Cats are not mysterious so much as quiet. They say a great deal with their tail, ears, eyes and body, and once you learn the signs you will understand your cat much better, and know when it is the right moment for a photo and when it is not.
The tail
- Straight up, often with a little hook at the tip: a friendly greeting. This is the tail of a cat walking towards you, pleased to see you.
- Held low or tucked under the body: worry or fear.
- Puffed up like a bottle brush: a frightened cat trying to look bigger. Give it space.
- Swishing or thumping from side to side: irritation or high arousal. A cat being stroked whose tail starts to lash is telling you to stop.
- Wrapped around the body while sitting or lying: calm and settled.
The ears
- Forward and relaxed: interested and content.
- Swivelling: listening to something.
- Turned sideways or flattened back against the head: fear, annoyance or defensiveness. Flattened ears with a crouched body mean the cat wants the situation to end.
The eyes
- Slow blinks: a sign of trust, often called a cat kiss. Try slowly blinking back; many cats will answer.
- Half-closed eyes: relaxed, sleepy, comfortable.
- Wide eyes with large, round pupils: excitement, play or fear, depending on the rest of the body. Look at the ears and the tail to tell which.
- A long, hard stare: between cats, this is a challenge. Looking away is the polite answer.
The body
- Lying on its back with the belly showing: trust, but usually not an invitation to rub the belly. Many cats will grab a hand that tries.
- Loafing (paws tucked under, body like a loaf of bread): relaxed but ready to move.
- Arched back with fur standing up: a frightened or defensive cat. Do not approach.
- Rubbing its cheeks on you or on furniture: marking you as part of its group with scent glands in the face. It is a compliment.
- Kneading with the front paws: a comfort behaviour left over from kittenhood, usually a sign of contentment.
Sounds
- Purring: usually contentment, but cats also purr when stressed, unwell or in pain, so read it together with the rest of the body.
- Short chirps and trills: friendly greetings, often used with people.
- Hissing or growling: a clear warning. Step back and give the cat a way out.
- Chattering at the window: excitement at a bird or an insect the cat cannot reach.
Putting it together
No single signal tells the whole story. A cat with an upright tail, forward ears and slow blinks is relaxed and happy to be near you: a perfect moment for a photo. A cat with flattened ears, a low tail and a twitching body wants space, and the best thing to do is give it.
If your cat’s behaviour changes suddenly, for example hiding much more, becoming aggressive or stopping grooming, it can be a sign of pain or illness. A visit to the vet is the right first step.
Ready for a portrait of your relaxed cat? Read how to photograph your cat, then try a look.