The Posture of a Cat 🐱

Examples that involve a cat’s whole body movements.

Relaxed and Content

A relaxed cat’s body appears soft and flexible and moves languidly.

Visual Signs

No tension in the face and body.

Fluid movements; not twitchy or jerky.

Weight is balanced.

What Your Cat May Be Feeling

Relaxed; Content

“All is well.”

“Just hanging out!”

“Loaf” position

*Tip: A cat with his or her paws pads not touching the ground (paws folded up) is more relaxed than a cat with paw pads that are touching the ground (paws folded down).

Extra Relaxed; Comfortable

The more “open” or stretched out the cat’s body is, the more relaxed and comfortable the cat is feeling. The cat may also be kneading with his or her front paws.

Visual Signs

Open body posture; Floppy or stretched out

All paws are exposed; Paws are off of the ground.

Toe and claw stretch

Relaxed face

Belly facing up.

What Your Cat May Be Feeling

Comfortable in his or her body and environment.

Extra relaxed

Move Leisurely

Relaxed cats exhibit smooth movements from head to tail with no tension in the body. Jerky, staccato, or twitchy movements can inform you that your cat may be feeling stimulated, concerned, or irritated.

Visual Signs

Head is at shoulder height or above.

Soft eyes; Ears forward 

Slow, languid, walking pace

Relaxed tail; High or low (depends on the individual cat).

Balanced weight

What Your Cat May Be Feeling

Gently curious

Not focused on any one thing in particular.

Comfortable in the environment

*Tip: Observe your cat’s head position in relation to his or her shoulder height. The lower the head moves below shoulder height, the more unconfident or anxious your cat is feeling.

Move Confidently 

Visual Signs

Direct approach

Head position at shoulder height or higher

Ears forward

Tail is high and softly curled 

What Your Cat May be Feeling

Happy

Confident; Comfortable 

Friendly 

*

If you or your friends or family live in Renton, Washington (or surrounding area) and are looking for a compassionate cat sitter to care for your feline friends this summer, book me on Meowtel.

 

 

 

 

 

Reference

Chin, L. (2023). Kitty language: An illustrated guide to understanding your cat. Penguin Random House, LLC: New York. P. 73-80.