Cat Body Language and its Meaning

Ever wondered what your cat was thinking? You’re not alone! Cats’ communication is largely non-verbal, making their moods and behaviors tricky for their humans to interpret. But cats really aren’t that mysterious – you just need to know the signs to look out for! Tail movements, eye movement, and body posture can all give you major insight into how your feline is feeling. Understanding the meaning of cats’ body language is also key to a better relationship with your feline, because you can recognize these emotions and respond accordingly!

The Basics of Cat Behavior

Eyes, ears, body, and tail are all key cat body language indicators. However, it’s important to remember that their body language can be subtle and complex. For example, a raised tail could indicate a playful mood, confidence, or even aggression. You can learn how to identify the meaning of your cat’s body language by putting all the signals together.

Understanding Cat Body Language

Happy and Relaxed

Happy and content cats are usually the easiest to recognize – even if you’re not a body language expert. They may appear relaxed or sleepy, whether they’re lying down or sitting upright.

• Ears will be in neutral and still, though they may twitch in response to noise.
• Their eyes will be their normal size (not dilated) or heavy-lidded if they’re especially relaxed.
• They may also give you the famous cat slow blink! Cats blink slowly to show affection, trust, and contentment. You can respond by slowly blinking back at them, offering affection, or speaking softly and gently. Responding to their slow blinking is a fantastic way to build a stronger, more special relationship with your kitty!
• Happy or content cats have relaxed tails with minimal movement.
• Lying down with paws tucked, lying on their back or side, or sitting with a straight back are also indicators of a happy cat.

Scared or Anxious

Learning cat body language and its meaning is about more than identifying mood; it’ll help you better support their needs, which can improve their overall health. Understanding scared or anxious cat body language is especially important. It’ll allow you to prevent anxious behavior before it occurs, alleviate their discomfort, and prevent behavioral issues from developing. Besides hiding in a safe spot, these are other signs of a scared or anxious cat:

• Scared/anxious cats may cower or crouch as if they’re ready to run away. They may also arch their backs with fur standing on end.
• Frightened cats often have wide, open eyes with dilated pupils and turn their whiskers down.
• Their ears may flick back and forth to monitor sounds. Very anxious cats’ ears will often flatten to the back of their heads.

The meaning of anxious and scared cat body language can slightly vary, particularly when it comes to their tails. A scared cat might hold their tail up in a rigid position. Their fur also usually stands up. Meanwhile, an anxious cat will often keep their tail very low or even tucked.

Playful

Does your cat have watchful eyes or look like they’re ready to pounce? They might want to play! Other signs of a playful kitten or adult cat include:

• A playful cat may be crouched low with their hind end raised like they’re ready to pounce.
• They may stalk you or a toy with watchful eyes. They may also have dilated pupils or a wild look in their eyes!
• Playful cats will have ears that are up and forward in an alert position.

Angry or Irritated

Understanding the meaning of your cat’s body language can be difficult, especially depending on the feisty feline and situation at hand. For example, a cat that feels threatened by unfamiliar people or animals will look very different than your cat mad at you for a late feeding time. Regardless of why your cat is angry, you should always avoid provoking them. Don’t stare at them, avoid petting them, and give them space to cool down.

• The stereotypical angry cat will be crouched with an arched back and puffed fur, with their tail either down and curled around their body or straight up. They may also swish or lash their tail.
• If your cat has airplane ears, there’s a good chance they’re mad. Their ears will appear flattened against their head and slightly stick out. This could also indicate that they’re afraid.
• Angry or threatened cats might have large and dilated pupils. The meaning of this cat body language: back off and leave them alone!
• Cats may also narrow their eyes when mad, which may be better known to cat parents as the “death stare.” You’ve probably been given this look after a grooming session, an interrupted nap, or late dinner. Give your kitty space – they’ll calm down in time.

Why Learn the Meaning of Cat Body Language

Understanding cat body language helps us better fulfill our cats’ wants and needs, leading to better relationships. Consider what’s going on around your cat – sights, sounds, smells – when you’re interpreting their body language. Are there new people around? Was there a loud or unfamiliar noise? This will help you discern the meaning of your cat’s present body language, so you can respond appropriately. For example, if your cat exhibits anxious or irritated behavior while getting their nails trimmed, you could stop trimming and finish their nails another day. To calm them at the next grooming session, you may choose to use the Cat-in-the-Bag soft cat carrier to hold and soothe your cat.

Love Your Cat

Discerning cat body language and its meaning will help you understand everything from when your kitty wants to play to the situations that upset them! This not only makes you a better advocate for your feline, but deepens your bond. Learn more about our cat pouch carrier, grooming tips, cat medicating, and so much more on our cat blog!