Behaviour
Reading Your Cat's Body Language
By Faru Vet Team 3 min read1 Sept 2026
Decode tail flicks, ear positions and purrs to understand what your cat is really feeling.
The tail tells a story
- Upright with a curled tip — friendly and confident.
- Puffed up — frightened; give space.
- Lashing side to side — overstimulated or annoyed.
Ears
Forward ears mean relaxed and interested. Flattened or sideways ears signal fear or irritation. Rotate them back and it's time to back off.
Eyes
Slow blinking is a cat's way of saying they trust you. A wide stare with dilated pupils often means arousal — play or agitation.
Purring
Purring usually means contentment, but cats also purr when in pain or stressed. Always read it together with the other signals above.
Understanding these cues helps you respond calmly and strengthens the bond with your cat.