Cat Communication

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Understanding cat communication is the first step of a healthy and happy relationship between cats and their owners. There are so much that cats can and will tell us about their feelings and needs.

By understanding your cat's body language and sounds you can better understand their behavior, and avoid frustration. As you will see, cats communicate with us all the time, by their looks, twitching their tail, stretching out on their back, running around, jumping or meowing.

Here we will share with you some of the most common cat communication and the meaning of them. Enjoy!

Cat Body Language

1) Cat's Tail

• Swishing. If the tail is slowly moving from side to side, this normally means that your cat is interested in her surroundings. It shows that she is curious about what is going on.

• Lashing. On the other hand, if your cat's tail is moving fast from side to side, your cat is telling you that she is upset about something.

Cat Communication Fact #1: Sometimes the hair on her tail may also stand, which means that she will shortly attack its pray. If you see this happening, we suggest that you leave your cat alone or distract her with a toy or a snack so she will calm down.

• Tail straight up. By walking around with their tail straight up, cats are telling you that they are happy and that they are self-confident.

• Tail tucked between their legs. When cats are scared, sad or not well, they will tuck their tail between their legs. Be sure to pay attention to other signs such as ears back, and body close to the ground.

2) Cat Ears

• Ears up. Cats will have their ears up when they are alert and curious about something. You may even see the cat's ears up when they are resting, it shows that they are aware about its surroundings.

• Ears slightly to the side. This means that your cat is relaxed and that she feels safe and happy. Most of the time, this is the moment when they want to be petted.

• Twitching Ears. If your cat's ears are up and twitching, she is telling you that she is nervous or anxious about something. You must reassure your cat that she is safe and protected.

• Ears turned back. If your cat's ears are flattened towards his head and turned back, this indicates increased fear, annoyance and anger.

Cat Communication Fact #2: Ears turned back indicates that your cat is ready to attack, so you should leave her alone. Although, if you notice that your cat is with her ears turned back on a regular basis, be sure to take her to the Vet - this could be a sign of ear infection or ear mites.

3) Cat Eyes

Most of the time your cat will give you two kind of looks. The first one is when they are happy and feeling good, cats will narrow and slowly blink their eyes. This eye expression may even resemble a smile. The second kind of look you will notice is the wide and staring eyes. Cats will do that for different reasons, your cat may be paying attention to what you are doing, cautious about another pet nearby, or even hopping you will give her a snack.

Although, there are many more looks that a cat will give us based on different circumstances.

Cat Communication Fact #3: During play time you will notice that your cat's eyes will widen and smile at the same time, they are telling you that this is the best part of their day! Another look is the mad one, they will turn back their ears and narrow they eyes, if you see that stay away!

4) Cat's Body

• Kneading is a sign of affection, comfort and contentment.

• Cats will also rub against your legs, this is a sign of affection, and that you belong to her.

• When your cat rolls onto her back and expose her tummy, she is being submissive and showing you that she trusts you.

• Long stretch with arched back, means that your cat is done napping and she is ready to do something else.

• Cats will also arch their backs during play time, it normally indicates that she is ready to go after her toy or another pet. However, if this move is accompanied by ears turned back and wide eyes and hair on the back and tail your cat is about to engage into a real fight.

Related Articles:

Cat Language Dictionary

Cat Sounds and More

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