Body Language of Cats

Cats speak to us using body language just as dogs do. A happy cat will walk about with an erect tail, maybe a curve at the top and lay all sprawled out. On the other side of the spectrum, a frightened cat will cower, move low and slow, and lay with feet tucked under, ears back and squinty or large dilated pupils. They tell us when they are painful, hungry or just want love.

Sometimes, when behavior issues are developing or exist in a cat household, we will request videos so we can watch the body language and mannerisms of the pet interactions. Cat behavior problems can show themselves as scratching furniture, marking, inappropriate urination or defecation, or aggression towards other pets or people. It is important to address behavior or temperament changes as soon as they are recognized or as soon as the first change is noticed.