As a loving cat-owner, you want your kitty to be healthy and happy. While you can’t talk to your pet to determine their well-being, you can read their body language. Knowing how to decode their movements allows you to perceive their mood—and react accordingly. You don’t need to be a veterinarian to master such insights. Get the facts on how to decode a cat’s three telltale features below.

3 Telltale Feline Features & How to Decode Them

1. Tail

If a feline is holding their tail high, it means they are feeling confident. Take note, however: If the tail is held high and fluffed up, your kitty is angry. Steer clear to avoid a paw swipe or bite. A cat that is scared will lower their tail, sometimes even tucking it between their legs. They might also lower their body to the ground, walking in a sort of slinking motion. 

2. Ears

A cat with their ears pointed up and forward is alert; you might see them in this pose when they are focusing on an insect or similar critter. When they flatten their ears back against their head, they are preparing to defend themselves against a threat. Twitching ears could mean they are anxious; you might see this movement when they’re nervous, for instance, during a visit to the veterinarian.

3. Eyes

Your cat’s eyes can also give you clues as to how they're feeling. Dilated pupils may mean they are surprised or scared while constricted pupils more likely point to a tense or even aggressive mood. When a kitty is staring, they are extending a challenge. A slow blink, on the other hand, shows that the feline feels safe; they trust you enough to close their eyes briefly around you.

Knowing how to read these signals can help you determine your cat’s mood. Sometimes, however, a professional opinion is needed to assess how your feline is feeling. The veterinarians of Thompson Animal Medical Center in La Crosse, WI, provide comprehensive care to assure your pet’s health. This animal hospital recognizes that each creature is a unique individual and treats them accordingly, providing treatments backed by real affection. Review their services, from spay and neuter procedures to pet vaccines, online. To schedule a veterinarian appointment for your cat, call (608) 788-8820.