What’s your cat really trying to tell you?

Is it in the big staring eyes, the dynamic posture, or the flick of the tail? Do you know how your cat feels by reading their body language? 

Most humans find cats mysterious and unpredictable, which many cat owners find endearing. Can we make sense of their seemingly erratic movements to better understand them? Our animal experts at Ringwood Vet Clinic say yes!

Here’s some tips on reading your cat’s body language in the hope that it helps enrich your relationship.

Happy cat

Head rubbing

Cats have lots of scent glands around their face (on their chin, lower ears, forehead, cheeks, and around their mouth). When they rub their head against you, the glands release happy pheromones. This is their way of saying ‘I like you’ and ‘I’m happy’. Feliway, a product designed to calm cats, mimics this happy hormone.

The slow blink

Slowly blinking at you with big eyes means they are feeling lovey dovey, chilled and comfortable. Humans can slow blink back to share the moment.

Tail in the air

A tail pointing up in the air in a relaxed way, with a soft curl at the top, is the hallmark of a happy cat. It can look remarkably like a question mark from behind!

Exposed tummy

Cats that roll onto their back and expose their tummy to you are saying ‘I trust you’ and ‘I’m ok feeling vulnerable around you’. It’s NOT usually an invitation to rub their tummy like a dog, although a few cats don’t mind it.

A content tabby, feeling comfortable enough to expose its belly.

Zoomies

Excited cats with lots of happy energy will zoom around the house pouncing and playing. Any opportunity to imitate catching prey is a joyful moment for a cat.

Purring

99% of the time, purring means they are content. Occasionally, when a cat is in pain, it can be a form of self-soothing. 

Attention-seeking cat

Did you know the meow evolved only for communication with humans? Cats don’t talk to each other verbally unless defending their territory or calling for a mate. So meowing is definitely attention-seeking behaviour.

Annoyed cat

Wagging tail

Not to be confused with the joyful wagging of a dog’s tail! For a cat, it means it’s irritated. 

Flicking tail

This is also a clear sign of discontent. If you pat a cat and its tail starts flicking, know that they are not in the mood to be touched.

Moving away

It’s the oldest trick in a cat’s book. If they are annoyed by something, they will simply get up and move away or jump up where they can’t be reached.

Scared cat

Dilated pupils

Big eyes without the slow, chilled blink are a sign of fear. This cat is on the lookout for danger, glaring at the perceived threat.

Tight ball

A scared, anxious cat might make itself as small possible, curled up tight with stiff limbs, with their tail tucked underneath. 

A very wary, scared cat, ready to take off.

Pipe cleaner tail

This cat is feeling frightened and therefore a bit aggressive. It’s trying to make itself look big by puffing up the hair on its tail and back in hope that the threat will retreat. It may also arch its back and flatten its ears for extra effect.

The classic pipe cleaner tail and arched back.

Hunting cat

Chirping

Cats can make a distinctive chirping noise when they are watching or stalking prey. No one knows for sure why but there’s a theory it’s to trick the bird or insect into a false sense of security while they are being hunted.

Flicking tail

A stalking cat, crouching or crawling along, may flick its tail. In this case, it means the cat is feeling very switched on and predatorial. 

The consent test

We’ve all made the mistake of reaching for a kitty when they are not in the mood. 

A consent test is a great way to gauge what kind of mood your cat is in. It’s a good idea to teach kids this habit too. Simply hang your hand down beside your ankle. If the cat approaches and rubs past, then pats and play may be welcome. If not, save your love for later!

Cat behaviour isn’t so mysterious

Maybe they aren’t as elusive and unpredictable as we thought, without taking the cat magic away. Every cat is different but the general body language will be there. Observe your cat intently over the next few days and see if you can pick up any new messages from the feline world. And may your relationship grow closer!