Tail Signals

**Tail signals** are a skill used by all Clans. Generally, the Leader of the patrol, whether hunting or border patrolling, is responsible for giving the signals; Warriors and Apprentices learn many tail signals, and to keep the Leader's tail in sight at all times and react at once when an order is given.

## **TAIL FLICKS**

A tail flick can be used in many ways. It can mean, "Follow me", "I heard you", or even, "Be quiet!". Listed below are some different situations:

* A sharp flick and an agitated expression usually means the cat is annoyed, irritated, or impatient.
* A bristle and a sharp flick of your tail usually means "Get over here now! I'm angry at you!"
* A flick and jerking your head in a certain direction means "Meet me to the bushes at your left" or "Sneak out of camp with me through the brambles to the right."
* If you call out to someone and their back is to you, they can flick their tail to show that they've heard.
* Sticking your tail straight up in the air and flicking it sharply down means "Sit!"
* An eye-roll and a flick of the tail means "Whatever."
* A mrrow of laughter and a flick of a tail means "That was a good joke."
* Saying, "Oh, fox-dung, I gotta go!" and flicking your tail means "Sorry! Talk to you later?" or "Yikes! I've gotta go use the dirtplace!"
* Flicking your tail at someone and making a face means "What is wrong with them?"
* A sharp flick of your tail during battle can mean two things; it can mean "Attack!" or "Help me!"
* A shrug followed by a tail flick: "Oh well."
* Putting a tail over another cat's mouth means "Shut up, mouse-brain!" when the flick/movement is sharp or "Please, quiet" when the cat is talking too much.
* A flick in a certain direction can emphasize that they've got to go or look there.
* A normal flick can just be caused in amusement.
* A tail flick can be a way to vent anger or rage.
* Sometimes a cat can flick their tail when about to say something funny or sarcastic.
* A tail flick can also be executed in an arrogant, conceited, or contemptuous manner.
* Anxiety is another feeling that can trigger stiff tail flicks.
* Though many tail flicks occur in rash emotions, the tail can also be flicked happily.
* A tail flick can mean that the cat is bored.
* The tail can be flicked playfully on another cat's muzzle.
* A flick executed in the air can change the direction the cat will land.
* The need to protect can also be demonstrated by a tail flick.
* A cat may flick their tail to prompt something.
* The tail can be flicked in a proud manner.
* A cat may also flick their tail when about to give them a lecture on what is right.
* Eagerness can cause tail flicks as well.
* A tail flicking one way, then the other is used when one is to surround a cat with others.

## **OTHER**

There are several other motions that can be done with the tail. Listed below are some different situations:

* Stroking another cat's spine or shoulder with the tail is a sign of affection or sympathy. Stroking on the cheek has the same meaning.
* Lashing their own tail usually happens in times of anger. However, this can also be a sign of excitement.
* Wrapping their tail around another cat shows affection or the need to protect. Mother cats often wrap their tail around their kit(s).
* The tail can also show different emotions; a drooped tail, for instance, usually means the cat is sad.
* When first starting to hunt, it is instinct to swish their tail, but in order to catch prey properly, the tail must be kept still.
* Swishing their tail can mean that the cat is very excited and ecstatic. It can also be a sign of commencing an action or contemplating an important decision.
* Lifting their tail up is a form of composure, just as we humans sit up to recompose ourselves.
* The tail can be used to brush another cat away if they're not wanted. However, it can also be used for the opposite: to beckon a cat closer.
* When a cat cares for another cat, they can smooth their fur with the brush of the tail.
* A cat can whisk their tail when being conceited to show that they know everything.
* Twitching their tail can be a sign that they are skeptical about something.
* Crossly whipping their tail is a demonstration of anger.