{"id":163,"date":"2020-12-08T18:25:06","date_gmt":"2020-12-08T18:25:06","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/purrfectpawpages.com\/?page_id=163"},"modified":"2020-12-08T19:29:10","modified_gmt":"2020-12-08T19:29:10","slug":"feline-behavior-ears-eyes-and-tails","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/purrfectpawpages.com\/feline-behavior-ears-eyes-and-tails\/","title":{"rendered":"Feline Behavior: Ears, Eyes, and Tails"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Cats have their own ways of communicating with other cats and with us humans. Cats are not small dogs! This article covers the basics in feline communication using ears, eyes, and tails. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ears<\/strong>: Kitties have their ears forward when they are interested and happy. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Image: Excited cat with ears facing forwards and dilated pupils. <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Their ears rotate back for a few seconds when listening to birds or other sounds.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Image: Cat with one ear turned back, likely listening to something.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

When your cat’s ears are turned back<\/strong>, beware, this cat is getting annoyed. Stop what you are doing at this point because your cat is already telling you that they are getting angry.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Image: Annoyed cat with ears turned back and narrowed pupils.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Flat ears<\/strong> on a cat indicate fear.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Image: Scared cat with ears flattened and dilated pupils. <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Eyes<\/strong>: Narrowed pupils can indicate that your cat is agitated or angry. Wide dilated pupils can indicate excitement or fear. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Staring <\/strong>can indicate affection but again refer to your cat\u2019s body position, ear, and tail to see the whole picture. Cats may stare someone down who they think is below them, this is a sign of aggression. If you have a new cat in the house that is starting you down, don\u2019t get into a staring contest with them as this will make your new cat feel threatened. Simply blink and look away.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Image: Cat staring at down something. <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Slow Blinks<\/strong> are a way to communicate cat to cat, or cat to human, affection. The cat will often blink and then look away showing that they trust you. To better communicate with your cat, simply blink at your cat slowly when they are relaxed and see if they do the same.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Image by An\u0131l Bora Ayta\u00e7<\/a> from Pixabay<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Tails<\/strong>: <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tails that are straight up<\/strong> in the air indicate confidence and contentment. This cat is happy in her environment and friendly. Don\u2019t be surprised if this kitty then rubs against you too! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Photo by Lynn Elder on Pexels.com<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

A tail pointed downwards<\/strong> can meet that the cat is aggressive. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Image: Orange tabby: Tail pointed downwards indicates aggression. Ears are turned back. Brown tabby: Ears are turned backwards indicating aggression. <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

If your cat is holding their tail under their body, they may be afraid or submissive<\/strong>. Make sure they aren\u2019t being bullied by another cat. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Image: Black and white cat holds tail underneath body indicating submissiveness. <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Tail flicks<\/strong> mean that your cat is getting agitated. This is a good time to stop whatever you are doing before the cat has to use more drastic means to communicate such biting or scratching. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

A swishing tail<\/strong> means that your cat is interested in an object such as a bird at the window or a toy. Be ready for the pounce! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

A puffed up tail<\/strong> indicates a scared cat that is trying to stay safe by looking bigger. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Image: Scared kitten puffing up its tail. <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Cuddling cats<\/strong> may wrap their tails around each other in a sign of affection.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Image: Two kittens sleeping together. <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
\nCats have their own ways of communicating with other cats and with…\n<\/div>\n
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