Cat Body Language

Many people believe cats don't really 'say' much because they're not generally that vocal. However, you can understand a lot about how your cat is feeling or what they want just by learning to watch and understand their body language.

Tail - Cats use their tails to signify lots of different emotions.

• If your cat runs to greet you they will probably hold their tail high in welcome. Cats greet close friends with their tails held high, indicating happiness.
• A twitching tail usually means excitement and interest. Usually about something such as a bird or squirrel outside that they want to chase.
• A long swish of the tail indicates irritation and annoyance so leave your cat alone if they begin to do this.
• Many people believe a quivering tail is the biggest gesture of love your cat can give you and this is only ever shown for their most favourite person.
• A low or tucked under tail indicates a frightened cat. If this is also accompanied by flatted ears and a growl, retreat away as frightened cats can pounce and scratch trying to defend themselves.

Article continues below advert...

Ears - A cats ears can also tell you a lot about their feelings.

• Flat ears indicate fear or aggression and are normally accompanied by hissing or growling. Leave your cat alone if they do this as they may scratch trying to defend themselves.
• Pricked ears normally indicate that your cat is interested what's happening around them.
• Ears turned to the sides normally means they've heard something behind them but it's not interesting enough for them to turn around.

Eyes

• Wide eyes with dilated pupils can indicate many different things so check the rest of the cats body language.
• Cat's will often be seen to be 'giving you a dirty look' from across the room by closing their eyes and looking away. This actually means they like and trust you.
• Slow blinking towards a cat shows that you are not a threat and they will most likely return the slow blink telling you that they feel comfortable with you and they like you.

Article continues below advert...

Other behaviour

• Cats may touch noses or rub cheeks to say hello, which are both friendly greetings
• Leg rubbing is natural 'marking' behaviour. Your cat is covering you with pheromones from glands on their face. I usually think of it as my cat marking me as in his gang. Leg rubbing can also be a way to get attention as it usually leads to being stroked.
• If your cat rolls over on to their back and shows their belly, they're giving you the ultimate compliment of 'I trust you'.
• If your cat is lying flat or crawling low to the ground, she is feeling playful and getting ready to attack. Coupled with a tail twitch and pricked ears, look out as the "victim" could be your ankles!
• Many cats will knead with paws. It is a sign of contentment and is thought to come from either the time when wild cats had to flatten areas of grass or foliage in order to sleep comfortably, or a carry over from the instinct that kittens have to knead their mothers teat to stimulate milk production.

Worrying body language - Some body language can indicate illness. Take your cat to the vets if he or she:

• Won't eat
• Retreats by themselves
• Neglects grooming, with fur becoming coarse
• Sneezes repeatedly
• Has difficulty urinating
• Has trouble breathing