Understanding your cat: body language, sounds and what they mean

Cats are subtle communicators. Cats Protection explains that, because cats descend from a solitary species, they haven't developed the facial muscles for the range of expressions humans and dogs use. Instead they rely on body language, a few key sounds and a lot of scent. Learning to read these signals can help you build a better relationship with your cat and spot when something is wrong.

Read the whole cat

No single signal tells the full story. Look at your cat's tail, ears, eyes, whiskers and posture together, and think about what's happening around them. Wide pupils, for example, can mean your cat is stressed, but they can also mean your cat is playing, hunting or simply in low light.

Tail

• Held straight up. International Cat Care says a tail held vertically signals friendly intent when a cat approaches another cat, animal or person.
• Tucked between the back legs. Often a sign of anxiety or fear.
• Held out and moving slowly from side to side. May signal frustration.
• Fast or erratic movement. Cats Protection says this can mean your cat is agitated or highly aroused, and shouldn't be touched. Unlike a dog's wag, it's rarely a sign of happiness.
• Puffed up. A bushy tail with an arched back and sideways stance is a "stay away" signal. Some cats puff up their tail when suddenly frightened.
• Thumping on the ground while crouched. A defensive posture.

Ears

• Forward and relaxed. Your cat is likely to be relaxed and happy.
• Forward and pointy. Your cat may have spotted something interesting.
• One ear turned to the side. Your cat may be feeling worried.
• Flat, or turned to the side or back. Your cat is likely to be frightened and may try to hide or get up high.

Eyes

• Half-closed with small pupils. A sign of a relaxed cat.
• Wide open with large pupils. May mean fear or stress, but think about the situation and the light.
• Staring with little blinking. International Cat Care says cats stare at each other during tense encounters.
• Rapid blinking or looking away. Can be a sign that a cat feels threatened.
• Slow blinking. A sign your cat feels relaxed with you.

Whiskers

Relaxed whiskers held close to the face usually go with a relaxed cat. Whiskers pointing forward can mean your cat is interested, worried or frightened, depending on the rest of their body. Drooping whiskers, with ears drooping and eyes looking down, can be a sign your cat is feeling low.

Posture

• Stretched out on their back. Cats Protection says this is a very relaxed cat, and many do it as a greeting. It isn't usually an invitation for a tummy rub. Most cats tolerate or dislike it, and you may get scratched or bitten.
• Crouched low with the head pulled in. An anxious or fearful cat makes themselves look small, ready to run away.
• Arched back, sideways stance and raised fur. A defensive warning to stay away.

What your cat's sounds mean

Cats Protection explains that domestic cats have learned to be vocal with people, and many develop their own range of miaows that their owners come to understand.

Miaowing

Adult cats miaow mainly to get a response from people, such as food, attention or access to a room. If you always respond, your cat learns to do it more, including at 5am. Some cats rarely miaow, while others, particularly oriental breeds, are very vocal.

Purring

Purring usually means your cat is content, relaxed or happy. Some cats also use a more urgent "solicitation purr" when they want food or attention. But purring can also be a sign of pain, and the two can sound very similar. Look at the rest of your cat's body language and behaviour.

Hissing

A hiss means your cat feels unhappy or threatened, and is warning that they may attack if necessary. Give them space.

Rubbing, head bunting and kneading

• Rubbing and head bunting. Cats have scent glands on their face and other parts of the body. Cats Protection says they rub or "bunt" against objects, people, familiar dogs and other cats to share scent and mark their area. Cats that live together in the same social group often rub against each other to keep a shared scent.
• Kneading. Rhythmically pushing their front paws against a soft surface, like your lap, is often a sign of contentment in adult cats. It's a behaviour left over from kittenhood, when kittens knead to get milk from their mother.
• Scratching. It isn't just claw care. Scratching leaves scent from glands between the toes and visible marks, so it's also a way of communicating.

How to "talk" to your cat

• Don't stare. Cats Protection says cats can see staring as a threat.
• Try a slow blink. If your cat seems relaxed, slowly blink at them and turn your head slightly to the side. A 2020 study by the University of Sussex and University of Portsmouth found that cats slow blinked back more often when their owners slow blinked at them. Cats were also more likely to approach a stranger after a slow blink than when the stranger kept a neutral face.
• Let them come to you. Approach slowly and offer your hand, not in their face, so your cat can sniff or rub it. If they move away, let them go.

When to talk to your vet

If your cat's behaviour changes, Cats Protection advises ruling out medical causes first, so speak to your vet. Remember that a cat in pain may still purr.