RSPCA Qld Animal Training & Behaviour Centre 1 Cat body language.doc

P 07 3426 9928 F 07 3848 1178 W rspcaqld.org.au

Cat body language Cats use a variety of visual marks to communicate. They can be very subtle and change very quickly, so it can take lots of practice to be able to successfully read these visual cues and changes. Body posture and how the body parts change is the best indicator. All behaviours need to be looked at in context (e.g. the total picture and the situation in which the behaviour occurs). Breed specifics Remember that certain cat breeds can make it difficult for you to read their body language and as with all behaviour, to be successful in reading it, you need to look at what the whole body is doing. Some examples of these breeds are: Persians tend to hold their tails low, long haired breeds (Himalayan), breeds with curly coats (Cornish and Devon Rex), breeds with no hair (Sphinx), cats with folded ears (Scottish fold), vocal breeds (Siamese) and tailless breeds (Manx and Japanese Bobtails). Cat body parts ☺ Tail tales The position of the tail can indicate a lot of moods for a cat. Take the time to observe your cat. Movement indicates the state of arousal. Carried up and high: Indicates friendliness, confidence and contentment Curved like a question mark: Indicates a particularly playful mood Wrapped around body: Relaxed, sleeping, content. Wrapped around another cat or person: The cat is relaxed, friendly, and enjoying the social contact. Slow swishing tail: indicates that your cat may be interested or focussed on an object. It may be just before they pounce on a toy. Low and close to the body: Indicates your cat is in a more serious mood. It can signal an immanent action. Tucked tail: Your cat is nervous or scared by something. Whipping tail: Indicates your cat could be both fearful of something, irritated and/or potentially prepared to act. Speed of the tail indicates level of arousal

RSPCA Qld Animal Training & Behaviour Centre 2 Cat body language.doc

P 07 3426 9928 F 07 3848 1178 W rspcaqld.org.au

Tail high and puffed up: The tail may look like a pipe cleaner, be straight up or curved towards the threat. The cat is frightened and agitated and trying to ward off danger.

Ears indicate

Slightly forward: Friendly

Pricked forward: Playful, friendly

Flattened down and back: Defensive

Forward: prepared for action

Flat: Submissive

Whiskers on kittens

Pointed sideways: Friendly

Fanned out forward: Friendly, prepared for action

Pulled back along face: Fearful, defensive

Coats

Smooth: Friendly, submissive

Raised (piloerection) along back and tail: Fearful

Raised along shoulders and tail: prepared for action

Raised: defensive

Head

Bunting or rubbing: Friendly, greeting, scent exchange

Held down, avoids eye contact: avoiding eye contact.

Mouth

Open: defensive

Lips curled into a snarl: prepared for action

Teeth chattering: excited, aroused

The eyes have it

Wide pupils: Fearful,

Constricted pupils: Friendly, content

She said, he said (vocalisation)

Yowl, hiss, snarl, growl: defensive, preparing for action.

Hissing, growling, and spitting: Fearful

Murmur: Friendly

Chattering: Playful, friendly

RSPCA Qld Animal Training & Behaviour Centre 3 Cat body language.doc

P 07 3426 9928 F 07 3848 1178 W rspcaqld.org.au

Silent meow: uncertain

Action cat (movements)

Nose to nose greeting: Friendly

Stalking: Playful, hunting

Crouched sideways to threat: Fearful

Facing forward, ready to pounce: prepared for action

Slapping ground with front paw: concerned

Roll onto back (if can’t escape): Defensive fearful

Crouched position: observing, unsure, prepared for action