Tag: body language

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Understanding Body Language of Cats

cat body language - cat stretching

One way to understand more about your cat’s emotions and wellbeing is to look into their body language. Not sure what your cat means? Go through the list below to better interpret what your cat’s body language might be telling you.

Tail held high: When a cat holds its tail high, it can signal that it is friendly and relaxed. The higher the cat’s tail, the more confident it may be.

However, if its tail raises high with fur erect and puffed out, it usually indicates alarm or potential aggression. As it becomes more unsure or fearful, its tail is more likely to slink lower.

Wagging of tail: When a cat’s tail begins to wag back and forth, it would mean that an unfriendly encounter or predatory attack is about to occur.

Closed mouth: For cats, they have closed mouths when they are relaxed.

Ears up for greeting: Confident cats will normally hold their ears forward and alert when greeting people. If their ears move backwards or twitch, it may indicate that they are feeling uncertainty or that an encounter is not going well.

Turning to the side: Cats may turn their bodies to their side when attempting to shut off a potential threat. They do this to appear larger and more threatening to their opponent.

Lying belly up: When cats are lying down with their belly up, they usually do so in self-defense. This position allows them to have all four paws with claws drawn, ready to react to any threat.

However sometimes, cats may lie on their backs for people they are close to, but do not rub their bellies! Very few cats enjoy having their bellies rubbed and may respond aggressively. 

Raised Hackles: When a cat feels frightened or overstimulated, the hair on their back and tails fluffs and stands on end. Usually, this would mean that they are ready to react.

Pupil Dilation and Blinking: Cats’ pupils dilate when they are afraid or getting ready to attack. However, pupil dilation can also indicate high arousal in cats. Eye blinking indicates the desire for a peaceful greeting. If there is direct eye contact without blinking or looking away, it can signal a challenge in cats.

Compacted Body: When a cat is afraid of something, it will make its body appear as small as possible, usually with its head held low. If a cat curls its tails underneath its bodies, it could indicate that the cat is feeling extreme fear.

Whiskers Stiffened: Cats have a normal height and structure to their whiskers. If they are stimulated by something and are about to react, their whiskers are more likely to stiffen and extend outward.

Panting: Panting in cats could mean that they are highly stressed or frightened. However, if a cat is panting but it is not interacting with anyone or is not in a fearful situation, it could indicate a serious health condition. Bring your cat to a veterinarian immediately if this happens.

Yawning: Cats may yawn as a calming behavior in conflicting situations.

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Understanding Body Language of Dogs

image of a dog laying on the ground

Dog body language gives off important cues on a dog’s emotion and intentions. Being able to read your dog’s body language accurately constitutes an important step towards effectively communicating with your dog. Below tips may help you understand your canine better. 

Tail Held High: When a dog holds its tail high, it often signals high arousal and the possibility of aggressive behavior. An agitated and aggressive dog may also flick its tail back and forth vigorously.

In a relaxed state, a dog is more likely to carry its tail in a neutral position, extended out behind it.

Wagging of Tail: When dogs wag their tails, they wag loosely back and forth at a medium height. It would mean that they are being friendly. It could also mean they are feeling excitement.

Closed Mouth: Relaxed dogs may have closed or partially open mouths. When a dog is feeling tense, they will tightly close their mouths, and yawning or panting heavily could indicate stress.

Ears Up for Greeting: One sign of a friendly dog is that its ears move back just slightly. A submissive dog will move its ears even further back as an appeasement gesture. Dogs with erectly pricked ears may signify that they are ready to stand their ground against another animal if necessary – but this behavior is specific to individual dogs.

Turning to the side: Dogs may turn their bodies to the side to shut off a potential threat. When dogs turn to their side, it could mean that they are trying to show that they mean no harm.

Raised Hackles: When dogs are feeling frightened or overstimulated, the hair on their back and tails will fluff out and stand on end. It may also indicate that they are ready to react.

Pupil dilation and blinking: A dog’s pupil dilate when they are afraid or are getting ready to attack. They could feel fearful or aggressive. However, dilation of pupils can also indicate high arousal. Eye blinks could indicate desire for a peaceful greeting, while direct eye contact without blinking or looking away can signal a challenge.

Compacted Body: When a dog is afraid of something, its body may appear as small as possible. Usually with its head held low. If a dog curls its tails underneath its bodies, it may also indicate extreme fear.

Whiskers Stiffened: When dogs are stimulated by something and are about to react, their whiskers are more likely to stiffen and extend outward.

Panting: When dogs pant, it could indicate various things. Sometimes, it means they feel stressed or frightened. However, panting usually helps them to cool down because they are unable to sweat like humans do.

Yawning: Dogs’ yawning sometimes indicates that they are stressed. However, it can also be a form of communication between other animals. Oftentimes, when a dog is facing an aggressive threat, they might offer a yawn to show that they are not interested in any sort of conflict.