Decoding Cat Body Language: Understand A Kitty More!

Cats possess a unique form of communication that often leaves owners wondering about their meanings. When a cat flicks its tail, offers a “slow blink,” or showcases its ears in an airplane position, it engages in a language filled with subtlety and complexity that differs greatly from that of dogs. Body language plays a crucial role in how cats convey their moods, needs, and signals, suggesting that they still rely heavily on these physical cues if they speak. 

A pilot study showed that cats show a preference for both visual and bimodal cues from non-familiar humans, interacting faster and displaying more tail wagging when no communication is present (Mouzon, C., & Leboucher, G., 2023). An observational study concluded that “Cats’ ear positions in interactions with other cats predict positive outcomes, while tail-up displays are important in cat-human interactions, indicating a specific meaning for humans in cats’ world,” (Deputte, B., et al., 2021). 

Understanding these behaviors empowers cat owners better to interpret their feline friends’ intentions and emotions. Here’s an informative guide to assist cat parents in deciphering the messages behind these various body language signals.

Tail Tales: The Stories in A Cat’s Tail Movements

The first to explore is one of the biggest tell-alls in feline language: the tail. A cat’s wagging tail has many different meanings too, which are different from dogs.  Here’s what a few different tail positions possibly mean.

The Upright Tail

Is a tail standing tall and proud? That’s a happy cat! If it’s upright with a little curl at the tip, consider it a feline “hello” or a sign that a cat’s feeling confident. Mother cats use this upright tail position to signal calm and safety to their kittens, so if this is seen, a cat feels comfortable in its surroundings.

Puffed-Up Tail

If a cat’s tail suddenly transforms into a furry bottlebrush, it’s in full “fight or flight” mode, probably feeling threatened or scared. This defensive posture, often with an arched back and bristling fur, is a cat’s way of saying, “Back off!” It’s all about making themselves look bigger to ward off potential threats.

Tucked Tail

When the tail is held low and tightly tucked under the body, the cat feels anxious, submissive, or even scared. This tail position is seen if a cat is in a new environment, meeting unfamiliar animals, or sensing something unsettling.

Tail Quivering

Does a cat’s tail shake like it’s plugged into a tiny feline electric current? This one’s an interesting mix. When combined with happy “head-butts,” tail quivering usually signals excitement, often because a cat’s thrilled to see their parent or another cat. However, if they’re quivering while backing up to a vertical surface, it probably means a cat is marking its territory, a behavior often tied to the scent glands in their tails.

Tail Thumping

A tail smacking against the floor like a drumline? This tail-thump parade generally means a cat is irritated, agitated, or seriously contemplating retreat. In short: a cat’s not thrilled and is feeling defensive, so it’s best to give them some space.

Ear-resistible Movements: The Art of Cat Ear Language

How about those little satellite dishes on a cat’s head? Cat ears are a prime indicator of their mood, swiveling and rotating to pick up sounds but also conveying emotions.

Forward and Upright Ears

A cat’s ears positioned forward and upright indicate a state of curiosity, engagement, and contentment. This ear posture often occurs when a cat is exploring its surroundings or investigating unfamiliar sounds. It suggests that the cat is alert and interested in its environment.

Airplane Ears (or Ears Turned Back)

If a cat’s ears look like little airplane wings, angled sideways or slightly back, they’re feeling unsure, anxious, or annoyed. This ear position, often called “airplane ears,” is a warning sign that a cat is getting anxious or even a bit cranky. To mitigate their anxiety and calm them down, try giving them some flavorful CBD treats.

Flattened Ears

Fully pinned-back ears? This is a classic “leave me alone” sign. Flattened ears, coupled with a crouched position, signal that a cat is ready to defend itself if necessary, often due to feeling threatened or frightened.

Eye Language: When “The Look” Says It All

Cats don’t just use their tails and ears; they’ve also got a lot to say with their eyes. Those peepers reveal everything from “I trust you” to “I’m not in the mood.” Below is a breakdown of the cat’s key eye expressions.

Slow Blinking

The infamous cat “slow blink” is like a secret handshake for feline trust. This is a major signal that a cat feels safe and secure with the human. In return, try giving a slow blink back, it’s like saying, “I trust you too.” A study concluded, “Slow blink sequences function as a form of positive emotional communication between cats and humans, leading to increased approachability,” (Humphrey, T., et al., 2020).

Dilated Pupils

A Study showed that “Feline pupil size is influenced by luminance, with a relationship between luminance and pupil height, width, or area in awake, normal adult cats,” (Hammond, P., & Mouat, G., 2004). If a cat’s pupils look huge, context matters. In low light, dilated pupils are normal, helping them see better. But in bright light or a calm environment, large pupils indicate excitement, playful energy, or fear.

Constricted Pupils and Intense Stare

If a cat parent is getting a hard stare from their cat, especially with constricted pupils, it’s their way of saying “Back off” or “I’m the boss here.” A tense, unblinking gaze often signals aggression or defensiveness, so best to look away and let them cool down.

