Your cat can’t always tell you how they are feeling. But by paying attention to feline body language, you can get an insight into what’s going through their mind – and build a closer bond between you both.
If you've ever wondered why your cat keeps headbutting you, or what those tail movements or ear flicks mean, our guide to cat body language will reveal all. Let’s take it from the top...
Ears
When a cat is content, its ears will point upright and slightly forward, sometimes swivelling towards sounds around it. If your cat’s ears are stiff and flattened to the sides, it could be a sign that it is feeling nervous or frightened. If its ears are pressed back, watch out, because it is feeling aggressive.
Eyes
Slow blinking is your cat’s way of saying it trusts you – it doesn’t need to watch you constantly, as you don’t pose a threat. It might enjoy you slow-blinking back! If its eyes are heavy-lidded or half-closed, this is an indicator that it feels relaxed and comfortable in your company – a true sign of feline affection.
Head
Your cat has scent glands all over its head – around its ears, cheeks, mouth, chin and neck – and chances are it will love to rub these on you and items around the home to give everything its familiar smell. It might hop up onto its back legs to get its head closer to your hand or headbutt people and objects to transfer its scent – behaviour cat experts call ‘bunting’.
Whiskers
Usually your cat’s whiskers will stick out sideways, but you’ll notice them pointing forwards when it is alert and excited. Perhaps it is about to pounce or sniffing something tasty? If its whiskers are flattened back against its cheeks, it may be frightened or angry. (Find out how to tell if your cat is unhappy.)
Back
Two of the most common questions cat owners ask online are ‘Why does my cat like to be stroked?’ and ‘Why doesn't my cat want to be stroked?’ Evidently not all felines have the same petting preferences! Many enjoy having their back stroked, probably because it's a similar sensation to being groomed by their mother or another cat. But some cats are sensitive, particularly around the tail area, and won’t tolerate stroking.
If your cat has its back arched high and fur on end, it is in attack mode and trying to make itself look as big and fierce as possible. Crouched stiffly, with its back curved and tail tucked in tight, means it is feeling uneasy. In both situations, don't touch, shout or stare at your cat, but instead give it the time and space it needs to feel calmer.
Tummy
When it rolls over and shows you its belly, you may think your cat is saying ‘tickle my tummy’. But, in fact, most cats don’t like to have their tummy rubbed. By exposing the most vulnerable part of its body, it is showing that it trusts you – but it would probably rather be tickled around its head.
Body
Some cats love to be the centre of attention. They might sit on your laptop when you’re working, weave through your legs while you’re cooking, or nudge the newspaper you’re reading out of the way. Your cat’s behaviour may be distracting, even annoying – but it also shows that your pet enjoys your company and affections. If you want to discourage it, don’t give it attention or treats when it’s inconveniencing you. Instead, save these for a more appropriate time and place.
Paws
Have you noticed your cat kneading its bed (or your lap) with its paws when it is about to settle down? This may be a throwback to kittenhood and the safe, comforting feeling it enjoyed when kneading its mother’s belly to encourage milk-flow. The kneading motion also deposits its scent from glands between its toes onto its bedding – or your jeans. When your cat scratches the furniture, it isn't just sharpening its claws, but also stimulating these same scent glands.
Tail
When your cat greets you with its tail up, it is pleased to see you. If it’s really excited, its tail may even quiver or vibrate. If its tail is down low between its back legs, it is probably fearful or anxious. And if you see its tail wagging, thumping or swishing, it is annoyed and telling you to back off. Learn more about how cats communicate with their tails.
Understanding your cat’s body language takes time, as well as close observation. There are also differences in feline postures and behaviours between breeds (for example, Persian cats are more likely to carry their tails low; Siamese cats often like to play fetch). And every cat has their own individual body language quirks. Be patient, pay attention, and respect your cat’s preferences – and, before long, you’ll be a feline body language expert!