Jenny Jackson is a cat lover and webmaster of Pictures of Cats. You are welcome to reproduce this article on your pet or family related web site, as long as you reproduce the article in full, including this resource box and link.
You can learn to read your cat's unique signals and understand her better.
Rubs
A cat who rubs her head or body against you or rubs her ears and face on you is showing affection. She's giving you her scent, claiming you as her own. Her affections are even stronger, if she arches her back while rubbing against you.
Eyes
Cats use their eyes to communicate. You're probably familiar with the sleepy, eyes-half-closed look, however, the eyes give other signals. Eyes wide open and looking at you show that your cat is paying attention to you. Slow blinking signals relaxation.
Tail
Most people know how to "read" a dog's tail, yet cats' tails also indicate how they are feeling. Held high, the tail communicates confidence and trust. When curled around another cat's tail or a person's legs, it is friendly greeting. When the tail is moving, it usually indicates excitement. The cat is either in predator mode, or is feeling playful, hiding behind a chair ready to pounce on a passing person or cat. Swishing of your cat's tail means that he is perturbed or upset.
Ears
Flattened ears show alarm. This cat is angry or defensive. You may be scratched or bitten if you approach. Ears straight up show that the cat is relaxed and in the mood for fun or affection.
Whiskers
When held slightly to the side, the whiskers indicate that your cat is in a relaxed mood. When your cat becomes interested in something, her whiskers will come forward in front of her muzzle. When your cat is feeling threatened, she will pull her whiskers back along her cheeks as a sign of submission.
Spend some time just observing your cat for these behaviors and note the context. What is happening around her and what time of day is it? Hopefully you'll find that you understand a lot more about what she's thinking.
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