Feline Body Language
Restored from the Empower Network archive (2011–2017), lightly edited to meet our current advertising standards. Views are the original author’s.
Feline Body Language – Cat Communication!
Hi there, my name is Lily. Let me share with you the secrets of cat communication aka feline body language.
Feline Body Language – My Tail
When I wag my tail it is to indicate to my mummies that I’m not happy and I want to be left alone. Get it?
My tail looks like a question mark thingy when I am highly excited and happy. Might be biscuits (nyom nyom)… might be my toys, might be my mummies!
If I’m feeling cool and confident my tail stands up. It just does!
I’m not really a tom cat so I don’t spray. My mummies said I did once but that was because I was traumatised by a house move. Actually, I once stunk out a house in Gorgie.
If my tail beats from side to side just keep your distance. Full stop. I vant to be alone.
Feline Body Language – My Ears
If my ears are pinned back it means I’m a scaredy cat, so treat me with caution… or else.
Mmmm, if something is interesting me then I will point my ears in that direction so I can hear it better.
If I am stalking my ‘prey’ (nyom nyom) even if it is the birdie on the other side of the window, I flatten my ears sideways so they can’t see me!!
Feline Body Language – My Eyes
If you stare at me I think you are looking for a square go, and you know what? I’ll give you one…
I am only gonna blink at you if I want you to know that I’m not a threat to you, if you blink back at me even better! If I’m really stressed you might want to think about this.
Now, if my eyes are dilated (big) then i’m gonna enjoy a mad half hour… so just leave me to get on with it.
Feline Body Language – Behaviours…
If I bunt my head off you then I want you to be in my gang and I want you to smell just like me. You may take this as a compliment!
When I need to ‘visit’ my litter tray, I sometimes do something that resembles what my mummies call the Hukka. I have no idea what they are on about and this alarms all of us!
If I scratch the furniture then I need my claws clipped… hint hint. I like that nice vet with the thermometer. Erm…….
Feline Body Language – Vocalisation!
I let my mummies know when to feed met by standing under their feet and meiowing loudly (works for me!).
Pretty much in the main when I’m happy I will Purrrrrrr, but I also do this sometimes if I’m in pain as it makes me feel better. Learrrrrrrrrrrn to know the difference!
Chirrup. Chirrup. Chirrup. Chirrup. Chirrup. Chirrup. Chirrup. Chirrup. Need I say more?
Zzzzzzzzzz. My mummies say that I snore but I beg to differ!
Earn money to spoil your cat 
Since you are interested in feline body language you might also be interested in this 12 part audio program Ultimate Cat Secrets.
Thank you for reading my post on feline body language!