September is Happy Cat Month, making it the perfect time to get clued up on your cat and their ever-important body language. Whether you’re a first-time pet parent or seasoned cat owner, one thing remains true: the key to a jolly moggy lies in communication.
In this blog, we’ll take a deep dive into how cats express themselves and decode the common behaviours that reveal what your feline friend is really thinking.
How docats communicate with humans?
Cats communicate their emotions through a mix of sounds and body language. Everything from how they sit or lie down to what parts of their body they expose - like their stomach - can be a signal about how they are feeling.
Understanding your cat’s ears and tail movements
However, your cat’s body language is often very subtle, which can make it tricky to identify and subsequently gauge how they’re really feeling. To get a clearer understanding, pay close attention to giveaway signs like their posture, ears, and their tail.
A cat’s tail is one of the most expressive parts of their body - a high tail often indicates a comfortable and friendly cat, whereas a low tail might suggest they are feeling threatened.
Anxious cat body language can include more than just a lowered tail - a very nervous cat may tuck its tail tightly between its legs, helping it appear smaller. On the flip side, a high, puffed-up tail often signals a cat trying to look bigger and more intimidating.
When it comes to ear position, there’s a few things to note. Forward-facing ears usually mean they’re relaxed and confident - but it’s all in the context, as ears standing tall might signal alertness or playful energy.
If the ears turn back, it often suggests fear or irritation. And when flattened sideways - commonly called ‘aeroplane ears’ - your cat is likely feeling scared or defensive.
What your cat’s eyes are telling you
If you’re still unsure about your cat’s body language meaning, pay close attention to their eyes. When a cat trusts you and feels comfortable around you, they might blink at you slowly - and a slow blinking cat is usually a happy one.
A cat’s pupils are another way to assess how calm they are. Relaxed, half closed eyes usually mean a cat is happy, whereas when a cat’s pupils are large, that means they are stimulated.
Being more stimulated is not a particularly good or bad thing, as a cat feeling playful will often have dilated pupils. However, it can also indicate fear, excitement, or anger. Again, just consider the context.
Your cat’s body movements
Kneading and rubbing is a key sign your cat is happy. Kneading, commonly known as ‘making biscuits’, is a leftover behaviour from nursing - your cat does this when they're really happy.
Rubbing is a more territorial action where a cat marks its environment (often including you!) and this indicates a sense of familiarity and belonging.
How important is my cat’s body language?
The times when you’re directly interacting with your cat are the most important when it comes to understanding them - and their body language can reveal a lot. Pay close attention to whether they seem to be enjoying your attention - or simply tolerating it.
Unlike dogs, cats aren’t naturally huge fans of physical affection. While some cats may enjoy a cuddle, too much handling can be overwhelming for them.
The more attention you pay when you’re playing with them will not only create a more positive bonding experience, but also reduce the risk of any scratches or bites. You'll begin to recognise how much petting your cat enjoys, where they like to be touched, and when it's time to stop.
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