Cats may not be able to communicate with us in the same way that people do, but they are always letting us know how they are feeling.
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chart of cat body language; cats; john travolta
Understanding your cat’s body language and what it implies will help you communicate with them more effectively.
You can read your cat’s emotions with this chart of cat body language:
the actions they takeWhat it appears to beWhy it matters
Tail raisedThey exude assurance, satisfaction, and joy.
A twitching tailThey are quite joyful right now.
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They have a curled tail that resembles a question mark and are happy and playful. Tail erect and facing themThey are evaluating the situation and are unsure. They might also be hostile in this circumstance.
They have a low tail that is close to the ground and appear unhappy. They might act violently or feel threatened.
They are uneasy or anxious if their tail is tucked under their body.
A tail with elongated furAs they feel intimidated or upset, they are attempting to make themselves appear larger in an effort to appear menacing.
a tail that is constantly whirlingThey can be frightened or upset. You ought to leave this animal alone.
Tail swishing slowlyThe cat is getting ready to pounce when its tail starts to slowly swish. A tail flickThis is how they are thanking you.
Forward-facing earsThey are attentive and show curiosity. They might also be joyful and amusing.
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A sideways turn of the earThey’re uncomfortable or dissatisfied. Additionally, they might be obstructing the sounds that are agitating them.
ears that twinkle in the sideThe cat is irritated if it does this.
flat to the skull, earsThey are irate or terrified. Give your cat’s ears some room if you notice that their backs are flat.
one ear down, one ear upThey are evaluating the scenario while being confused cats. eyes dilatedThis may be an indication of surprise, anxiety, joy, excitement, or even rage. restricted pupilsThey have an agitated or hostile feeling.
Wide open eyes are a symptom of trust.
Unblinking and fixed eyesThey are acting aggressively and with dominance. lowered eyesCrowded eyes are a sign of anxiety or hostility.
drowsy eyesThey are demonstrating their ease and trustworthiness.
gradual blinkingThey are happy. When cats feel secure and at ease, they will blink gently. Mouth ajarThe cat may require water if it is panting due to heat. Cats may also pant in response to stress, fright, or excitement. The cat is digesting a scent if they are sniffing with their jaws open.
Cats who are playing will have their mouths open but not expose their teeth. Dialect outCats rarely have their tongues out; they typically only do so when they are ready to groom themselves or have recently done so.
rubbing a treeWhen a cat extends its paws and spreads its claws on a tree or scratching post, it is scent-marking.
. Owners of cats frequently observe this natural behavior.
Kneading and extending their front pawsA cat who is kneading with their paws outwards is likely to be content and at ease.
Claws awayThis is an indication that they are unhappy and would want privacy. The act of scratching or cleaning one’s paws can also indicate fear, anger, dominance, or other emotions.
Downward-pointing whiskers A cat who is worried or fearful will have downward-facing whiskers.
Whiskers loosened or limpThe cat feels comfortable when its whiskers are relaxed and not moving.
Face-flat against-whiskersThe cat is feeling frightened or afraid if its whiskers lie flat on its face.
Front-facing whiskersThe cat is alert and attentive when its whiskers are pointed forward. feline resting downYour cat is likely preparing to fall asleep if it is curled up in a ball and lying down.
Your cat feels at ease if they are curled up on their side.
A cat is content when it is lying down with its paws under its body.
Cat exposing its bellyA cat that is on its back and exposing its tummy is demonstrating its trust in you.
feline with an arched backCats use their arched backs to project a threatening aura.
When a cat stretches, their back may also arch, but in such instance, they are at ease and becoming comfortable.
How reading your cat’s body language can improve communication with them You can react more appropriately to the circumstance if you are aware of your cat’s body language.
Your cat will let you know when it needs your attention and when it needs some alone time.
This improved understanding of your cat’s emotions enables you to interact with them more effectively and deepen your friendship.
When you see that your cat is communicating to you that they feel safe and trust you, you can respond by slowly blinking and nodding in their direction.
You can build a closer bond with your cat if you have a better understanding of them.
Additionally, it will enable you to spot any changes in your cat’s behavior so you can respond more pro-actively in the future to assist lessen stress, worry, and irritation.
