Cats have many different forms of communication, and most of them involve body language. Three main body parts that are used to show mood and communicate are the tail, ears, and eyes.
Tail Position
Up: Approachable; happy, content, and cheerful
Down: Scared or threatened
“Wagging” or Thumping: Agitated; should be left alone
Moving Slowly Back and Forth: Thinking; making up mind about something, unsure
Halloween Position: Defensive; threatened; trying to look bigger than threat
Ears
Forward: Content or playful
Straight Up: Alert; attentive
Turned Back: Irritated or over-stimulated
Turned Sideways or Back: Nervous; anxious
Flattened Against Head: Scared; defensive; angry; aggressive; best to leave alone
Eyes
Dilated Pupils: Surprised; scared or over-stimulated (Also seen when dark)
Constricted Pupils: Tense; aggressive (Also seen when light)
Stare: Challenge; warning; territorial
Slow Blinking: Safe; trusting; comfortable; showing vulnerability “I love you”
Half-Closed: Relaxed; trusting
Other
Belly Exposed: Trust; showing submission
Body Against Wall or in Corner: Threatened; scared; defensive; aggressive
Tail Position
Up: Approachable; happy, content, and cheerful
Down: Scared or threatened
“Wagging” or Thumping: Agitated; should be left alone
Moving Slowly Back and Forth: Thinking; making up mind about something, unsure
Halloween Position: Defensive; threatened; trying to look bigger than threat
Ears
Forward: Content or playful
Straight Up: Alert; attentive
Turned Back: Irritated or over-stimulated
Turned Sideways or Back: Nervous; anxious
Flattened Against Head: Scared; defensive; angry; aggressive; best to leave alone
Eyes
Dilated Pupils: Surprised; scared or over-stimulated (Also seen when dark)
Constricted Pupils: Tense; aggressive (Also seen when light)
Stare: Challenge; warning; territorial
Slow Blinking: Safe; trusting; comfortable; showing vulnerability “I love you”
Half-Closed: Relaxed; trusting
Other
Belly Exposed: Trust; showing submission
Body Against Wall or in Corner: Threatened; scared; defensive; aggressive