How to Read Your Cat's Body Language

Ever wonder what your cat’s behaviours mean? Pay attention to their eyes, tail, mouth, and posture and read their body language using this guide. They can show any or all of these traits! You’ll be a cat whisperer in no time!

*These tips were compiled from resources by RSPCA Australia, SPCA New Zealand, and RSPCA UK.

Happy cats tend to:

• stand with a relaxed posture
• hold their ears in a natural position
• eyes are normal shape
• mouth is closed
• tail is held upright with the tip curled up
• tail is held loosely from body
• lay down, belly exposed, and/or stretched out

Worried, fearful, angry, or unhappy cats tend to:

• crouch with tense muscles
• hold body tightly
• tuck tail tightly into body
• have a tense tail
• swivel ears sideways
• lower and tuck head into body
• have dilated pupils
• tension shows on their face
• may hide

• lay down, body flattened
• flatten ears on head and drawn back or pointing out to the side
• roll body slightly to one side
• mouth is open and tense, teeth are showing
• stands sideways with its back arched, hair raised
• posture is tense
• may lift front paw off ground, ready to swipe
• tries to appear bigger