Body language of cats

Although cats and humans do not speak the same language, communication with each other is still possible! Cats give us signs: By purring, hissing, growling or yawning, cat owners can easily understand the mood of their kitty. But sometimes you have to take a closer look! Because whether your cat is happy, tired, playful or very irritable, it also tells you with other behaviors. Do you also want to speak kitten? We will be happy to give you a small language course!

Cat posture

Based on your cat's posture, you can get a good idea of their state of mind. You've probably noticed these positions in your cat:

• The cat hump: The spines of our velvet paws are so flexible that they can form a very pronounced hump – even kittens can do this. In some cases, this is cat yoga or stand-up gymnastics. However, if cats hump in the company of bristling fur and hissing, they feel threatened after a moment of fright. With a cat hump, cats appear larger and can thus face their opponents.

• Cats lying down: Typically, cats are relaxed when they lie on their side with their limbs outstretched. The so-called "compact pose" or "loaf of bread position", in which your furry friend lies upright on his stomach and his paws are folded under her body, also tells you that your cat is coming to rest.
  If your cat is curled up very small in his basket, he wants to warm up. If you find him in an unusual place in this position, your furry friend may also feel uncomfortable and possibly have pain - check here to see if he also shows other symptoms of illness!

Understanding Cat Tail Posture

Even from a distance, your cat can give you information about its mood with its tail posture:

• Neutral mood: Your darling holds his tail loosely down.

• Friendly: If the tip of the tail is pointed straight up, your cat will communicate its openness and friendly mood to you!

• Focused: Does the cat's tail wag back and forth? Then your cat is curious, focused or lying in wait!

• Tension: If you notice a lowered and bristling cat's tail, you should give your four-legged friend space – he is anxious and wants to escape the situation. An erect and bristling tail is said to scare away enemies.

Cat Body Language: What Do the Ears Say?

You've probably noticed this before: Your cat changes the orientation of its ears. Look closely – the position of his ears tells you a lot about your furry friend's emotions:

• Ears are pointed forward: When the ears are pointed forward, your cat is alert and focused. With a slightly outward-facing position of the ears, cats are relaxed, sociable or in a playful mood.

• Changing positions quickly: Your furry treasure may not be able to assess the situation he is in well – a quick change of position will make him nervous and stressed.

• Turned to the side: There's about to be trouble! If your cat has turned its ears to the side, keep your distance. With this alignment of their ears, your cat is giving you a warning or threatening signal.

• Placed on the head: If the ears are very close to the head, your cat is scared or brushed for rioting.

Cat Body Language: Paws

Have you ever experienced how your darling "kicks" you, other animals or objects with his paws? With this behavior, your cat shows you that he loves you and trusts you. Cats often use pedaling to mark their territory – especially in households with multiple pets. They have scent glands on their paws, so-called pheromones, which are released by "kneading".

Cat Language of Cats: What Do the Eyes Say?

Your furry friend's big eyes aren't just incredibly cute – they're also an important part of their facial expressions and tell you how they're doing. Pay attention to how wide your eyes are open and what situation your furry treasure is in:

• dilated eyes: attention, aggressiveness

• lowered eyelids or blinking: relaxation

You can also take a closer look at the pupils. It is important that you take into account the lighting conditions. If it's very dark, the pupils are dilated without your cat being aroused.

• dilated pupils: positive or negative arousal

• Constricted pupils: serenity

Interpreting Your Cat's Body Language Correctly

A single signal like meow can't always tell you about your cat's state of mind. In some cases, as an owner, you have to look closely to recognize your velvet paw's feelings! Because your cat can combine eyes, paws, sounds and even whiskers when expressing its mood.