Why do cats flick their tails when they are sneaking up on prey?

Question

They move so slow and careful to sneak up on prey without being noticed, then they flick their tails! Why do they do this?

Answer 1

In my experience they flick their tail when they are upset as a warning they are going to deffend themselves.  If they do flick it when they are hunting it could be as a misdirection or a fake to fool the prey.

Answer 2

I think they flick their tails (like dogs) when they are happy an playful ;)

Answer 3

Most cats twitch their tail as a sign of agitation.  Typically, a cat will twitch when something gets its attention, but when it decides to hunt or pounce, the tail is held still and low to the ground.  Robert Ruark once stated that a charging lion holds its tail as straight and rigid as an iron bar.  Watch your cat closely and see it I'm right.