Your Cat's Body Language

Though your cat may seem aloof, this often-reclusive creature is really quite the chatterbox, if you know what to look for.

Your cat uses body language almost exclusively to communicate. Watching how your cat carries himself will help you understand how he's feeling. As you learn, you'll be able to predict his behavior as well. Learn more about your cat's body language in one of our recommended books.

Aromatic markers called pheromones help establish and maintain a cat's territory. These powerful scents are critical elements in communications among cats, and are emitted by different glands located strategically throughout the cat's body. When your cat rubs her cheeks against you or another cat, she does so to pick up or leave scent markers and to create a relationship based on physical contact.

Tricks of the Tail
A cat's tail acts as an extension of its thoughts, an indicator of its mood and a warning of intention.

Broad swishing of the tail indicates annoyance. For example, a cat who decides she's had enough petting will swish its tail in impatience. If you continue, your cat may "bat" you with her paw or growl softly. Though usually good-humored, the batting is an act of aggression indicating your cat's agitation.

Severely agitated cats move their tails rapidly back and forth from the base, a clear threatening signal. Generally, the larger and more rapid the swish, the more upset the cat. Exhibiting a visible warning to other cats (and to you) is her way of avoiding direct conflict. Cats involved in a conflict may extend their fully bristled tail straight into the air and turn their body sideways to appear larger.

With prey, though, the tails of hunting cats show more subtle movements, explaining to other cats their intention while not warning their victims.

When a cat is afraid or is trying to avoid a confrontation with a dominant cat, his tail will "puff up" or become bristled. He will then lower his tail or tuck it betweens his legs as a sign of submission.

Unlike switches, twitches of the tail display excitement and curiosity. A raised tail — as long as the fur isn't bristled — indicates that the cat is being friendly. If the cat is excited, as when you come home after a long day at work or when you open a can of cat food, the upraised tail might twitch in anticipation. The cat will probably vocalize or rub against her owner.

Body Talk
Body language is not just restricted to a cat's tail. Her stance and the position of her ears usually indicate what she's feeling.

Bent forelegs, for example, show that your cat would prefer to avoid a fight, but she will defend herself if the need arises. When your cat expands her body by fluffing up her fur, she is showing both confidence and aggression. When a cat's legs are fully stretched, she is self-assured and prepared to attack. A bend in the hind legs, however, shows indecision or even timidity. When a cat shrinks her body size, legs tucked underneath, she's showing submission, as well as readiness for action.

When a cat's ears are back and his posture is steady, he is unsure of what move to make and is considering his options. If his ears are back and his body is low to the ground, this is a display of shame or remorse.

The cat's pricked ears show his interest in what's going on around him. When a cat raises its head directly, this is an attempt to display dominance. A lowered head indicates submission or a feeling of inferiority. When his head is completely tucked in, your cat is probably bored. If he's sneaking around low to the ground at a crawl, he is probably stalking prey. Be aware that the cat is about to mount a full speed assault.

Kitty-Cat Chitchat
Purring is not in every cat's repertoire of social communication, but it is quite common. Not a great deal is known about the mechanics of purring, but purring is associated with contentment and happiness in cats.

Interestingly, though, purring is sometimes heard in cats that are severely ill or anxious, perhaps as a self-comforting vocalization.

Vocal cats utilize vowel sounds to indicate their desires. The classic "meow" is an example. The subtle differences in sound communicate commands as well as requests and complaints.

In the wild, vowel sounds are restricted to kittens, but the process of domestication has extended this method of communication well into adulthood.

Adult cats emit high intensity sounds by changing the shape of their mouths. Hisses and grumbling are the most common examples, used primarily to communicate aggressive or defensive intentions. Cats in heat and feral strays also use this form of communication.