When you live with a cat, you learn how to interact with your feline companions. Here are common clues to take in, as cats use their bodies to talk:
Happy
Small Pupils signal a happy and calm cat. Dilated pupils, on the other hand, are a sign of fear and possible aggression.
Blinking slowly is how cats tell humans that they feel safe. It is also called "cat kiss" and a way of saying "I love you".
Curling the tail usually means contentment. If it is accompanied by half-closed eyes and purring, it is definitely contentment!
Upright tail expresses confidence, excitement or contentment.
Meatloaf pose - the cat loaf - refers to the adorable way cats tuck their paws under themselves when they are feeling relaxed and comfortable.
Worried or scared
Dilated (large) pupils can also be a display of surprise or fear, depending on the situation.
Flattened ears, this is a sure sign a cat is scared and feeling defensive. Ears flat against the head may also indicate an angry or aggressive cat.
Upright, bottle brush tail indicates a cat feels threatened and is being defensively aggressive.
Angry or unhappy
Wagging the tail, unlike a dog, it is not a good sign. If your cats' tail is tick-tocking back and forth, they are most likely agitated.
Halloween pose - back arched, tail standing straight up, hair on end - is a showing of fear-based aggression and will often be accompanied by hissing or growling with ears folded back. It is time to back off.