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Body postures and facial expressions communicate intent and emotional state at a particular moment. Specific behaviors and body positions can have multiple meanings; thus, assessing the entire body, other signals (e.g., vocalizations), and the context is critical when humans are trying to interpret a cat’s emotional state.

The vertical “tail up” is one of the most important visual signals (see Figure 2.1). It largely signals the desire to interact amicably. The cat receiving a “tail up” signal may reciprocate with an approach, followed by touching noses; rubbing of the head, neck, and body along the body of another cat; and tail twining (Cafazzo and Natoli 2009). A similar approach and rubbing behavior sequence may be displayed toward an individual of another species, especially human, or an object near the intended receiver (Turner 2017). A stiff, lashing tail indicates aggression, and a tail tucked under the body signifies fear in a non‐resting cat. Piloerection, or hairs stiffened and standing away from the body, indicates strong arousal and is usually accompanied by an upright or arched body, but the tail may be erect or low. A tail wrapped around the body of a sitting cat is thought to communicate ambivalence—the cat is unlikely to show aggression but is not enthusiastic about the interaction (Leyhausen 1979).

Figure 2.1 Tail up greeting display.

Source: Reproduced with permission from N. Drain. © Natasha Drain.

Facial expressions are associated with a range of emotions. A distressed cat’s eyes may blink and pupils dilate, ears lower or flatten to the head, and whiskers move forward. These expressions may be accompanied by hissing or other defensive vocalizations (see Figure 2.2). A very relaxed cat is often lying lateral with the eyes, pupils, and ears in a neutral position. A cat resting in a sternal or sphinx‐like position, often with the tail wrapped around the body, may be slightly more anxious or vigilant about the surroundings (Leyhausen 1979; Bennett et al. 2017; Gourkow et al. 2014).

Figure 2.2 Defensive position.

Source: Reproduced with permission from K. Watts. © Katie Watts.

General Appendix B describes common feline body language characteristics.