Cat Body Language: What Your Cat is Saying To You

Cat body language is very important to learn in order to better understand and to communicate with cats.  Domestic cats are fascinating creatures that communicate in various ways, one of which is through their body language. Understanding their body language is essential for cat owners, as it can help them better understand their pet’s needs, feelings, and behavior. In this article, we’ll explore the different types of body language that cats use and what they mean.  Cats utilize body language to communicate using their ears, eyes, whiskers, tails, and body posture.  It is the responsibility of humans to better understand these body language signs and respond in the appropriate manner.

Understanding Cat Body Language

Cats have long rooted instincts as predators and also deep rooted behaviors as potential prey.  Cats will often forecast their next intended direction by pointing their body in their next desired direction.  Here we take a look at both positive and negative forms of Cat body language.

Positive Cat Body Language

Trusting – . The exposed belly is a sign of comfort and trust, but it is not necessarily an invitation for a belly rub. Many people have touched a cat’s stomach only to have their hand seized and rabbit kicked.  The majority of cats consider the belly a vulnerable area and will defined their stomach region.

Relaxed and content – a relaxed cat has their tail straight back and their muscles are loose with their head still instead of turning and looking around.  A relaxed cat will be confident and should walk around with their head held high with whiskers will be in their normal position.  When your cat is relaxed and happy, they might look sleepy or totally chilled out.   Comfortable and relaxed cats are calm, quiet, and content. They will lie on the floor stretched out with their tail extended or wrapped around their body.

Friendly and wanting attention – When cats want to interact with others (people or animals), they will approach with their tail either level with his back or high in the air with a slight curl at the end.  Cats in this state often want to be petted and if they are enjoying being petted then purring is typically a positive vocalization showing pleasure.

Playful – they’ll show a lot of energy and they might start stalking you around the house as if encouraging you to join the game. They may start playing with a favorite toy and meowing to get your attention.

 Loving – a cat showing love utilizes body language including:  head bunting, kneading, rubbing against you, sleeping in your lap, bringing you presents, and wanting to be cuddled.

Negative Cat Body Language

Irritated, agitated and angry – tail is high in the air and rapidly flipping back and forth from side to side.  If a cat feels trapped or is blocked from escape, they will often exhibit agitated body language.  Their ears will be laid back against their head and whiskers will be flat against their face.   Hissing or growling may be vocalizations to accompany irritated body language.

Tail Position – A cat’s tail position is one of the most telling indicators of its mood. When a cat is feeling calm and relaxed, its tail will be held low or straight out behind them. On the other hand, if the cat is feeling agitated or scared, its tail may puff up, and it may hold it upright or wrap it around its body.

An angry cat has their tail flared and straight up in the air.  A scared cat that feels threatened may become angry and will make themselves look as big as possible in posture with their hair standing up.  They might start to resemble a Halloween cat with an arched back and a raised tail.  A scared cat will quickly become an angry cat if they are not able to escape or flee.

Ears – A cat’s ears are another key indicator of its mood. If a cat’s ears are relaxed and pointing forward, it means the cat is content and relaxed. If they are flattened against the head, it’s a sign of aggression or fear. If the ears are swiveling back and forth, it means the cat is listening intently.

Scared – a fearful cat will often have their tail tucked down and their ears laid back.  A fearful cat will be ready to escape and might find a hiding place and refuse to come out. They may also show their teeth or hiss. Cats that are crouched down, cowering away, with their  body slightly arched are getting ready to flee.  Their pupils will be dilated and ears will be turned out and lowered towards their head.

Offended – a cat that knows you and is offended may turn their back to you to demonstrate that you are no longer worthy.  A strange cat that is offended will typically just flee the scene and escape.

Eyes – A cat’s eyes can also reveal a lot about its mood. When a cat is content and relaxed, its eyes will be half-closed or fully closed. Wide-open eyes can be a sign of aggression or fear. Dilated pupils may indicate excitement, fear, or aggression.

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