Cats’ body language

Movement is one of the most essential and primitive forms of communication in the animal kingdom. Before the appearance of verbal language, living beings depended on their bodies to express emotions, intentions and needs. Through postures, gestures and movements, social bonds are established and strengthened, conflicts are resolved and survival is ensured. In cats, this form of expression has developed in a particularly rich and complex way, allowing effective communication with other cats as well as with humans and other species. Understanding feline body language is crucial for interpreting their moods and responding appropriately to their needs, thus improving coexistence and mutual well-being.

Sound and facial cues

Cats have a particular code for communicating, such as purring and snorting. These two sound and facial signals allow them to increase in intensity to express themselves in very different situations.

• Purring: A way of expressing gratitude, comfort, reassurance, sleep and affection. It is commonly associated with positive feelings and well-being.
• Sulking: Instead, it is a form of defence against what cats may consider a threat. It indicates that the cat feels threatened or annoyed.

In addition to these signals, murmurs, grunts, hisses and the different intonations of their meows provide important clues to their moods and intentions at particular times.

Ears

Cats’ ears are highly expressive and their position can indicate a lot about their emotional state.

• Calm: Upright and vertical.
• Defence : Flat against the head in horizontal position.
• Interest and/or stalking: Tilts ears forward in tension, almost forming an angle.
• Anger and stress: Tilted and folded back or sideways.

Tail

The position and movement of a cat’s tail is a clear indication of its mood.

• Calm and confident: Tail erect and very straight.
• Fear or sadness: Tail low or tucked between the legs.
• Insecurity or friendship: Tail curved or hooked.
• Anger: Fast and forceful movement of the tail when sitting.
• Playfulness: Gentle tail wagging with small strokes.
• Fear or threat: Hair bristling and tail pointing upwards.

Eyes

Cats’ eyes also communicate a great deal of information.

• Curiosity and/or happiness: Pupils open.
• Anger or concentration: Pupils half-open or closed.
• Fear: Pupils very dilated.
• Serenity and calm: Eyes half closed.

Body position

A cat’s body is another fundamental tool in its body language.

• Greeting and marking of territory: Rubbing against a person.
• Total confidence: Lying on back, showing belly, indicating no fear.
• Defensive aggression: Back arched, limbs close together, hair standing on end.

Understanding feline body language is essential for a good coexistence and to respond appropriately to their needs. Paying attention to their signals can help us better understand their moods and intentions and strengthen our relationship with them. Every gesture, posture and sound is a window into their emotional world and gives us the opportunity to connect more deeply with our feline friends.