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The purr-fect picture
of a comfy and secure cat
When your cat gets to know you and feel secure in your care, she will show some unmistakable signs of comfort and trust. These are general behaviors that cats in the wild exhibit either only among their own kind or when they feel safe from predators or other threats. So take them as a compliment. Your pet is saying, "I know I don't have to worry when you're around."
You'll know your cat loves and trusts you when she:
"Does the two step" on your lap.
Greets you with her tail held high and straight, as if to say, "I'm so happy To see you!"
Rolls over to expose her belly, not always to invite you to scratch it, but to show she trusts you enough to assume this vulnerable position.
Body Language
Even without making a sound, a cat can announce her emotional state in no uncertain terms. Your pet's entire body tells you how she's feeling and how you should react. Here's how cats express some common emotions -- from head to tail.
Happy and Relaxed
Ears - Pointing forward and slightly outward
Eyes - Open or half closed (sleepy), with pupils normal
size - showing contentment with long, slow blinks
Tail - Curved down, then up at the tip
Excited
Ears - Standing straight up and pointing forward
Eyes - Wide open and sparkling
Tail - Standing straight up or raised slightly and curved
Anxious or Agitated
Ears - Twitching
Eyes - Wide open, with enlarged pupils
Tail - Held low, possibly between hind legs, or with tip Shaking
On the Offensive (Beware!)
Ears - Held flat back against the head
Eyes - Pupils fully dilated, making eyes look totally black
Back - Arched, with fur like a porcupine
Tail - Swishing from side to side, arched, or standing straight up with fur puffed out
Is your new kitten scratching at her ears? This could be an indication that she has ear mites. This tiny insect-like parasites inhabit the ear canal and cause a great deal of irritation and discomfort. Diagnosis is made by your vet based on an otiscopic exam and sometimes a smear taken from the ear and examined under the microscope. Fortunately, there are many effective treatments for this condition.
"Dogs come when they're called; cats take a message and get back to you later."
- Mary Bly
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