Body Language in Cats

Have you ever wondered if your cat’s trying to tell you something? Cat behaviour is subtle but their body language can tell you a lot. Cats Protection behaviourist Nicky explains...

[emeraldkat]

They forgot (or left out) the whiskers! Whiskers that are pushed far forward shows they are happy to see you. If whiskers are laid flat, the cat is angry or upset. Whiskers at the normal slightly back posture are usually a sign the cat is relaxed,

[sealaughin]

An 'mmm' sound is welcoming--it's the sound the mama cat makes to her kittens. "Prrrt" is also a friendly sound. "Ow" sounds are a warning. If they combine the two, "Mmm-row" that means "I want to be friends but you must respect me." A long drawn our 'rrroooww' means "Get back or I'll rip your face off."

[Bobbythewrecker]

How to tell a behaviour for a dog
1. If it's wagging it's tail its happy
2. when it exposes its tummy its happy and wants a rubbie
3.When it bows down it's happy and wants to play
Quite frankly it's almost always happy and you can touch them anywhere

Just don't pull their tail

cuz their tail is everything

if it's between their legs they want comfort

[iloveiraglass]

Very helpful! I'll be showing this to all the volunteers at PAWS near Seattle, WA. Thanks!!!

[PaperMoonShine]

if your scolding her and it has many upvotes, i think its safe to say that that option is no longer available

[sealaughin]

Biting the ankles is a sign of dominance. Kneading is usually self-comforting behavior which often stems from being taken from Momma Cat too young.

[sealaughin]

No, cats can be trained but it takes patience and consistent effort. My cats adore me. When I had to go in the hospital once, my cat starved herself & tore all her fur out. If you give them lots of love (and kitten treats) they will love you in return.

Best cat language video I have seen.  Not many cover licking lips which can also mean they're just concerned or confused.  You got the "no belly rub" right too.   Female cats put their rear in the air and chirp if they're going into heat.  If they walk by and you chirp, their butt goes in the air and they chirp back.

Don't mess with a cat's tail.  They don't like it.  If the tail is swishing from the base, they're mad, let them be.  Favorite cat scratch/pet is on the head, around the ears (scratch) and on the spine where the tail joins it. 

[MrsTeddyBlair]

That lady has a very nice and melodic voice.
And cat tips are useful, thanks! :)

[sealaughin]

Either 'pet me' or 'play with me' or sometimes 'feed me.' It's a "give me something I want" signal.

[darrinburke]

Nothing is more devastating than having to put your companion to sleep but you did the right thing...you put his quality of life and desire to end his suffering ahead of your selfishness...he thanks you i'm sure :-)

[NickaLah]

Sometimes cats do it when they are upset for other reasons as well. But, for the most part it means they're calm/happy.

[tardiskeeper]

The affectionate cat that lives opposite me does the rubbing against stuff behaviour a lot, including against me. Is it affection in the latter? They clearly like me as they come running over etc. Cats are the best

[SeventhEve]

My cat also does the rolling-on-the-back greeting when I come home. She will deliberately block my path and won't stop unless I bend down and give her a tummy rub. She has come to understand this is part of our greeting ritual.

[sealaughin]

You may be handling here wrong in some way, perhaps being too rough or holding her too tightly. Biting is usually a sign of dominance, while licking is a sign of submission. If you're letting her get away with bad behavior, she may be confused about which of you is dominant. If she bites, tell her 'no' in a stern voice but be certain to praise her when she's sweet. I have a rescue cat who's brain damaged from abuse & it's taken me 2 yrs to get him to the point of petting w/o biting.

[sandrapacheco]

So have I, and she loves it, never has bitten or clawed me

[deannajohnson]

I love her accent! Very clear and consise!

[chcgoundaground]

This is a wonderful video and I strongly suggest that more are produced.

[souhaib]

i likee the slowly closing eyes behavior its really charming i will try to use it maybe the humans will understand me much better with the cat's behaviors ;)

[Evieteresa]

Her voice is really soothing to listen to. She'd be great for audio books.