Reading your cat's body language

Your cat may not speak your language, but she has many ways of letting you know how she feels. For example, when she greets you with a purr at the door and rubs her head against yours, you know she is glad to see you. Following are some clues you can use to interpret other common feline body postures.

Cats' body language tells tales

A calm and happy cat holds her tail either relaxed or upright and still, not swishing, with her ears alert and straight up. When your cat looks like this, the time's right for petting. She may even treat you to a lick or head rubbing in return.

If the end of your cat's tail starts to twitch back and forth, she may be annoyed. Your cat also may flatten her ears and pull her whiskers back tightly to warn you that she is irritated. It's best to leave an annoyed cat alone. Do not try to offer her affection.

Should your kitty be frightened or fearful of something, or trying to scare another animal away, her eyes and pupils will be wide, and she may position herself in a sideways stance. The ears are held back against the head. The fur on her back may stand on end and her tail will puff out. She will do her best to look intimidating, in the hope that her appearance may be all that is needed to chase away what she fears - for example, another cat, a dog or a stranger.

Dilated pupils in cats means back off

If the visual threat is not enough, however, the cat may go on the offensive. The ears are pulled back and flattened, the tail may be bushy and the fur puffed-up. If the bushy tail is accompanied by hissing or spitting and eyes that are wide open, back off! Some cats also may arch their backs. Because a cat on the offensive is poised to attack, it is smart to keep your distance. If you can, leave the cat alone in the room for several hours.