Strong tail lashing while you stroke a cat means "stop"
#0054 Animals & plants
Fact rank
B
No behavioural research (primary); only explanations by vets and animal-behaviour experts (secondary), so B
Wow rank
B
Happens in everyday situations
Usefulness
A
Lets you stop before you get bitten
Verification: Supported by evidence
AI verification reports the evidence it found; it does not guarantee that a claim is true.
If a cat starts lashing its tail from side to side or thumping it while being stroked, it is usually irritated and saying "stop".
Why
Tail lashing signals rising irritation or anger, and if you carry on, the cat may move on to biting or scratching.Evidence
Secondary Explanation by board-certified veterinary behaviourist Dr Gerken (PetMD). Tail lashing means the cat is irritated, annoyed or angry and is trying to tell you to stop link
Secondary Cornell Feline Health Center. Tail lashing and ears moved backward come before aggression link
Notes and limits
Thumping the tail while crouched can also be a defensive posture. See also petting-induced aggression in #0047. Japanese Wikipedia's "Cat" (ネコ) article also describes fast, wide swishing as a sign of displeasure.
Derivations
Derived from: 猫が大きくしっぽを振るのは喜びではなくいらだちのことが多い
Derived facts: —