Squinting or Closed Eyes

Squinting or partially closed eyes usually signal that a cat is feeling cozy and comfortable, though in some cases, it also means they’re feeling unwell or in pain. If squinting is paired with lethargy or unusual behavior, a vet visit is necessary. If a cat is in some pain, try giving a few drops of CBD oil to ease it off. A study on cannabidiol for pain treatment showed that “CBD shows analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects in various models, with potential clinical applications in treating neuropathic pain, inflammatory pain, and osteoarthritis,” (Mlost, J., Bryk, M., & Starowicz, K., 2020).

Full Body Language: Beyond Ears, Tails, and Eyes

Sometimes, cat parents need to consider the whole picture. Cats use every part of their body to communicate and get to know these other telltale signs listed below.

Rubbing Against Their Parents (Head-Butts)

When a cat rubs its head or body against its owner, it is both a sign of affection and a way to mark their human as part of their family. This behavior stems from their instinct to establish territory and express possessiveness. “Domestic cats use urine spray marking, tree scratching, and glandular secretions from the face and tail to scent mark, with males marking more than females,” (Feldman, H., 1994). Cats have scent glands on their heads, cheeks, and paws that release unique pheromones to communicate, essentially marking their human with a warm, furry stamp of approval. This ritual reinforces the bond between the cat and the owner, indicating trust and a sense of belonging. 

Kneading (a.k.a. “Making Biscuits”)

Kneading is a behavior that many cats exhibit, which serves as a sign of comfort and relaxation. This instinctual action is reminiscent of when they were kittens and kneaded their mothers to stimulate milk flow. When cats engage in this rhythmic motion, pushing their paws in and out—often while purring—they communicate that they feel completely at ease. Kneading on their owners signifies that the individual is a significant and comforting presence in the cat’s life. Furthermore, if a cat kneads on soft blankets or a person’s lap, it suggests that they consider those areas safe and part of their trusted circle. A positive reaction from the owner is important as cats recognize both conspecific and human emotions, integrate visual and auditory signals, and modulate their behavior based on the valence of the emotion perceived (Quaranta, A., et al., 2020).

Arched Back

The significance of an arched back in cats  vary significantly based on accompanying body language. A study found that “Cats’ emotional motor system plays a significant role in regulating postures like arching the back and mating, with a 10x stronger effect during oestrus than non-oestrus cats,” (Holstege, G., 1998). When a cat arches its back while displaying forward, relaxed ears and gentle purring, it typically indicates a desire for affection and petting. Conversely, if a cat’s back is arched with bristled fur, a puffed tail, and pinned-back ears, it signifies a defensive position. In such cases, the cat is probably feeling threatened, frightened, or ready to protect itself. It is advisable to give the cat space during these moments to allow it to relax before attempting to engage further.

Lying on Their Back with Belly Exposed

A cat that lies on its back with its belly exposed is demonstrating a high level of trust. This position indicates that the cat feels safe in the presence of its surroundings or humans. However, it is important to note that this does not always equate to an open invitation for belly rubs. The belly is a vulnerable area for cats, so while some enjoy a gentle rub in this position, others react defensively if touched there. Before attempting to pet a cat’s belly, observe for other signs, such as a flicking tail or dilated pupils. If the cat appears relaxed, one has to approach cautiously and be prepared to withdraw if the cat shows signs of defensiveness.

Vocal Cues: The Subtleties of Cat Meows and Purrs

Body language is huge, but don’t overlook the power of a cat’s vocal repertoire. Cats aren’t just about purrs and meows, they have a whole vocabulary to express their needs and emotions. Research showed that “The cat’s vocal repertoire consists of up to 21 types, with environmental factors significantly impacting its behavior, making it flexible for efficient communication with humans,” (Tavernier, C., et al., 2019). 

Purring

A purring cat is often a happy cat, but not always! Cats sometimes purr when they’re feeling anxious, scared, or even in pain, as it can have a self-soothing effect. Research shows that “Cats purr when they are injured or frightened because they generate strong frequencies between 25 and 150 Hz, which correspond to vibrational/electrical frequencies used in treatment for bone growth/fractures, pain, edema, muscle growth/strain, joint flexibility, dyspnea, and wounds,” (Muggenthaler, E., 2001). If unsure, look at other body language signs.

Meowing

Not all meows are created equal. Cat vocalizations carry information about the environment they were produced in and the animal’s emotional state, making them important for assessing welfare status (Ntalampiras, S., et al., 2019). High-pitched, frequent meows are a demand for attention, while a lower-pitched, drawn-out meow indicates displeasure. A cat’s meows range from a polite “hello” to a firm “Feed me now!”

