Key takeaways
- A tail held upright with a curved tip is one of the friendliest signals a cat gives.
- Flattened ears, dilated pupils, a tucked tail and a crouched body mean a cat is frightened.
- Slow-blinking at your cat and waiting for a slow blink back is a gentle way to say hello.
- Over-grooming, hiding, spraying and changes in eating or toileting can all signal stress.
A relaxed, happy cat
- Standing or walking with the tail upright and the tip gently curved
- Ears in their natural, forward-facing position
- Eyes a normal shape, perhaps half-closed when resting
- Lying stretched out, sometimes with the belly showing
- Sitting loosely with the tail resting away from the body
A worried or frightened cat
- Crouched low with the body held tight
- Tail tucked close to the body
- Head lowered and ears turned to the side or flattened
- Pupils wide and dilated
- Hiding or trying to get away
An angry or very unhappy cat
An arched back with raised fur, a sideways stance, ears pinned flat, an open mouth showing teeth and a lifted front paw all mean the cat is ready to defend itself. Give space, don't reach out, and let it calm down somewhere quiet.
Slow blinks, purring and kneading
A slow, soft blink is a friendly signal. A 2020 study by researchers at the universities of Sussex and Portsmouth found cats were more likely to slow-blink back at people who slow-blinked at them, and more likely to approach a stranger who did it.
Purring usually means contentment, but cats also purr when stressed, unwell or in pain, so read it alongside the rest of the body. Kneading, the rhythmic pushing of the front paws, starts in kittenhood during nursing and is usually a sign of comfort.
Quiet signs of stress
- Grooming much more than usual, sometimes to the point of bald patches
- Hunched posture when resting
- Eating, drinking or toileting changes
- Spraying urine indoors
- Avoiding people or hiding more than usual
Products that help.
Wild One Cat Bolster Bed
A cozy bolster nest for naps
We recommend the Wild One Cat Bolster Bed for cats who nap best with something to lean on: raised walls cradle them, a non-slip base keeps the bed put, and the cover comes off for washing.
- Cats who like raised sides
- Hard floors
Questions, answered
What does it mean when a cat's tail is straight up?
A tail held upright, often with a curved tip, is a friendly greeting. Cats commonly approach people and other cats they like this way.
Why does my cat purr and then bite me?
Many cats enjoy short petting sessions and then become overstimulated. Watch for a twitching tail, rippling skin or flattening ears, and stop petting before the bite.
Why does my cat knead me?
Kneading starts in kittenhood during nursing and is usually a sign your cat feels comfortable and content.
Sources
We base our care guides on guidance from veterinary schools, veterinary associations and animal welfare organizations, written in our own words. If your pet is unwell, your vet is the right first call.