sd for sure :o)
She says thank you. But she knew that already. 😉
Absolutely beautiful and relaxing. We think she is dreaming about something that makes her very happy. XOCK, Lily Olivia, Mauricio, Misty May, Giulietta, Fiona, Astrid, Lisbeth and Calista Jo
Oh yes, I agree. I just love that tail curl!
Thanks so much for joining ourFight 4 Flea hop. I love your video. ♥
I’m happy to support Flea. She deserves it. How wonderful of you and the others to find a way to pull together to show our love and friendship.
It’s important to understand cats’ body language.
So true. And as one who lives with both dogs and cats, I learned they “speak” completely different languages.
Our tails can say so much.
They do, don’t they. Tale-telling tails. 😉
Pop says the tail is mezmerizing. Mine isn’t quite as long or calm.
Re your comment: I’ll have to ask Weruva if the litter is safe for dogs to ingest.
Elsa Clair’s tail is only calm when she’s sleeping.
Great video! Love it 🙂
Purrs xx
Athena and Marie
Thank you!
Love the curl in that tail. So cute!
Her tail amuses me. It’s like it’s alive, all on it’s own.
Ah…I needed a moment of zen today, that was perfect! Elsa Claire’s tail looks especially long…I wonder if it really is or the video just makes it look that way?
I love to watch the animals sleep, it is always guaranteed to bring a smile to my face!
She does have a long tail. And she uses it well.