Cat body language: What do they mean?

You could say many things about cats. They’re graceful. They’re elegant. They’re independent. But they can also be a little unpredictable!

That's why learning to read the sometimes subtle nuances of cat posture and body language can help you figure out exactly how they're feeling. Here’s a quick overview of what you need to know.

Cats are subtle creatures with a great poker face

First things first: you need to be extra alert when watching your cat’s posture. That’s because, compared to some other animals (*cough* dogs), cats like to keep it understated.

As the good people at Battersea have pointed out, domestic cats evolved from the African Wildcat – a solitary species with plenty of natural adversaries and predators. Ancient felines had a real interest in not letting other savanna dwellers see when they were stressed, scared or in discomfort. After all, it could mean becoming dinner during a vulnerable moment.

Modern house cats probably aren’t going to be attacked by hyenas, but they’ve inherited the same instinct for playing it cool. In fact, they even have fewer facial muscles than dogs and other more social creatures.

The key point here is that signs of feline distress can be easy to miss if you’re not paying close attention.

When should I be on the lookout for changes in my cat’s posture?

It’s always a good idea to notice what’s going on with your cat’s body language, but it’s especially important to pay attention to their posture when you’re interacting with them.

Not only will this help you to understand whether your cat likes or dislikes what you’re doing, but they may also be at their most expressive when you’re interacting with them and they’re directly trying to communicate.

What do some common cat postures mean?

Here’s what you should know about a few common cat postures and behaviours:

Your cat approaches you with their tail raised upright (and maybe curled at the tip)

Meaning: A happy, open and social cat

This is one of the clearest signs of a happy, friendly cat that’s eager to get to know you. If a cat approaches you calmly with their tail raised, you should acknowledge their greeting – maybe with a few words and a gentle head rub if they allow it.

Your cat is low to the ground in a crouched ball-like shape

Meaning: A stressed, frightened cat getting ready to run

When cats are stressed and scared, they tend to get low to the ground and make themselves as small as possible. This is a defensive posture that makes them harder to spot, and makes it easier for them to spring off and run. If your cat is exhibiting this posture, back off and give them some space. Ideally, make sure there’s a safe hiding place nearby for them to retreat to – like a cat box or an elevated perch. If your cat remains withdrawn for a long time, they may be sick or in discomfort.

Your cat is nuzzling you and rubbing themselves against your legs

Meaning: A confident cat that’s marking their territory (and getting rid of unfamiliar scents)

It’s natural to assume that if a cat is rubbing up against your legs, they’re showing you lots of affection. After all, it’s practically a hug, right? But while it’s true that cats rubbing against humans is a welcoming behaviour, the main reason they do this is to mark their territory with their scent. Expect your cat to be particularly keen on rubbing against your legs if you’ve just come home after a day out in an unfamiliar environment. Especially if you crossed paths with strange cats while out and about.

Your cat is standing sideways with an arched back

Meaning: A stressed, angry cat that’s ready to fight

When cats feel threatened and angry, they will generally try to make themselves look as big and intimidating as possible. One common way they’ll do this is by arching their back and standing more side-on. They might also hiss and make other irritated sounds. It’s a good idea to back off and give your cat some space if they’re doing this. Sometimes, aggression can be a response to discomfort or physical irritation.

Your cat has rolled onto their back and is showing their belly

Meaning: A relaxed cat displaying trust (but be careful about going in for belly rubs)

When a cat rolls over onto their back and shows their belly, they’re letting you know they’re comfortable around you and trust you. So, why have so many people who’ve gone to rub their cat’s bellies found themselves being instantly scratched and bitten? Simple. Unlike dogs, cats usually don’t like belly rubs. They’ll show their belly as a sign of trust, but if you try to touch it, they’ll take that as an immediate betrayal. Next time (once the claw marks have healed), show your appreciation with some gentle head scratches instead.

When should I be worried about my cat’s posture?

Cats adopt a range of postures depending on their mood, environment and all sorts of other factors.

While every cat will get stressed, anxious, or irritated at times, it may be time to act if your cat’s posture is showing signs of fear, anger, or irritation over a prolonged period of time.

When your cat is constantly arching their back and acting aggressively, or trying to withdraw to a safe hiding place, they may be struggling with an illness, fear or discomfort they can’t properly communicate. You should consider taking them to the vet to get checked out, especially if your cat seems to be acting out of sorts for no clear reason.

If your cat appears anxious or stressed, YuMOVE Calming Care for Cats may help. It's been carefully formulated with natural, scientifically backed ingredients to help cats with a nervous disposition cope with stress.