How to speak cat

What would your pet say if they could speak? We’ll never know for sure, but we can get to know more about our pets’ moods by learning about their behaviour.

Cats express themselves with their eyes, tail, fur, mouth and posture. On this page, learn what they’re trying to tell you.

A happy and relaxed cat will...

Keep their body relaxed and their fur smooth
Have 'soft' eyes that are half-closed or blinking
Hold their tail straight up in the air
Purr while their body is loose and resting
Roll over to show you their tummy
Walk right up to you to say hello
Blink at you slowly
Expert tip

Happy cats usually don't mind if you sit quietly and watch them explore. If they choose to come to you, try giving them a gentle stroke.

A worried cat will...

Crouch down low and feel very tense
Have big, wide pupils and flat ears
Keep their tail tucked in very tight
Hide in dark corners to feel safe
Stay very still and keep their head low

Understanding a cat’s belly roll

One of the most misunderstood cat behaviours is the belly roll. When a cat rolls over and shows you their tummy, it’s a sign of extreme trust. Because the belly holds all their vital organs, they only show it when they feel 100% safe.

Many people think this means "please rub my belly". But for many cats, a hand touching their belly feels like an attack on their most vulnerable spot. This is why they might suddenly grab your hand with their claws. Stick to chin and ear scratches instead.

An angry or unhappy cat will...

Arch their back and make their fur stand up
Show their teeth and hiss loudly at you
Keep their tail stiff and ears pinned back
Point their whiskers forward and growl
Lift a front paw, ready to scratch

Find out more

How to care for cats

To be a great cat owner, you have to understand how a cat’s body works. Learn how to help them stay happy and healthy.

How to care for dogs

Learn how dogs behave, how to read their signals, and how best to care for their needs.

Help all animals

Find out how you can be kinder to every animal and speak up for those who can’t speak for themselves.