Your Cat Is Trying to Tell You Something. An Expert Decodes Their Secret Language.

Beyond the viral memes and endless online loops, your cat’s every twitch and tail flick is part of a complex language. While felines are often stereotyped as mysterious or aloof, they are constantly communicating their feelings. A feline behavior expert breaks down the essential signals every owner should know to understand what their cat is really thinking.

British journalist and feline behavior expert Celia Haddon, author of 'Being Your Cat,' told Bored Panda that for cats, body language is as important, or even more so, than vocalizations. "You really want to look at the whole body of your cat to read its signals — ears, tail, fur, back and face," Haddon advised. "Don't just read one body part of the cat: read every part and put it all together."

Decoding the Ears and Tail

According to Haddon, a cat's ears are one of the clearest indicators of its mood. If they are pointing forward, the cat is alert and interested. Ears lowered to the sides of the head suggest fear. "If the ears are swiveled backwards, it is a sign of frustration or anger," she explained. A combination of lowered and swiveled-back ears indicates a cat that is both frightened and angry.

The tail is another crucial emotional barometer. A tail hanging loosely suggests a cat is content, while a tail held straight up is a friendly greeting from a distance. However, a lashing tail often means the cat is preparing to attack, and a fluffed-up, 'bottlebrush' tail is a clear sign of anger or a perceived threat, Haddon said.

Common Misinterpretations: Purrs and Belly Rubs

The purr isn't always a sign of contentment. Haddon identifies two main types: the happy purr and the "asking-for-something" purr, which has a subtle cry mixed in. Cats may also purr when they are ill or stressed, such as at a vet's office, as a way to self-soothe or signal 'please look after me.' Similarly, while a cat rolling over to expose its belly is a sign of trust, it's not always an invitation for a rub. Some cats enjoy it, but for many, it’s a trap.

Other key signals include an arched back with fur standing on end, which is a menacing posture designed to make the cat look larger. Conversely, crouching with a lowered body is a sign of fear. Protracted claws and bared teeth are also unambiguous warnings that the cat is ready to scratch or bite.