For many of us, cats have become indispensable companions, so understanding cat body language and communication signals can enhance your bond with your feline companion and help you better meet their needs. And although they cannot communicate with us through human speech, they are very expressive animals. A study found that we are more likely to correctly identify positive rather than negative emotional states based on the cat’s behavioural expressions. It is very important for feline caregivers to understand cat body language. Here is a closer look at the common signals.
Tail Dynamics
A high tail position is associated with relaxation and confidence. Your cat will likely have a high tail when in a familiar environment and when coming to greet you.
A low or tucked tail is a cat’s attempt to make themselves appear smaller and less threatening. It is often a sign of anxiety or fear, so you should give your cat some space.
If your cat is rapidly swishing its tail, they will likely be feeling agitated, annoyed, or have heightened arousal.
An attacking, fearful or threatened cat will want to make themselves appear bigger to their opponent, so they will raise their tail and the fur will be on end.
Ear Orientation
Ears facing forward can be seen in cats who are feeling happy and confident, it is the neutral position for a cat’s ears.
If your cat’s ears are facing forward but also pricked up, it means they are alert and curious.
Low and sideways ears mean they are feeling frightened or nervous – be sure to respect your feline’s space so they can feel secure. Your cat may go to hide until they feel more comfortable.
If the ears are flat and facing backwards, the cat is showing that they feel frightened. Once again, make sure to give them some space to minimise your cat feeling like they have to defend themselves.
Eye Communication
Cats will stare at other cats or people as a threat or a sign of tension; however, this should not be confused with friendly eye contact. Being able to distinguish whether your cat is feeling friendly or not should be fairly easy: aggressive stares are intense, wide eyes indicate anxiety or hyperarousal, and friendly eye contact is soft.
A relaxed cat may blink slowly to show trust and affection. Research suggests the slow blink works as a form of positive communication between cats and people. Responding to your cat with a slow blink can strengthen the bond between you.
Cats who are feeling less confident will avoid eye contact, and those who are feeling uncomfortable may engage in a displacement activity such as intensive grooming.
Whisker Sensitivity
Whiskers are highly sensitive tactile hairs, or vibrissae, that provide spatial awareness. A relaxed cat holds its whiskers loosely out to the side. Whiskers pulled flat back often indicate fear or defensiveness, while whiskers pushed forward or splayed show heightened interest or arousal – and, alongside other signs, can also indicate fear or pain.
The positioning of whiskers is closely linked to a cat’s emotional state and sensory engagement with their environment.
Cat Body Language Posture and Positions
A cat lying on their back, exposing their belly, is in a relaxed state, indicating trust. Despite this, many cats will not want their tummy rubbed! The belly is a vulnerable area, and your cat may bite or scratch if you touch it.
If your cat is curled up, they may be feeling a bit cold, or even a little vulnerable, as this position helps them feel secure and maximise their body warmth. The side sleeping position is one of the most comfortable, and is often displayed when they are in deep sleep. If your cat is an avid side sleeper, then they really trust you.
The ‘loaf’ is a position that many cats adopt. It shows that they are relaxed but ready to spring into action if needed.
An arched back, accompanied by puffed fur, is a clear signal of a defensive posture, indicative of fear or aggression. This response is part of the cat’s fight-or-flight mechanism, enhancing their size to deter threats.
If a cat feels anxious or stressed, their body language will appear tense, and the cat may also show an arched back, appear in a crouched position ,or keep its weight towards their rear end (so they are ready to flee).
Vocal Communication
While this article has focussed on cat body language, don’t forget feline auditory signals complement visual cues. Cats use a variety of vocalisations to express their emotions and even physical state, such as if they are unwell or in pain. Vocal communication is important for the spacing of individuals and can prevent direct confrontation.
Some of the common vocalisations include meowing, purring, chirping, trilling, chattering and tweeting. Other vocalisations indicating a cat is feeling threatened or distressed include growling, hissing, spitting, yowling and howling.
Read our article on cat vocalisations for more detail.
Take-home message about cat body language signals
In conclusion, by observing tail position, ear orientation, eye contact, whisker placement, and overall body posture, we can decode our cats’ feelings and needs more accurately. This knowledge not only enhances our relationship with our feline friends, but also promotes their well-being, allowing us to respond to their emotional cues effectively.
When they look frightened or overly wound up by something, then be sure to give them space.
Need help with understanding your cat’s body language signals better? Get in touch with us to see how one of our cat behaviourists can support you. Our cat behaviourists are based in Birmingham, Stoke-on-Trent and Coventry.
References
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- Cafazzo, S., & Natoli, E. (2009). The social function of tail up in the domestic cat (Felis silvestris catus). Behavioural Processes, 80(1), 60–66. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.beproc.2008.09.008
- Dawson, L. C., Cheal, J., Niel, L., & Mason, G. (2019). Humans can identify cats’ affective states from subtle facial expressions. Animal Welfare, 28(4), 519–531. https://doi.org/10.7120/09627286.28.4.519
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- Haywood, C., Ripari, L., Puzzo, J., Foreman-Worsley, R., & Finka, L. R. (2021). Providing humans with practical, best practice handling guidelines during human-cat interactions increases cats’ affiliative behaviour and reduces aggression and signs of conflict. Frontiers in Veterinary Science, 8, Article 714143. https://doi.org/10.3389/fvets.2021.714143
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