Cat Body Language
Andy Burnham mentioned that his dog Axel is staying in the North as he would not get on with Larry, the cat. I spoke to Paulette Edwards from the BBC about dogs and cats as a topic a little while ago. You can listen here.
With this in mind I wanted to talk about body language as cats communicate a great deal through their body language. Learning to recognise the early signs of sress, fear or conflict can help prevent situations from escalating and improve the wellbeing of all cats in the home.
Signs a Cat May Be Instigating a Negative Interaction
A cat that is preparing to challenge or intimidate another cat may display some of the following behaviours:
Dilated pupils
Fur standing on end
Ears held upright but rotating to the side
Staring directly at the other cat
Slow, deliberate movements
Vocalisations such as meowing, growling or howling
Signs a Cat May Be Feeling Threatened
A cat that feels vulnerable or intimidated may show a combination of these behaviours:
Head held low
Dilated pupils
Lowered body posture
Ears folded sideways and down or rotated backwards
Fur standing up, particularly on the tail
Tail tucked close to the body
Hissing or growling
Crouched posture with paws flat on the floor rather than tucked underneath
Flattened ears
House soiling outside the litter tray
Urine spraying
Signs Your Cat May Be Feeling Worried
An anxious cat will often try to reduce their exposure to whatever is causing them concern. You may notice:
Creating distance from the source of their worry, often moving away quickly
Hiding to feel safer
Changes in appetite, including eating less, losing weight or only eating when the environment is quieter
Hypervigilance, such as sleeping lightly or with partially open eyes to monitor their surroundings
Reduced grooming
Being easily startled
Less interest in play or exploring
When Fear Turns Into Defensive Behaviour
If a frightened cat feels unable to escape or avoid a perceived threat, fear can quickly turn into defensive behaviour. Without the opportunity to move away, frustration can build, increasing the likelihood of aggressive responses.
Signs of a cat in this state may include:
Frequent swallowing
Lip licking
Excessive salivation
Growling, hissing or spitting
Trembling
Rapid, intense breathing
Scratching or biting
Redirected aggression, where the cat lashes out at a nearby person or animal rather than the original source of their fear
Excessive grooming, which may lead to hair loss
Recognising these subtle changes in body language allows you to intervene early, helping your cat feel safe and reducing the risk of conflict or aggression.
If you need support remember I offer advice sessions. If you know any vets who would like a talk please tell them about me.