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How to decode your cat’s behaviour

The RSPCA reveal what it all means. - by Laura Barry
  • 28 Feb 2020

WATCH: Are you feeding your cat wrong? The American Association of Feline Practitioners has released a statement saying we may be feeding our pet cat all wrong - are you?

Humans may think they own a pet cat, but in reality, cats have pet humans. It’s a cat’s world and we just live in it to ensure they’re fed and watered on time, and their kitty litter is clean.

However, for those who don’t own a confident, comfortable and extroverted cat, or have just adopted a rescue cat, or even just got a new kitten, you may be trying to decipher exactly what your cat’s behaviour means.

Fortunately, the RSPCA has created a handy guide for you to follow. Check it out below

You cat is relaxed if…

  • Their head is raised
  • Eyes are open and soft
  • Whiskers are relaxed
  • Ears are forward
  • Tail is held up high in greeting in greeting and may have a little curl at the tip
  • They are distributing their weight across all four feet evenly
  • Might be meowing

You cat is ready to play if…

  • Ears are forward
  • Whiskers are forward
  • Front paws are extended or swatting
  • Eyes are soft and open with no pupil dilation
  • Tummy in the air and legs stretched out
  • Tail might be twitching
holding cat
Getty

Your cat is scared or startled if…

  • Tail is held high or low and out from the body
  • Ears are back or flat
  • Whiskers pushed forward
  • Back is arched
  • Eyes staring
  • Mouth is open and hissing

Your cat is afraid if…

  • Body is lowered
  • Ears are back or flat
  • Tail is low
  • Eyes are staring
  • Mouth is open and hissing
girl holding cat
Getty

Your cat is aggressive if…

  • Body lowered
  • Ears back
  • Whiskers flat to face
  • Pupils are dilated
  • Mouth is open and may be hissing
  • Paws swiping
  • Body positioned so they can easily use their legs defensively or roll away

You cat likes you if…

  • Use their head to rub against you
  • Sit on you or near you and knead with their paws
  • Follow you from room to room and around the house
  • Putting their bottom in your face
  • Showing you their tummy while laying on their back
  • Slow blinking at you

Your cat is stressed if…

  • They are going to the toilet in all the wrong places, or experience pain while doing so
  • Lots of meowing and vocalisation
  • Excessive grooming or self-harm
  • Decreased appetite
  • Hiding, hissing or growling
  • Sudden aggressive behaviour

You might also like:

How to tell if your cat likes you

How to spot anxiety in your cat

How to train your cat 

How to stop your cat from scratching the furniture 

  • Pets
  • Better Life
Laura Barry
Laura Barry
Laura Barry is a writer, bookworm and interior design enthusiast with a love for reporting on all things homes, travel and lifestyle. When not tapping away at her keyboard, Laura can be found making endless cups of tea or perusing the shelves of Sydney’s many bookstores.

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