Understanding Cat Behaviour and Body Language

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When your cat is Happy...

• The cat's ears are erect and its eyes are wide open.
• If totally relaxed, your cats eyes may be half closed.
• The cat is carrying it's tail high.  The tip of the tail is hanging over the back.  Or the tail is relaxed and low.
• The whole body is generally relaxed.
• The cats whiskers are in a neutral position.

If your cat is frightened or shy...

• The ears may be lying flat against the head.
• The whiskers are lying back or against the cats face.
• The cats tail is curled under the body.
• The cat may be trying to make itself look small, with the body low on the ground. 

If your cat is defensive...

• A cat that is trying to defend itself will hiss
• The eats will be flat to the head.
• The tail is fluffed and erect.
• The cats back is arched.
• Whiskers are back and the cats pupils are large (dilated).

If your cat is aggressive and ready to pounce...

• It will swish its tail low to the ground.
• The cats ears will be forward
• The whiskers will be forward from the face and bristling.
• The cat will show it's teeth and hiss.
• The claws will be out.