Cat Language: How to Understand Your Feline Friend

May 13, 2015

By Morgan Clark

Cats aren't exactly the most forthcoming of creatures. They can treat you like a servant one moment and a treasured loved one the next. If you're not familiar with cats, they can seem pretty confusing. Here's a handy list to help you decipher the language of felines.

Tail

A cat's tail is the most telltale sign of his mood. A happy kitty will hold his tail straight up or wrap it around him when he's lying down. Twitching of the tail is a sign of alertness and curiosity. Unlike with dogs, a cat that is wagging his tail back and forth is a sign that he is irritated or angry. If your cat is wagging his tail, he doesn't like what you are doing and may lash out. Proceed with caution; he might be ready for some alone time. A puffed up tail is a sign of fear or aggression. Your cat's gearing up for a fight, so best get out of the way and let him calm down.

Ears

Cats' ear expressions are similar to those of dogs. Forward facing ears are a sign of alertness and curiosity. The cat may hear a noise that she recognizes or see something curious. Ears that are rotating back and forth mean that the cat is attentive or nervous. Relaxed ears that are turned slightly forward are a sign of a happy cat. When a cat presses its ears flat against its head, it is angry or frightened and likely to bite or scratch.

Body Movement

Cats will arch their backs and pace back and forth or rub up against you when they want attention or food. They can also arch their backs as you are petting them to show enjoyment. However, an arched back with a braced stance and puffed up fur is feeling defensive and ready for a fight. Leave this cat alone.

Licking and Kneading

Cats lick their young and other familial cats to groom them. It is also a form of bonding and affection. When a cat licks you, it means they are happy with what you are doing and returning the favor. This usually only occurs when the cat is relaxed and familiar with you.

Kneading is when a cat massages you with their front paws, which may or may not involve claws. Kittens knead their mothers when they are nursing, and when an adult cat kneads, it means they are very happy. Again, this is usually when the cat is comfortable around you.

Meowing, Growling, and Purring

Meowing can mean a great many things in cat language. Loud, direct meows usually mean that the cat wants something – most likely attention or food. Loud, drawn out yowling is a sign of distress. Your cat could be fighting with another cat or trapped somewhere and it wants you to let it out. Yowling is also a sign of cats mating, though this will only be an issue if your cat is not spayed or neutered.

Growling or hissing is a sign of agitation and aggression. Your cat could be provoked by another cat or animal he finds threatening, or he could be angry at you. Either way, do not try to comfort the cat. Leave him alone and he will calm down.

We all know that a cat's purring means they are happy. You're probably petting the cat or giving her a tasty treat. However, even a cat that is perfectly happy with you at the moment may issue a few love bites while purring.

Biting

As strange as it sounds, a cat biting you is not always a bad thing. Sometimes, cats will give a soft bite – called “love bites” – when she is feeling affectionate. You could be petting her and she will bite your hand out of the blue. Unfortunately, this action is a bit vague. This may mean that she is happy and doesn't want you to stop petting her, but it could also be a sign of over-stimulation. If your cat bites you, slowly pull your hand away and try petting again. If she bites you again, it's a good sign she's had enough.