Hissing and Growling

If a cat’s hissing, growling, or making other low, rumbling sounds, they’re not pleased, to put it mildly. This vocal warning often comes with signs like dilated pupils, flattened ears, or a tucked tail. It’s their way of saying, “Step back!” According to the Handbook of Behavioral Neuroscience, Cats hiss in response to perceived threats, as part of a behavioral pattern called “defensive rage behavior,” (Siegel, A., et al., 2010).

Recognizing Displacement Behaviors

Displacement behavior in cats refers to the manifestation of typical actions at inappropriate times, often arising from internal conflict or frustration. Common examples of these behaviors include excessive grooming, yawning, circling, vocalizations, lip licking, scratching, feeding, and sleeping. For instance, a cat displays displacement behaviors if it experiences a conflict between feelings of aggression and fear, or between mating instincts and aggression.

Anxiety also triggers displacement behaviors in cats. These actions serve as mechanisms for self-soothing or redirecting focus in situations of unease. Cat owners must be attentive to signs such as excessive grooming or frequent tail flicking, as these indicate underlying stress, boredom, or discomfort in their feline companions.

The Context Counts: Seeing the Big Picture

Remember, no single body language sign tells the full story. Context is everything when it comes to decoding cat behavior. For instance, a cat with airplane ears is feeling playful in one situation but overwhelmed in another. Likewise, tail flicking means playfulness one moment and irritation the next.

Observe the cat in different settings—during play, around new people or pets, and in various rooms at home. Over time, cat parents learn to recognize their cat’s unique communication style and patterns. Not all cats are the same, so take the time to get to know a feline friend on their own terms.

Bottom Line

Understanding a cat’s body language is essential for building a strong bond with them. By recognizing tail movements and ear positions, cat parents gain insights into their cat’s mood and needs. Various resources and techniques are available to make it easier to interpret these subtle cues, which in turn allows cat parents to create an environment that supports their feline companions’ well-being and sense of security.

Being knowledgeable about cat behavior equips pet owners to provide the best possible care for their pets. Through articles, behavioral guides, and practical observation tips, continuously expanding one’s understanding of feline communication is beneficial. Over time, pet parents develop a greater ability to interpret their cat’s signals, fostering a relationship that is grounded in trust and respect.

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References

• Deputte, B., Jumelet, E., Gilbert, C., & Titeux, E. (2021). Heads and Tails: An Analysis of Visual Signals in Cats, Felis catus. Animals: an Open Access Journal from MDPI, 11. https://doi.org/10.3390/ani11092752.
• Feldman, H. (1994). Methods of scent marking in the domestic cat. Canadian Journal of Zoology, 72, 1093-1099. https://doi.org/10.1139/Z94-147.
• Hammond, P., & Mouat, G. (2004). The relationship between feline pupil size and luminance. Experimental Brain Research, 59, 485-490. https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00261338.
• Holstege, G. (1998). The Anatomy of the Central Control of Posture: Consistency and Plasticity. Neuroscience & Biobehavioral Reviews, 22, 485-493. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0149-7634(97)00034-1.
• Humphrey, T., Proops, L., Forman, J., Spooner, R., & McComb, K. (2020). The role of cat eye narrowing movements in cat-human communication. Scientific Reports, 10. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-020-73426-0.
• Ntalampiras, S., Ludovico, L., Presti, G., Previde, E., Battini, M., Cannas, S., Palestrini, C., & Mattiello, S. (2019). Automatic Classification of Cat Vocalizations Emitted in Different Contexts. Animals : an Open Access Journal from MDPI, 9. https://doi.org/10.3390/ani9080543.
• Mlost, J., Bryk, M., & Starowicz, K. (2020). Cannabidiol for Pain Treatment: Focus on Pharmacology and Mechanism of Action. International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 21. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms21228870.
• Mouzon, C., & Leboucher, G. (2023). Multimodal Communication in the Human–Cat Relationship: A Pilot Study. Animals: an Open Access Journal from MDPI, 13. https://doi.org/10.3390/ani13091528.
• Muggenthaler, E. (2001). The felid purr: A healing mechanism?. Journal of the Acoustical Society of America, 110, 2666-2666. https://doi.org/10.1121/1.4777098.
• Quaranta, A., d’Ingeo, S., Amoruso, R., & Siniscalchi, M. (2020). Emotion Recognition in Cats. Animals : an Open Access Journal from MDPI, 10. https://doi.org/10.3390/ani10071107.
• Siegel, A., Bhatt, S., Bhatt, R., & Zalcman, S. (2010). Limbic, hypothalamic and periaqueductal gray circuitry and mechanisms controlling rage and vocalization in the cat. Handbook of Behavioral Neuroscience, 19, 243-253. https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-12-374593-4.00024-3.
• Tavernier, C., Ahmed, S., Houpt, K., & Yeon, S. (2019). Feline vocal communication. Journal of Veterinary Science, 21. https://doi.org/10.4142/jvs.2020.21.e18.