Shaky Tailed Cat

[Ash]

I have a very happy, energetic 2 year old male cat. I noticed that sometimes when he is standing up and looking at me, he rattles his tail and lifts his back legs at the same time. Its the weirdest looking thing when he does this! Being a worrier over my precious cat, I just wanted to find out if anyone knows why he does this and if there is any need to see a vet about this. Im hoping its not some nerve problem!

[Traci]

If he's doing this when he is acting afffectionate or playful with you, nothing to worry about..it is simply a "feel-good" reaction. I don't know what you mean by his lifting his rear legs at the same time, unless you mean he is in full stance on all fours, with tail raised.

If he is spraying urine when he does it, get him to your vet for an exam and urinalysis.

[Ash]

The best way I can describe what he is doing with his legs is this: You know when cats are kneading something, their paws are stretching, then retracting back and forth, his back legs are doing that but up and down. Its almost like a little dance. He doesnt spray or anything when he does this. Im glad to hear this is a "feel good reaction." Thanks for your response!

[Tina B and crew]

I've always loved the "tail shake"....Gizmo has always been a big tail shaker, especially when it's time to feed him

[LisaLisa]

My Caz does this too At first, I wasn't sure what was going on...but then I realized he was enjoying himself.

[Guest]

My Tino is a 7 year old male and he and his sister Misty both do the tail shake thing when they are excited about something. They do it mostly when I feed them and when they are about to get a new toy. And sometimes when they just finished pooping. Tino does do it very much more than Misty though so males might do it more but I don't know. I think it's just your kitty's way of communicating a good feeling to you.

Karen

[Tina B and crew]

Karen...my male cat is the only one in my house that does it...so I wonder if it is more of a male thing?

[Susan and the girls]

Tina B (Hey !!)

One of my girls, Daisy, does that, too. I've even gone behind her checking out the wall or cabinets to see if she IS spraying! She's not, and she usually does it when she's begging for a handout. I guess she's just excited, too!

Interesting!

[FromBeyond138]

Our Spike has also earned the nickname "Twitchy-Tail"

[Ash]

Thanks to everyone for letting me know that your cats do it too! Tater is doing this more and more often and its always when he is under the desk. I realized this weekend when visiting my mom, that one of her 5 male cats does it too when he is being petted or when he wants to be petted. Thanks!!