Tail Up, Rear Up: What Your Cat Is Saying With That Pose
Sometimes it is a heat signal, sometimes it is just a great scratch. Here is how to tell.
Scratch the base of your cat’s tail and up goes the backside. Most of the time it simply means you found the sweet spot. In an unspayed female, though, that lifted rear with the tail flicked to one side can be a classic sign of heat.
Know the signs of heat
- Most unspayed cats have their first heat somewhere around 6 to 9 months old, then cycle roughly every three weeks.
- Look for a cluster of signs: loud calling, rolling on the floor, extra affection, spraying and door-dashing.
- Spayed females and males may raise their rear during petting too, so one sign alone is not proof.
Keep her safe
- Keep an unspayed cat indoors to avoid surprise litters, traffic, fights and getting lost.
- Spaying ends heat cycles, prevents unwanted kittens and lowers the risk of uterine infections and mammary cancer. Vets usually suggest spaying by about 6 months.
- Frequent yowling or litter box accidents can have medical causes, so check in with your vet.
Friendly reminder: this summary is for general info only. Your own vet knows your pet best.
