Our feline friends have their own unique body language to communicate their thoughts and emotions. They use their cat body (including their eyes, ears, whiskers, and tail) and their voice to show what they are thinking and feeling. By learning the body language of a cat, we can better understand our kitties’ wants and needs. When interpreting cat body language, consider everything around the cat. Put yourself in the cat's paws and ask how the situation and environment including the sights, sounds, and smells might make them feel. For example, if a person unintentionally corners a cat, the cat might feel scared or threatened. If a cat looks upset for no reason, they may be sick or in pain.

A cat's eyes, including wide eyes and dilated pupils, can tell a lot about how they feel. Paying attention to cat ears and facial expressions also helps us understand what our feline friends are experiencing. Knowing these signs can help ensure your cat feels safe and happy. The following are different body language signs that correspond to various emotions in our cats. By learning to look at a cat's body, you can understand your cat better and ensure they feel understood and cared for.

When a cat is happy, their cat body language is typically relaxed, with limbs and tail stretched out away from their body when lying down. If they show their belly, it likely means they feel safe though this isn't always an invitation for a belly rub! A happy cat might cuddle up next to you or knead you with their paws.

Cats are natural predators with an instinct to hunt. When they want to play, their cat body language often mimics hunting behaviors. They might crouch down, wiggle their rear end, and chase, pounce on, or grab hold of a toy.

When a cat feels stressed or anxious, their cat body language often reveals a stiff and tense posture, with their body held low to the ground. They may exhibit displacement behaviors such as lip licking, scratching, grooming, and yawning out of context as a way to manage their cat anxiety. Additionally, stressed or anxious cats might urinate or defecate outside of the litter box.

When a cat feels threatened, their cat body language can signal a defensive reaction. They may try to appear as large and intimidating as possible by arching their back and puffing up their fur (an involuntary response to fear known as piloerection).

In addition to being predators, cats are also prey animals and may feel scared when they sense a potential threat. In response, their cat body language might show them trying to appear smaller by crouching low to the ground and scrunching up their body.

A cat’s body language provides crucial insights into how the cat feels emotionally and can also reveal if the cat is sick or in pain. Since cats are adept at hiding physical illness, changes in their cat body language may be the first sign that something is wrong. When a cat is in pain or unwell, their body language might show them hunched with their legs tucked underneath, and their body may appear tense.

Understanding your cat’s body language is key to effective communication and ensuring a positive interaction. It’s important to avoid staring directly at your cat, as this can be perceived as a threat and may make them feel uneasy or scared, leading them to react negatively or even stare back at you. For more on why your cat might be staring at you, check out Why does my cat stare at me?.

If your cat's body language indicates that they feel comfortable and relaxed around you, you can respond by slowly blinking at them and slightly tilting your head to the side. This helps communicate that you are friendly and can encourage your cat to mirror your behavior, which is a sign of trust and contentment.

Be mindful of how you use your voice, as saying "puss puss" or making any sounds with a strong "ss" noise might be misinterpreted by your cat as hissing. This can make your cat feel threatened or confused, so opt for a calm and soothing tone to maintain a positive interaction. By understanding the language of cat body language, you can better interpret how your cat feels and ensure they stay happy and comfortable around you.

Although not technically part of cat body language, a cat’s vocalizations are among the most overt ways for a cat to express how they feel. These vocal sounds provide clear signs of a cat’s emotions and are a crucial part of understanding your cat’s overall body language and mood. Whether it's a purr, meow, or hiss, paying attention to these vocalizations helps you interpret the various signs of how your cat feels and what they might be trying to communicate.

When a cat wants to communicate that they’re feeling threatened, their vocalizations can provide clear signs of their discomfort, which are crucial to understanding their cat body language.

