Decipher your cat’s expressions and body language. Illustration: Petepop
Happy, relaxed, stressed, upset, pets can show a wide variety of moods. To get an idea of your cat’s mood, you need to learn to decipher its expressions and body language. With this in mind, the website PetMD has prepared a guide to help you better understand your feline.
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Relaxed
A relaxed cat is usually lying on its side or back with its hind legs spread, tail almost still, and eyes closed or partially closed. If your kitty “slow blinks,” this is a sign that it trusts you. When they are calm, their ears are up and pointing in a neutral direction. They may also be purring or kneading with their paws.
Happy
A happy cat is more active than a relaxed kitty. Your pet may arch its back while rubbing against you, but in a slow and calm way. Its tail will generally be upright and may even look like a question mark with the tip slightly curved. It might slowly blink at you or give you gentle headbutts. A happy cat keeps its ears up and pointing forward. Additionally, it might meow or purr.
Playful or curious
The body language of a curious cat resembles that of a hunting feline. Its tail may tremble or twitch with excitement or stay straight during play. The eyes of a playful cat will be intensely focused on an object or toy. Some felines make noise while playing, but most remain silent. While having fun, cats may stalk, bite, pounce, or show other typical hunter behaviors. If they start to growl or flatten their ears, it’s a sign that the play has turned into frustration or anger and should be stopped.
Stressed or scared
A stressed cat usually tries to hide, driven by its instinct to flee from a problem. If it doesn’t have that option, it may show a tense body posture and begin grooming itself repeatedly in the same spot. Another unmistakable sign of fear is the “Halloween cat” pose – arched back and raised tail to appear larger. Its tail may be flicking, and its pupils dilated. Stressed cats may also eliminate outside the litter box and walk with a straight back, ears, head, and tail lowered.
Irritated or aggressive
Sometimes, a cat’s aggression isn’t detected until it’s too late, and the cat has already scratched or bitten someone. Cats have short tempers, and their anger can escalate quickly when stressed. Just pay attention to your cat’s expressions and body language to figure this out. The kitty may “freeze” before attacking, flick its tail, and stare intensely at the source of tension. A cat with ears pinned back, showing its teeth, or making noises like growls is definitely angry.
If you notice these signs, calmly step away from the animal and give it time to calm down. Never approach a cat showing these behaviors, as it is a warning that serious injuries could occur. If you are scratched or bitten by a kitty, seek a veterinarian.
Sick or injured
It can be very difficult to tell when a cat is sick or injured until its condition is severe. Signs that your kitty may be ill include disappearing for long periods, lack of appetite or thirst, open-mouth breathing, or panting. Additionally, be alert if it eliminates outside the litter box, limps, or makes noises like howling. If you notice any of these behaviors, contact a vet promptly.
This content was created with the help of AI and reviewed by the editorial team.
