Understanding cat body language

Understanding cat behaviour isn’t always the easiest of tasks. But once you learn to read cat body signals and cat body postures, you’ll discover a whole world of communication happening right under your nose.

From the twitch of a whisker to the flick of a tail, cats are constantly telling us how they're feeling – we just need to know what to look for.

Cats are mostly non-verbal communicators, but they use every part of their body to express themselves. Unlike dogs, who wag their tails to tell us their happiness, cats can be more subtle in getting their message across. Learning to interpret cat body signals will help you build a stronger bond with your cat and avoid a nasty warning scratch.

The key is to look at the whole picture, rather than focusing on just one body part. A cat’s emotional state is typically revealed through a combination of signals from their tail, ears, eyes, posture and vocalisations.

When content and relaxed, a cat’s body language is generally loose and flowing. Here’s what else to watch for.

• Tail: A cat's tail can tell you a lot about their mood. Look for a tail held high like a flagpole; the feline equivalent of a big smile. When your cat approaches you with their tail held high and the tip slightly curved, they’re bestowing the warmest of greetings.
• Ears: Content cats have ears that are upright and facing forward, showing they’re relaxed. Their ears should appear mobile and gently responsive to sounds around them, rather than rigid, turned out to the sides, or pinned back.
• Eyes: Happy cats often display slow, deliberate blinks – sometimes called ‘cat kisses’. When your cat looks at you and slowly closes and opens their eyes, they’re showing trust and affection. If cats are relaxed, their eyes appear neither wide nor squinting, with pupils that are appropriately sized for the lighting conditions, generally narrow in good light.
• Head: A relaxed cat will hold their head in a natural, comfortable position. Offering gentle head bumps or cheek rubs against you or furniture is their way of marking their territory with scent glands and showing affection.
• Whiskers: When cats are happy, their whiskers are typically relaxed and positioned naturally to the sides of their face, not pulled back against their cheeks or pushed forward aggressively.
• Back: A content cat's back appears relaxed and level, without any arching or hunching. They move with fluid, graceful motions that show they’re comfortable in their space.
• Tummy: The ultimate sign of trust is a cat showing their belly. When your cat rolls over and exposes their tummy fluff, they’re demonstrating complete confidence in their safety. However, it’s often a good idea to resist the urge to rub the area, as most cats prefer you to admire from a distance.
• Paws: Happy cats often knead with their paws in an adorable motion that looks like they’re making biscuits. This behaviour harks back to kittenhood when they likely kneaded their mother’s belly while nursing.

When your cat is stressed, anxious or unwell, they might show it through a variety of signs. Here are some to look out for.

• Tail: An unhappy cat’s tail speaks volumes. Look for a tail held low, tucked under the body or puffed up like a bottle brush. Rapid, aggressive lashing or thumping indicates frustration or agitation, while a tail that’s rigid and still can signal fear or uncertainty.
• Ears: When a cat is stressed, their ears are often flattened against their head, turned sideways or constantly swivelling as they monitor for threats. Similarly, ears pinned back tightly against the skull also indicate your cat is feeling scared or defensive.
• Eyes: Wide, staring eyes with dilated pupils can be a sign of stress or overstimulation. Conversely, half-closed eyes with a hard stare might signal aggression or territorial behaviour.
• Head: An unhappy cat might hold their head low or pressed close to the ground. They might also turn their head away from you or duck down when you approach, showing they’re feeling vulnerable or defensive.
• Whiskers: Stressed cats often pull their whiskers back against their cheeks, making their face appear smaller. On the other hand, whiskers pushed forward might indicate hunting mode or aggression.
• Back: Be mindful of an arched back, as this classic ‘Halloween cat’ pose indicates fear or defensive aggression. Meanwhile, a hunched posture with the cat making themselves appear smaller suggest anxiety or illness.
• Tummy: Unhappy cats keep their belly well-protected and may curl up tightly, as they’re unlikely to expose vulnerable areas when they’re feeling stressed or unwell.
• Paws: Tense cats often have rigid paws, and they might pace restlessly too. Some exhibit excessive scratching beyond normal territory marking.

Creating a positive environment for your cat is all about understanding their needs. Provide plenty of vertical climbing opportunities with cat trees or shelving, maintain consistent feeding routines, and ensure they have quiet areas to retreat to. Regular play sessions can also help burn energy, while interactive food puzzle toys can provide mental stimulation to bored pets.

Remember, every cat is different. What makes one purr might leave another feeling stressed. The key is to tune into your cat’s quirks and respond in a way that suits them.

If you notice a change in your cat’s behaviour, book a health check with your vet to rule out medical problems. If your vet feels it’s behavioural, ask for a referral to a qualified behaviourist from the Animal Behaviour and Training Council. If you have cat insurance with Petplan, you can also use our Pet Expert Chat to discuss any concerns regarding your cat's behaviour or wellbeing with an expert, 24/7. Just log into your My Petplan account to access.

Cats are famously independent, which can make them tricky to read at times, but that’s also part of the charm. Learning to understand cat body language takes a bit of patience, but it’s one of the most rewarding parts of sharing your life with a cat. Before long, you’ll start picking up on their subtle signals, developing a stronger bond along the way.