1. The Growl: A growling cat is signaling that they need space and is a warning to back off. This growl is a direct sign of how the cat feels and indicates their discomfort.
2. The Hiss: Hissing is a sign that a cat feels threatened and might be preparing to fight or flee. This vocalization is an effective way for the cat to show they have sharp fangs as a defense, reflecting their anxiety and readiness to protect themselves.
3. The Yowl: This loud, rising vocalization often follows a hiss and indicates heightened agitation. A yowl may also occur when a cat is in heat, serving as an additional sign of distress or emotional intensity.
4. The Shriek: A cat that shrieks is expressing extreme stress and feels cornered. This vocalization indicates that the cat is at their limit and is about to either make a stand or retreat, highlighting their urgent need to change the situation.

Chirping and chattering are vocalizations that express specific feelings and are key signs in cat body language. A cat will often chirp and chatter when they detect potential prey nearby that they cannot reach. For instance, if your cat is chirping at the window, it may have spotted a bug it wants to capture but is hindered by a screen. These sounds indicate that the cat feels excited by the sight of the prey, but also frustrated by their inability to get to it.

Trilling is a vocalization that sounds similar to purring but at a higher pitch, resembling the sound of a bicycle bell. In cat body language, trilling is often used by mother cats to communicate with their kittens. When a cat trills, it generally indicates that they feel friendly and affectionate. This sign of cat body language is frequently used by cats to greet their owners, reflecting a warm and familial connection.

Meowing is one of the most variable types of cat vocalizations, as it can convey a range of emotions and needs. This sound might indicate anything from hunger to simple chattiness, making it a complex sign in cat body language. To accurately interpret what your cat feels, meowing should be considered in the context of the cat’s overall behavior and environment.

If a cat's meowing becomes constant and they appear to be in pain, it could be a sign that something is wrong, and a vet visit may be necessary. Conversely, if your cat meows frequently but seems otherwise healthy, they might just be a particularly vocal breed like a Siamese cat or Burmese cat. Understanding these vocalizations helps in recognizing the signs of how your cat feels and responding appropriately.

When a cat arches its back, it typically signifies that the cat feels threatened or scared. This cat body language makes the cat appear larger and more intimidating as a defensive response. However, an arched back can also indicate that the cat is stretching or preparing for playful activity. Understanding this sign of cat body language helps in interpreting how your cat feels in different situations.

When a cat’s ears are flattened, it generally means that the cat feels threatened, scared, or aggressive. This cat body language is a defensive posture intended to protect the cat’s ears from potential threats and signals that the cat is not comfortable. Flattened ears indicate that the cat is experiencing negative emotions and may be preparing to either fight or flee.

Concerning cat body language can include excessive grooming, hiding more than usual, not eating, and changes in litterbox habits. If you observe any of these signs in your cat’s body language, it’s important to schedule a vet appointment to address any potential health issues.

Use a slow blink to connect with your cat! Cats often use slow blinking in their body language to show they are relaxed and affectionate. By mirroring this cat body language with a slow blink, you signal that you feel safe and comfortable around them. To further enhance your bond, you can also pet, snuggle, and give treats to your cat, as long as they enjoy these interactions.

When a cat puffs up its fur, it usually indicates that the cat is feeling threatened or scared. This cat body language is a defensive reaction designed to make the cat appear larger and more intimidating. Puffing up the fur is a clear sign of fear or aggression in a cat’s body language.

Here are some signs that your cat is happy: 1) Purring while relaxing around you; 2) Kneading surfaces with their paws, often referred to as "making biscuits"; 3) Giving you slow blinks; 4) Holding their tail high and rubbing against you.

If your cat’s body language shows they are clingy and always want to be near you, it’s a strong sign that they’ve imprinted on you. This cat body language includes following you around the house, making noises, sleeping with you, and generally being very attached to your presence.

When your cat meows as you come home, it’s a form of cat body language that indicates they are excited to see you and have missed your presence. This vocalization is a way for your cat to greet you and communicate their happiness at your return. Additionally, meowing can be a way for your cat to seek attention or get you to acknowledge them through their body language.