Although cats have a reputation of being mysterious, they are actually very consistent in how they communicate! Cats use their eyes, tails, ears, whiskers, fur, and body posture to display exactly how they are feeling. These amazing illustrations by Lili Chin show the many moods of our feline friends and are great to use in teaching kids how to tell if a kitty wants to be petted - or prefers to be left alone.
What is your Cat Saying?
As much as it may feel like your cat understands you perfectly and just chooses to do the opposite of what you want, cats don’t actually speak English. Most of cat communication is through body language, along with scent marking and sounds like meowing, hissing, growling, and so on. Since you are probably unable (and unwilling!) to use your cat’s scent marks to communicate with them, understanding their body language is your best bet.
When looking at your cat, watch their whole body – ears, tails, whiskers, and all that’s in between. Are they relaxed and stretched long? Tense and curled tightly? Ears up, back, or sideways? Tail up and relaxed, stiff, or swishing?
Cat Body Language When Happy & Relaxed
Head: A cat instinctively swivels its head around to observe its surroundings. If it determines it's in an unthreatening environment, its head tends to be still.
Muscles: Similar to humans, cats who aren't experiencing stress tend to have loose, relaxed muscles instead of holding onto tension.
Body: When a relaxed cat lies down, it'll be more likely to lie on its side and show its belly. A relaxed cat may also sit with its back straight and head up.
Ears: A calm cat will typically keep its ears in a natural posture, which is forward and relaxed. Its ears might twitch in response to noise, but they won't be constantly moving.
Eyes: When your cat is happy, its pupils tend to be at their usual size. You might also notice that its eyes are halfway closed as if it's about to fall asleep.
Tail: Happy cats allow their tails to extend, lie flat, and become still.
Cat Body Language When Scared or Anxious
As fearless as cats might appear, they're subject to worries and anxieties just like we are. Here are some signs that indicate you should give your threatened cat some space:
Body: If a scared cat isn't already hiding from you, it might arch its back or assume a crouched position. Fur standing on its end is also an indication of your cat going into fight-or-flight mode.
Ears: A scared cat's ears tend to swivel constantly to analyze potentially threatening noises. Its ears might also point sideways or lie flat.
Eyes: A scared cat also evaluates its surroundings by being watchful and keeping its eyes wide open.
Tail: If your cat is anxious, it might curl its tail around its body for protection. It might also hold its tail rigid in the air.
Other Cat Behaviors You Should Know
Here are some other feline behaviors that can help you better understand your cat:
Rubbing: It's common for cats to rub up against everything from couches and walls to people. This behavior can be a sign of affection or indicative of the cat marking its territory.
Kneading: Also known as "making biscuits," kneading is when a cat flexes its paws up and down on you or an object. It's a comforting behavior that cats learn as kittens and can be a way to express pleasure or soothe anxieties.
Changes in normal body language: A cat might exhibit sudden changes in normal body language such as droopy ears or glassy eyes. These signs can be indicative of illness, so book an appointment with your veterinary to ensure your cat gets the care it needs.
Understanding Cat Vocalizations
You can gain even more insight into your cat by listening to its vocalizations. Felines make tons of sounds that can help you understand their feelings, though analyzing the sounds alongside their behaviors can help you make a more accurate analysis.
For instance, purring is a sign of pleasure, but it can also be a cat's way to soothe itself when it feels stressed. A usually quiet cat who starts to purr a lot might be in pain. If your cat chirps or trills, it might be expressing joy or trying to get your attention. A growl or hiss often indicates that the cat is being territorial.
