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Learn to understand your cat’s body language in our free guide – from every tail flick to the smallest whisker twitch.

Cats are subtle and complicated in the way they communicate but taking time to learn their body language can help to strengthen the relationship with your cat. Learning the signs that they are happy, or when they just want to be left alone, can be a big help to you both.

Unlike dogs, cats haven’t evolved to have lots of facial muscles, which means their faces aren’t as expressive as dogs. This is why it’s important to recognise even the smallest signs and changes in their body language because although they seem small, they say an awful lot.

Common cat body language

There are a few things you might’ve seen your cat do to let you know if they’re happy, upset or stressed. You can see more about body language in cats in our video:

 

Signs your cat is happy

There’s nothing better than seeing a happy cat! There are a few clear signs that your cat is happy. 

An upright tail

A graphic of a cat with an upright tail

Relaxed eyes

An illustration of a cat with relaxed eyes

Rolling on their back

An illustration of a cat rolling on their back

Relaxed whiskers

An illustration of a cat with relaxed whiskers

Cheek rubbing

An illustration of a cat rubbing their cheek on furniture

Relaxed posture

An illustration of a cat with a relaxed posture

Slow blinking

An illustration of a cat with slow blinking

Ears forward and relaxed

An illustration of a cat with their ears forward

Asking for a fuss

An illustration of a cat asking for a fuss

Signs that your cat is unhappy

Overgrooming

An illustration of a cat overgrooming

Hissing and swiping

An illustration of a cat hissing

 

Eyes open with wide pupils

An illustration of an unhappy cat with wide pupils

Excessive lip licking

An illustration of a cat that is excessively licking their lips

Puffed up fur

An illustration of an unhappy cat with puffed up fur

Ears to the side or back

An illustration of an unhappy cat with ears to the back

 

Fleeing from people and pets

An illustration of a cat running away

Slow, guarded movement

An illustration of a cat that is wary and guarded

What is my cat feeling?

Curious

  • Your cat may have spotted something that’s interesting  
  • Ears are forward and pointy  
  • Eyes open with small pupils  
  • Whiskers are pointed forward  

An infographic about a cat feeling curious

 

Stressed

  • Your cat may be feeling stressed 
  • Ears are flat  
  • Eyes open with wide pupils  
  • Whiskers are pointed forward or curving down  

An infographic about a cat being stressed

 

Your cat may be feeling content 

  • Ears are relaxed, forward and rounded  
  • Eyes shut or half closed with small pupils
  • Whiskers are relaxed and closer to the face   

An infographic about a cat being relaxed

Anxious

  • Your cat may be feeling worried 
  • Ears pricked with one ear to the side   
  • Eyes open with wide pupils   
  • Whiskers are pointed forward  

An infographic about a cat feeling anxious

 

Depressed

  • Your cat may be feeling depressed
  • Ears forward but drooping  
  • Eyes open but looking down  
  • Whiskers are drooping 

An infographic about a cat feeling depressed

 

Can I communicate with my cat through body language?

Understanding what your cat is telling you with their body can help you to communicate with them. The most important thing to remember is not to stare at your cat. They can see this as a threat which can be scary for them and won’t respond in a friendly way!

If your cat is telling you (through their body language) that they feel comfortable and relaxed around you, you can tell them the same. Slowly blink at them and move your head slightly to the side. If you’re lucky, your cat will do the same back.

Saying ’puss puss‘ or making any noises at your cat with a strong ’ss‘ noise will put them off. This sounds like hissing to them, so they’ll think you’re being unfriendly.

Purring

We often think that our cats are happy when they purr. This is only true if their body language is relaxed. They can also purr to get your attention and fuss.

Sometimes cats can purr in stressful situations, such as going to the vet. Sadly, this doesn’t necessarily mean they’re happy at the vet! They can also sometimes purr if they are in pain. It’s important to watch your cat’s body language as well as looking at the context as this is a better indicator of whether they are happy and comfortable.

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