From the tip of the ears to the tip of the tail your cat is communicating with you. One of my favourite things is my cat Poppy in “play with me” pose. She arches her back, seems to stretch out a bit, curls her tail upward loosely and puts her head down - pic below - This is a big sign that she wants to play and that she likes you.



When your cat greets you by rolling on her back and presenting you with a furry tummy it shows a high level of trust has been established. Giving in to the temptation to give that tummy a tickle may well result in a smack with a paw, as this is a very sensitive area.

Cats communicate their wants and needs to their owners and can recognize their owner’s mood. Feline love takes the form of purring, rubbing, lap-sitting and head-butting - rubbing against you with its forehead or nose is a true sign of affection. However if a cat rubs against you with its body or the sides of its face, it's only marking its territory, "it is all mine - including "YOU!"

Tail Talk
A straight tail with a slight kink at the tip indicates "that looks interesting" A tail held stiffly at right-angles to the body means "hello you look nice, pay attention to me". A tail with a twitchy tip means "now i'm getting angry". A tail waved vigorously from side to side means "I am seriously angry". An arched tail with the fur fluffed means "we don't have to fight if you get off my territory "NOW" A tail held low with fur fluffed out means " I am frightened" When a cat is relaxed, confident and alert, it walks with its tail horizontally behind it or even slightly drooping.

Cat Chat
Hissing, purring, meowing, and snarling is an important part of their lives and the way they interact with other cats. Purring is used to express joy "yes - sardines for dinner again", momentary well being, and affection for its owner. Kittens instinctively purr when nursing. But your cat can also purr when in pain or distress! Cats make a tooth-chattering sound when in sight of prey but unable to reach it. Hissing and spitting are reserved for a cat who is threatened, angry, or both - "don't you dare come anywhere near me." Yowl or scream can be offensive, defensive, or even a threat.

Flirty Cats
Tomcats spray strong urine to mark their territories, advertise sexual status and discourage other males from intruding. Sometimes he will spray as part of a mating call when in the presence of a female cat. Female cats also spray and for the same reasons, though less commonly than males. Females in an interesting condition will roll wantonly in front of males to solicit their attention.