An upright tail with a curved tip is a friendly greeting, often aimed at trusted people, while a low relaxed tail marks an ordinary calm mood.
A puffed bottlebrush tail with an arched back is a startled defensive display meant to look bigger; give space instead of reaching out to soothe.
Fast tip twitching or hard full-tail thumping usually signals irritation and rising conflict; during petting, it is the cue to stop.
A tail tucked between the legs shows fear and withdrawal, while a stiff tail base with abnormal urination posture may be a health signal needing separate checks.
