Tail Talk: The Mood Meter Meow Meow

A cat’s tail is like an emotional antenna. Here's how to read the signal: Upright tail, slight curl: “I’m happy. You may touch the royal fur.” Twitching tip: “Mild annoyance. You may continue — at your own risk.” Whipping tail: “The mood has shifted. Run.” Puffed-up tail: “I have seen something mildly threatening, like a paper bag.”