Sometimes it may seem that a cat's tail is the most valuable part of its body.
Some cats just can't resist showing it to everyone.
This behavior is exacerbated when their backs are scratched. At such moments, some cats will raise their tails slightly to show appreciation.
Let's look at the reasons why a cat may raise its tail when a person pets it.
Like
The most basic reason why a cat raises its tail when you pet it is because it simply enjoys it.
Raising the tail is also a cat's way of showing that it is comfortable with a person.
The base of the tail seems to be a favorite spot for many cats, although not all cats enjoy being petted there. If a cat enjoys having its back scratched, the raising of the tail may be accompanied by a purring sound.
If you're not sure whether your cat likes being petted on her back or at the base of her tail, try a few light strokes first to gauge her reaction.
Instinct
It is normal for kittens to have their tails raised because the mother cat grooms them in all areas of their bodies.
When you pet an adult cat, she may instinctively raise her tail because that's what she did when she was a kitten.
Trying to make the most of it
If your cat enjoys the tickling sensation of being petted at the base of her tail, she may move her tail upward to really enhance the sensation as this adds a little extra pressure to your hand movements.
Estrus
Cats in heat often raise their tails and move their hind legs up and down when petted.
They also tend to become more affectionate, meowing and rubbing against things much more often than usual.
Spreads its scent
Raising the tail is a way for cats to convey their scent to humans as a form of marking because it helps spread pheromones.
Cats love to mark their territory, and that territory largely includes their owner.
It is also common for cats to greet each other by sniffing their rear ends. The scent coming from a cat's anal glands can tell the other cat a lot about how that cat is feeling and can determine which of them will dominate the relationship.
It also helps to determine whether they have met each other before.
