If your cat has been hitting you with its tail a lot, this post will show you why and what you can do about it.
So, why does my cat hit me with its tail? Possible reasons why your cat hits you with its tail are that it is showing you affection, it is rubbing its scent on to you or that it is agitated.
Your cat might actually be doing it due to a combination of causes. However, there are some things you can consider when figuring out the main cause and there are some things you can do about it.
Why does my cat hit me with its tail?
Below are a number of possible causes and what would make them more likely.
To spread its scent on to you
The reason why your cat rubs its tail on you could be that it is spreading its scent on to you. This would be more likely if your cat also rubs its backside against you when it does it. By rubbing its scent on to you, your cat will be letting other animals know that you have been around it and that other animals are on your cat’s territory when they are near you.
It is showing you affection
It might also be the case that your cat is showing you affection. This would be more likely if your cat does it when you are petting it or when it is sitting with you. It would also be more likely if it shows signs of pleasure such as by purring or kneading.
Related: Why does my cat hit me when I pet it?
It is agitated
Cats will often start flicking their tails when they are becoming agitated. The reason why your cat hits you with its tail sometimes could also be that it is agitated. This would be more likely if your cat does it when it seems to be getting tired of you touching it and if it seems to be trying to distance itself from you.
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It feels safer
The reason why your cat touches you with its tail might also be that it makes your cat feel safer. This would be more likely if your cat rests its tail on you when it is sat or standing next to you and if it does it more when other animals are around.
Things to consider
Below are some things to consider when figuring out the main reason why your cat has been doing it.
If your cat has always hit you with its tail
If your cat did not always hit you with its tail, it would help to consider what else happened when your cat first started doing it. If it started doing it suddenly, it could because your cat learned that the behavior gets rewarded or because it started becoming more comfortable around you and it started showing you more affection.
The timing of when your cat hits you with its tail
It would also help to consider the timing of when your cat hits you with its tail. For example, if your cat hits you with its tail when you are petting it, the cause could be that your cat is starting to become agitated.
The body language your cat shows when it hits you with its tail
It would also help to consider the body language it shows when it hits you with its tail. If it shows signs of being agitated such as wagging its tail and moving away, it would be more likely that it hits you because it wants you to stop. Whereas, if it does things such as purr and rub its head into you, it would be more likely that it likes the way you are petting it or that it is rubbing its scent on to you.
What to do about your cat hitting you with its tail
Below are some options you have when dealing with the behavior.
Let it do it
Cats will naturally rub their tails on their owners to spread their scent and to feel safer. If your cat does not seem to be doing it due to being agitated, it would likely be ok to let your cat continue doing it.
Avoid agitating it
If your cat seems to be doing it due to being agitated, it would also help to make sure that you have been petting and holding it correctly. It would help to pet it more gently and perhaps to rub it below the chin instead of giving it a full back rub.