Cat body language

A cat's posture, tail, ears, eyes and hair all speak volumes. But frequently, because we fail to understand and interpret the signals correctly, we blame the cat — unjustly. Understanding the body language of felines can be difficult, even counterintuitive, since it is meant to convey messages primarily to other cats. Signs of fearfulness or irritation can be easily misread as playful excitement because a cat's associated behaviours appear to be similar. And misinterpretation of cats often arises out of confusion with the body language of dogs, which is sometimes opposite in meaning. 

Relaxed and Happy: Ears at normal position, tail relaxed or upright, whisker standing straight out from face, purring.	Frightened: Eyes and pupils wide open, hair on tail and back standing up, ears pulled back against head.	Sick: Eyes in half-closed position, tail between legs, whiskers and ears remain in abnormal position for extended period of time, may purr loudly when comforted.
Aggressive: Narrow pupils, ears flat and rotated backwards, tail swishes or thumps the ground, hair on tail bristles, hissing or screeching.	Annoyed: Tip of tail twitches, whiskers pulled back tightly against face, ears flat against head.

©http://www.petsforpeople.org/cat_mood.html

A cat's tail is its signal flag. Held high, the tail is a banner communicating confidence. Curling around another feline's tail or a person's legs, it offers friendly greeting. In motion, it usually indicates excitement. The cat is either in predator mode, having sighted a bird or a mouse, or is feeling playful, hiding behind a chair ready to pounce on a passing person or cat. And while the rhythmic wagging of a dog's tail signals happiness, the agitated whipping of your cat's tail means that he is perturbed or upset. Don't startle a cat in this state. Your reward may be a claw swipe or a bite. 

Cats are affectionate and love to be touched, but only on their own terms. They may greet members of their household fondly with cheek rubs, but they prefer to initiate this contact. Cats may exchange quick eye-blink hellos with each other, but they seldom stare. Instead, they will respond to a long stare from you by freezing movement and then alternately looking at you and looking away.

Huddling with its tail wrapped around its body, a cat may be telegraphing that it is cold. A similar body position, but with a relaxed cat, signals its dreamy contentment. 

A sick cat often doesn't curl up, but lies in the position requiring the least energy.

An alert, attentive cat scans wide-eyed, ears pricked and rotating, tuned to threats, prey, and other felines. Spotting something of interest, the cat stares intently, pitching its ears and its whiskers forward.

THE TALE OF THE TAIL…
            When the tail is flying high: "all is terrific."
            When it is at half-mast: "all is not terrific."
            When it is dropped low: "I’m very unhappy."
            When it twitches back and forth: "back off."
            When the tip twitches: "I’m self conscious."
            When it’s bushy: "I’m angry!"
TONGUES TALK WHEN CATS GROOM…
            Embarrassment: Rapid, non-stop licking.
            OK: Short staccato licks looking at you.
            Boredom: Constant, deep intense licks.
            Nervousness: Short, shallow licks.
            Affection: The cat licks you. A good time to train.
THE EAR STORY…
            Ears alert/straight up: Ready for fun or affection.
            Ears flat out sideways: "What’s up?"
            Ears downward: "I’m defensive. Watch out!"
            Ears down and back: "I’m furious. Watch out!"
LISTEN TO MY PAWS…
            Paw kneading: "I’m content."
            Paw strokes, Paw hugs: "I love you."
            Paw nagging: "Hurry up!"
            Paw blows:" A fight!"
THE EYES SAY IT…
            Eyes wide open and looking at you: "I’m listening."
            Eyes half closed: "I’m sleepy."
            Eye pupils in slits: "I’m feeling alert and confident."
            Bug-eyed: "I’m frightened."…so be careful!
            Blinking and winking: "I’m talking to you, I like you."
            Eyes clouded: "I’m ill." Or, "I’m relaxed."
            Eyes staring: "Stay away." A stare is a challenge.