Feline Body Language

Cats have the reputation of being aloof, independent, and hard to read – but are they? We think they’re simply misunderstood. One moment a seemingly happy cat may suddenly start to nip. Or maybe a kitty who’s normally friendly starts to avoid interacting with you. 

Reading a cat’s body language is a bit more complicated than reading a dog’s. Behaviors such as perked ears or a twitching tail can have multiple meanings, so being able to interpret body language as a whole is crucial to understanding your cat.

Here are some ways to tell what a cat is thinking.

Pay Attention to Me!

Cats are pretty good at let you know when they need attention, whether it’s because they’re hungry, want to play, or something else. A persistent meow means “I’m trying to tell you something!” Head bumps, gentle pawing, and rubbing on your legs are all signs that your cat wants attention. Of course, you might still have to work to figure out what it is they want!

TLC Time

One of the popular myths out there is that cats don’t like TLC. We’ve found that many of the cats that we see enjoy being pet, hanging out with us, or even snuggling – but on their terms. Each cat is different; one cat may enjoy full-on snuggles and the next might view TLC as simply laying next to you (but not touching!) It’s usually pretty obvious how much interaction a cat wants. They may climb onto you, rub against your leg or arm, or meow until you pick them up. Most often, if you put your hand out, they’ll show you what you want. Head, chin, and behind-the-ear scratches are generally the most popular.

If you reach for a cat and they back up, that’s a clear sign that you crossed a line. And be sure to avoid petting cat bellies; unlike dogs, they generally do not enjoy belly rubs. If your cat shows you his belly, just remember – it’s a trap!

Knowing when TLC time is over can be a lot less obvious. There will be subtle signs, such as a tail flick, a movement of the ears, or a rumbling growl. That’s a good indication that the cat has had enough! Unfortunately, these signs can be so subtle that they’re hard to miss. If you do, you would think that the cat would simply walk away. That’s not always the case, though! A cat who’s had enough TLC may decide to nip to let you know they’re done, though it’s usually not hard enough to break skin or even leave a mark. The goal is to avoid getting to that point, so that’s why learning cat body language is so important!

Playtime

How can you tell if a cat wants to play? There are some key things to look out for. Tail twitching, dilated eyes, and perked up ears are all things that cats do when they’re hunting and are signs that they are feeling playful. Crouching with their rump up in the air while flicking their tail – similar to a dog – can also be a sign they’re ready to play. Pouncing, bringing you a toy, and “the zoomies” are surefire ways to tell a cat wants to play!

However, wanting to play and feeling annoyed can often look similar. If a cat is yowling or making a rumbling growl, that’s definitely their way of telling you they’re not happy. A fast, swishy tail can mean a cat is being playful, but it can also mean they’re on edge. Half-closed eyes with pinned ears can also be a way to know that your cat isn’t happy. 

Fear and Anxiety

When a cat is afraid, there are usually obvious signs, such as hiding under a bed or in another tight area where they feel safe. They often will have wide, unblinking eyes, and a frozen stare. When cats are unsure or fearful, they may crouch and make themselves as small as possible or arch their back and puff up their fur to look large and threatening. They may pin their ears back or straight out to the sides and lower their head. They may freeze in place or run.

When meeting new people, cats may walk cautiously and hold themselves low to the ground as they assess the situation, ready to react at any moment. They may give the person a tentative sniff – which is not an invitation to pet! As they warm up, they will become visibly more relaxed and move more confidently.

An anxious cat may pace or be unable to settle down. They may vocalize constantly and perhaps even yawn in between vocalizations. They may avoid eye contact and interacting with people and other pets in the household. Their fur may be puffed or standing up, or they may excessively groom. They may twitch their tail from side to side rapidly.

Whether you sense a cat is afraid or anxious, be cautious when interacting, as they will be more likely to scratch or bite. If you must handle a stressed cat, try wrapping them in a blanket to make a “purr-ito” to prevent injuries.

Pain or Illness

Be aware that some signs of annoyance, fear, and anxiety can actually be indicators of pain or illness. This is where being familiar with the Feline Grimace Scale comes in handy. This scale assesses facial expressions on a scale of 0-10 to determine pain levels in cats.

This article also has some great ways to tell if your cat isn’t feeling well.

Curious and Alert

A curious cat will often have its ears perked all the way forward. Their eyes may be wide and unblinking, but focused on the object of their curiosity rather than frozen. They may run, but will hold themselves confidently, not low to the ground. They may twitch their tail or hold it straight up. They may even crouch, but in anticipation of pouncing, not as a way to look small. They may make high-pitched vocalizations or chatter.

A feline on the alert acts similarly to a curious cat, but will usually be a bit more tense. They will often move their ears around or turn them to the rear as they listen. They might even stalk with stiff movements and their tail straight up.

Calm and Comfortable

A comfortable kitty is going to look like the stereotypical cat behavior: stretching, lounging, and yawning are all signs that your cat is content. Slow blinks and slow tail movements are also good indicators that you have a happy cat. Closed or half-closed ears, relaxed ears, and purring means your cat is as content as he can get! Showing their belly and grooming mean they feel safe and secure.

Final Thoughts

Learning your cat’s body language is a crucial way to understand what they’re thinking – at least, on a fundamental level. Of course, all animals have different personalities, so behavior may vary between individuals. Remember that one behavior on its own tells you very little, so be sure to assess your cat’s body language on a whole!