Understanding Cat Body Language

Introduction

Just like us, cats show the world how they really feel through their body language.

Cats may appear cryptic, but there are really quite a few indicators that might help in understanding cat body language and emotions. Body language, facial expressions, vocalizations, and tail motions may typically give you a good idea of your cat's attitude. You may learn even more by keeping an eye out for additional signals, such as the following body language cues and indicators related to the cat's tail.

Like humans, cats experience a variety of fundamental emotions, including joy, sadness, fear, relief, and frustration. Recognizing these feelings and responding appropriately is essential to having a healthy connection with your cat.

Understanding Cat Body Language

Knowing Cat Behaviour

Indications of Peaceful Behaviour

• Seeing a contented cat is the most delightful thing in the world! You can tell your cat is pleased by looking at certain behaviors. Some examples are:

• Cats sometimes stroll toward you with their tails upright, occasionally curled at the tip, as a greeting and a sign of how delighted they are to meet you. What we mean is that they aren't wide-open and vigilant. 

• They may be showing slow blinking and partially closed eyes, like a rugby ball rather than a football. Cats will slowly blink at each other and at humans to indicate that they are friendly and comfortable. 

• One way to calmly demonstrate to a cat that you aren't about to roll over on them is to gently blink at them and then slowly turn your head away. A comfortable and content cat may turn over onto its back to reveal its belly to you. 

• Not a request for a belly massage, but a show of trust and welcome anyway! Avoid getting your hand snatched by those sharp claws by giving them a little head rub instead of a hop-up. Your feline friend is trying to get your attention by doing a small hop-up when they see you. Refusing to comply would be impolite.

Indications of Neutral Behaviour

First and foremost, a calm cat facial expression.

• They may be curled into a ball, sprawled out, or lying on their front with their paws neatly tucked beneath them if they were to lie down.

• They can have half-closed eyes or be blinking gently.

• Their ears will be relaxed, kept front, and casually erect, though they may turn on their own if your cat is observing anything nearby.

• Their facial whiskers will be loosened and positioned away from their sides, and they could even seem to be grinning!

• Their bodies are at ease and exhibit no signs of tension that would indicate they are going to take action.

Knowing Cat Behaviour

Indications of a Fearful Behaviour

Cats have been known to fight over territory, but when they feel really threatened, their body language also radically alters. Watch out for:

• A curved back. When a cat is really afraid, they may often arch their back to appear larger and more menacing. 

• Your cat's tail will probably be erect and stiff due to their large hair and whiskers if they are arching their back out of great fear. 

• Your cat will have all-over hair that stands on edge and whiskers that point forward when they feel really scared.

Additionally, really nervous cat body language will hiss or even swat at the object that is bothering them. Instead of trying to get close to them, try to figure out what's upsetting them.

Indications of a Nervous Behaviour

• Your cat will have wide eyes that are not blinking, with dilated pupils that form an oval or circle.

• Their ears may swivel apart independently of one another, shifting from their comfortable forward posture to search for additional information. They could even collapse back onto their heads in extreme anxiety.

Indications of Anxious Behaviour

• Cat behaviour signs may include drooping of head. Additionally, whiskers will be pushed to the side to make them look little and unthreatening, or they may even be swept forward in a warning gesture.

• Your cat may crouch as their anxiety levels rise, or their back may arch in preparation for a sprint.

• In this case, cat tail language is crucial. Anxiety is indicated by a tail that is either motionless or moves slowly from tip to tip. When you notice this unique symbol with the cat tail, be sure to reassure them.

Indications of a Sick or Injured Behaviour

Not only can cat body language tell us a lot about an animal's emotional state, but it may also indicate whether or not the cat is ill or in pain. Cats are adept at disguising physical ailments, so alterations in their body language might be the initial indications of a problem.

Cats may lean down with their legs tucked beneath them when they're unwell or in pain. They might have a tight body.

• Eyes: Squinted or kept shut, a cat's eyes might seem glassy or disoriented when it is ill or in discomfort. The pink tissue located in the corner of the cat's eyes is its third eyelid, and it can occasionally be seen.

• Ears: They can tilt their ears to the sides or hold them low.

• Tail: They may hold their tail beneath them or encircle their body tightly.

Meowing or yowling more frequently may be an indication of mental or physical suffering. Cats may purr in response to pain or disease.

Take your cat to the veterinarian if you see any of these changes or any other abnormal behaviour changes, including hiding, aggressiveness, losing energy, or adjustments to eating, grooming, or friendliness.

Being able to read a cat's body language can help you become a better cat parent and advocate for your pet's welfare. Cats use body language to communicate their feelings and wants.

Purring

When our cats purr, we frequently assume that they are content. This is only accurate when they appear at ease. While understanding your cat’s attention and fuss, they can also purr.

Stressful events, like seeing the veterinarian, can occasionally cause cats to purr. Regretfully, this does not imply that they are content with the veterinarian! When they are in agony, they occasionally purr as well. 

Observing your cat's body language in addition to the surrounding environment is crucial, as it provides a more accurate indication of their level of happiness and contentment.

Understanding Cat Body Language

Final Words: Cat Behaviour Is Environment-Dependent

It is important to constantly think about whether the cat feels comfortable in the scenario or whether it might be making them fearful or anxious. Cats find it easier to de-stress in a spacious, comfortable room with views of their surroundings than in a dim, cramped space, which is why they typically enjoy lounging on high, open perches.

The position of the litter box is crucial for this reason as well.

A high-quality cat tower is a fantastic way to provide your cat with a multifunctional area where they can watch, unwind, play, and retreat when they're feeling stressed. A cat is likely to feel safer, and you may presume more comfort if it is familiar with everyone in the area and has a private area they can escape to.

On the other hand, you can generally expect your cat to be a bit freaked out when they travel. It's crucial to select a cat carrier in these circumstances that will reduce noise and visual stimulation while still having enough mesh to let in some light and ventilation. 

Cats that are anxious can be extremely sensitive, especially to change. Cats can take a while to adjust to sudden changes in their environment, so being able to recognize the signs of nervous behaviour in your cat will help you help them calm again. 

When your cat comes to you for comfort and attention, you may give them a calming stroking the sooner you recognize this in their body language. After any significant change, give your cat two to three days to adjust and go back to normal.