Learning and understanding cat language and signals

Understanding “cat language” and signals is like decoding a beautiful, subtle dialect of body language, sounds, and behaviors. Cats communicate primarily through non-verbal cues, but they also use sounds to express themselves.

Pay attention to vocalizations

Cats use different sounds to express their needs or emotions:

• Chirping or trilling: Often heard when they’re watching prey (like birds), expressing excitement or frustration. Sometimes it can be a call for kittens.
• Yowling or howling: Yowling or howling in cats refers to the loud, drawn-out vocalizations they sometimes make, which can sound like a wail, scream, or mournful cry. It’s different from their usual meows and typically has a deeper, more intense tone. Cats use these sounds to communicate various things such as for mating, seeking attention, signaling pain or discomfort, stress or anxiety, or possibly a territorial signal. In addition, elderly cats may yowl due to dementia or cognitive dysfunction syndrome (CDS).
• Hissing or growling: Cats hiss or growl as a form of communication, typically to express discomfort, fear, or aggression. It’s their way of setting boundaries or warning others—whether it’s humans, other cats, or animals—about something they perceive as a threat or annoyance. This can signal a desire to be left alone.
• Meowing: Generally directed at humans, often a request for food, attention, or help. A short, soft meow might be a greeting. Whereas, repeated or loud meows could mean they’re hungry, want attention, or are annoyed.
• Purring: This is usually a sign of contentment, but it can also indicate stress or discomfort in certain situations. Cats purr due to a combination of physical and emotional factors. The sound is produced by the rapid vibration of their laryngeal muscles, triggered by a neural oscillator in their brain. Typically, cats purr when they’re content, such as during petting or feeding, as a way to express comfort and pleasure. However, they may also purr when stressed, injured, or anxious, possibly as a self-soothing mechanism or to signal a need for attention. This versatile behavior helps strengthen their bond with humans and other cats, making it a key part of feline communication.

Decode body language

• Body posture
  • Arched back with fur standing up: When your cat has an arched back with its fur standing up (a behavior known as piloerection), it’s usually a sign that they’re feeling scared, threatened, or agitated. This is a natural feline response to make themselves appear larger and more intimidating to potential dangers—like another animal, a loud noise, or something unfamiliar in their environment. It’s part of their instinctual fight-or-flight reaction.
    
    Sometimes, though, it can happen during play if they’re really worked up or overstimulated. If your cat’s doing this a lot and there’s no obvious trigger (like a stray dog outside or a vacuum cleaner running), it might be worth watching for other signs—like hiding, hissing, or changes in appetite—to see if they’re stressed or unwell. A vet check could rule out pain or health issues if it seems off. Also, if you see a cat like this one, just run now. 😹
    
    
  • Lying on back with belly exposed: When a cat lies on its back with its belly exposed, it can mean a few different things depending on the context and the cat’s personality. Most commonly, it’s a sign of trust and comfort. Cats are naturally vulnerable in this position because their belly is a sensitive area they’d typically protect. By showing it to you, they’re signaling they feel safe and don’t see you as a threat. It’s often an invitation for affection, like petting—though some cats might still swat if you misread their boundaries.
    
    It could also be playful behavior. Cats sometimes roll onto their backs to initiate a game, batting at hands or toys with their paws. Kittens do this a lot, but adult cats might too if they’re in a goofy mood. Another possibility is they’re just stretching or cooling off—lying belly-up lets them regulate temperature or relax their muscles.
    
    With that said, it’s not always positive. In rare cases, if the cat’s tense, ears back, or hissing, it might be a defensive move—exposing claws and teeth to fend off a perceived threat. Context matters: a relaxed cat with soft eyes is happy; a stiff one with pinned ears isn’t.
    
• Ears
  • Forward-facing ears: When a cat has forward-facing ears, it typically means they are content and relaxed. If the ears are slightly twitching or moving while facing forward, it could mean they’re actively tracking something. Context matters here too—pair this with a relaxed body and it’s likely curiosity; add a tense posture or dilated pupils, and it might lean toward hunting mode or mild agitation. Either way, forward ears are a cat’s way of saying, “I’m tuned in.”
    
• Flattened ears: If a cat has flattened ears, it’s usually a sign of discomfort, fear, or aggression. When a cat flattens its ears against its head, it’s trying to protect them or signal that it’s not happy with the situation. This is a defensive or offensive posture, depending on the context.
  • Flattened ears going backward: It is either scared or extremely agitated and ready to attack. You want to approach a cat like this very carefully.
    
