Britannica
Sources used in this answer
What does it mean when a cat tucks its tail between its hind legs?
Created from Britannica articles
using AI.
AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.
cat
Two kinds of domestic cats.
When a cat tucks its tail between its hind legs, it is signaling that the animal is experiencing fear, submission, or defeat. This posture is a clear indicator of insecurity or a feeling of being threatened.12
In the context of feline body language, this behavior contrasts with other tail positions that convey different emotional states, such as holding the tail erect to signal a friendly, confident greeting or swishing it to indicate anger or predatory intent. By tucking the tail, the cat is attempting to minimize its presence and protect itself in a situation where it feels vulnerable.12