• Eyes
  • Narrowed eyes: A cat’s narrowed eyes can mean different things depending on the situation. When relaxed or content, cats may narrow their eyes or slowly blink as a sign of trust and affection. Bright light can also cause them to squint to shield their sensitive eyes. However, persistent narrowing might point to irritation or pain, like an infection or scratch, especially if paired with discharge or redness. On the flip side, narrowed eyes with tense body language could signal anger or aggression. Sleepiness is another simple cause, as drowsy cats often let their eyes droop before a nap. Context is key to figuring out what’s going on.
  • Slow blinking: As stated above, slow blinking is a sign of trust and affection (you can slow blink back to “talk” to them).
  • Wide pupils: Wide pupils in a cat usually signal heightened arousal, with the meaning tied to the situation. During play or excitement, dilated pupils help them focus on moving targets like toys, sharpening their vision. Fear or anxiety can also widen their pupils, often alongside crouched postures or puffed-up tails, showing they feel threatened. Aggression is another cause, with dilated eyes keeping them alert during confrontations. In low light, their pupils naturally expand to boost night vision, a simple physical response. Less commonly, persistent wide pupils in bright light or with odd behavior might hint at pain or a health issue
• Facial expressions and whiskers
  • Relaxed whiskers in cats typically indicate that the cat is feeling calm, content, or at ease. A cat’s whiskers are highly sensitive and serve as an extension of their sensory system, helping them navigate their environment and detect changes around them. When a cat is relaxed, its whiskers tend to sit naturally, pointing slightly outward or downward without tension. So, relaxed whiskers—neither too far forward nor pinned back—are a good sign your feline friend is comfortable at the moment. Body language like a loose tail or half-closed eyes often pairs with this to confirm they’re chilling out.
  • If the whiskers are pulled back tightly against the face, it might suggest the cat is scared, agitated, or defensive. Conversely, if they’re fanned out wide or pushed forward, it could mean the cat is alert, curious, or hunting.
• Tail positions
  • Tail puffed out: A puffed-out tail in cats usually means they’re feeling scared, threatened, or agitated. When a cat puffs up its tail, it’s trying to make itself look bigger and more intimidating to whatever’s causing the stress—whether it’s another animal, a loud noise, or something else that’s spooked them. It’s a natural defense mechanism. Sometimes it can also happen during play if they’re really worked up, but context is key. If their ears are back, they’re hissing, or their back is arched too, it’s a clear sign they’re not happy. On the flip side, if they’re just bouncing around with a puffed tail and no other aggressive signs, they might just be in high-energy play mode.
  • Tail straight up: A cat holding its tail straight up is usually a sign of confidence, happiness, or friendliness. It’s like their way of saying, “I’m feeling good and comfortable around you.” You’ll often see this when they’re greeting you, another cat, or just strutting around their territory without a care. If the tip of the tail is slightly curved or twitching a little, it can also mean they’re curious or excited about something—like when they spot you grabbing the treat bag. It’s a positive vibe, pretty much the opposite of the puffed-out tail.
  • Tail thrashing: A thrashing or whipping tail in cats typically means they’re irritated, annoyed, or overstimulated. It’s like their version of tapping a foot impatiently—or a warning that they’re about to lose their cool. You might see this when they’re done with petting, focused on something they can’t reach (like a bird outside), or just generally worked up. The faster and harder the tail moves, the more intense the feeling. If their ears are pinned back or they’re growling, it’s a solid cue to give them some space.
  • Tail tucked: A tucked tail in cats usually signals fear, anxiety, or submission. When a cat tucks its tail under its body or close to its legs, it’s trying to make itself smaller and less noticeable—basically, the opposite of the puffed-out tail’s “look big” strategy. You might see this if they’re scared of something like a loud noise, an unfamiliar person, or another animal they’re not sure about. It can also happen if they’re feeling unwell or in pain, so it’s worth keeping an eye on the context. If they’re hiding or slinking around with that tucked tail, they’re likely not feeling their best.

Observing their behavior

• Kneading (with their paws): Cats knead with their paws because it’s an instinct that goes back to kittenhood. When they were tiny, they’d press against their mom’s belly with their paws to stimulate milk flow while nursing—it’s a comforting, feel-good behavior tied to safety and food. Adult cats keep doing it when they’re relaxed, happy, or feeling affectionate, like when they’re on a soft blanket or on your lap. It’s their way of showing contentment or even marking you with scent glands in their paws, claiming you as theirs. Some say it’s also a self-soothing thing, like how humans might fidget to unwind.
• Head-butting or rubbing: When a cat head-butts or rubs against you, it’s a sign of affection and trust. Called “bunting,” this behavior lets them mark you with their scent glands (located on their face, cheeks, and forehead), claiming you as part of their territory or family. It’s their way of saying, “You’re mine, and I like you.” They’ll do it when they’re feeling friendly, relaxed, or want attention—like a little hello or a request for pets. If they’re purring while they’re at it, that’s peak cat love.
• Hiding: Cats hide for a bunch of reasons, mostly tied to their instincts and emotions. In the wild, their ancestors would seek out safe, quiet spots to rest, avoid predators, or stalk prey—so hiding is baked into their DNA. At home, they might hide when they’re scared, like from loud noises, strangers, or a new environment, because it makes them feel secure. It’s also a go-to move if they’re stressed or anxious—think vet visits or changes like moving furniture. Sometimes they hide when they’re sick or in pain since vulnerability makes them want to hole up where nothing can get them. On the flip side, it can just be play or curiosity—like squeezing into a box because it’s cozy and fun.
• Licking or grooming you: When cats lick or groom you, it’s usually a sign of affection and bonding. They’re treating you like family—similar to how they’d groom other cats they’re close to. It’s a carryover from kittenhood, where their mom licked them to keep them clean and show care, so they’re essentially saying they trust and like you enough to include you in that inner circle. They might also be marking you with their scent, reinforcing that you’re part of their group. Sometimes it’s practical too—like they think you taste interesting (sweat, lotion) or they’re just in a grooming mood and you’re handy. If it’s rough or excessive, they could be stressed or overstimulated, but usually, it’s pure cat love. Enjoy that sandpaper-like tongue!

Learn through interaction

Spend time observing and interacting with your cat. Each cat is unique, and understanding their specific signals comes with patience and attention. For example, watch for what sets your cat off when the tail starts going wild. Is it something positive or negative? Just like people, animals are different from cat to cat or species to species. If you have questions, don’t hesitate to consult a licensed veterinarian.