Ah, cats. They're notoriously aloof, indifferent, and overall quite interesting creatures. As a cat parent, you may often wonder what your feline friend is thinking. Although you develop a bond with your cat, the language barrier prevents them from telling you exactly what they need.

By understanding cat behavior and knowing how to interpret cat body language, you can strengthen your bond with your kitty and better respond to their emotional and physical needs. Certain behaviors may even help you identify whether your furry friend needs a trip to the vet. 

Cat Behavior 101

Cats communicate in part through their actions. Here are some common cat behaviors to look out for — and what they could mean.

Changes in litter box habits could signal there’s an issue

When cats urinate outside of their litter box, it means something is wrong. Cats are, by nature, fastidiously clean animals. If your cat suddenly begins going outside of the box, they may be protesting because the litter box is too dirty or they aren’t a fan of a new type of litter in it.¹

It could also mean they have a medical issue, such as a urinary tract infection or hyperthyroidism. If your cat seems distressed and agitated, and the litter box is clean, call your vet immediately for guidance or to set an appointment.¹

A destructive cat may be bored

Just like puppies, humans, and other living things, cats need physical and mental stimulation. Bored cats will find ways to entertain themselves, and that may mean shredding your new leather sofa or devouring your favorite houseplants. Provide your cat plenty of areas to climb and jump and keep toys available for them even when you're away.²

Scent marketing is a form of communication

If your cat rubs against you, consider yourself duly owned by that cat. Felines have scent glands that contain pheromones around their body, such as on their chin, cheeks, at the top of their head, and at the base of their tail. By rubbing against you, cats leave a unique scent marker from these glands to greet you, mark you as part of their territory, or show their acceptance of you.³

The meaning behind purring

In general, we associate purring with contentment, but cats also purr when experiencing other emotions. Cats will purr when they’re anxious, feeling sick, or wanting attention. Pay attention to your cat's body language to decipher their emotional state.⁴

Decoding Cat Body Language

Along with their behavior and actions, a cat’s body language can tell you a lot about their mood and state of mind.

Body posture

Your cat’s posture is a good starting point for understanding their current mood.⁵

• Exposed belly: Cats expose their bellies when they are feeling relaxed and happy. It may be tempting to pet your cat’s exposed belly, but beware — many cats don’t like having their belly touched. However, some cats actually do enjoy belly rubs. If you make the attempt, do so slowly and carefully.
• Arched back: A cat with an arched back is feeling defensive or angry and may swat at you if you approach them. If your cat is in this position, give them plenty of space so they can calm down.
• Head tucked in: If your cat is standing in a low position with their head tucked in and tail curled tightly, they may be frightened. Another telltale sign of feline anxiety is whiskers facing backward.

To understand the full picture of your cat’s mood, take note of what their ears and tail are doing along with their posture.

Ear position

Cat ears are incredibly expressive, and they are always at work.⁵

• Forward-facing: Ears that are forward indicate your cat is relaxed and happy. They can also indicate your cat is alert and in a playful mood.
• Sideways or back: If your cat’s ears are turned low and sideways or back, they are probably frightened or angry. If you can’t tell which emotion your cat is feeling, pay attention to their pupils. An anxious cat’s pupils will likely be large and dilated, while an angry kitty’s pupils will constrict.
• Down: A cat that isn’t feeling well could have their ears down. If you notice your cat’s ears in this position, pay attention to other signs of illness, like lethargy or increased vocalization.

If your cat is scared or angry, pay attention to the circumstances so you can avoid similar situations in the future.

Tail position

Your cat’s tail is another powerful window into their mood. Everything from your cat’s tail position, shape, and movements offers insights into how they are feeling.⁵

• Relaxed: A neutral, relaxed tail signals that your cat is happy and relaxed.
• Curled tightly: If your kitty’s tail is tightly curled into their body, it could be a sign that they are frightened or feeling ill, so pay special attention to other signs to determine if they’re afraid or sick.
• Flicking or thrashing: While a wagging tail is a happy sign for a dog, for your cat, it may signal they’re feeling angry or defensive.

If your cat is demonstrating any troubling behaviors that lead you to think they may be feeling ill, contact your vet.

Consider Purchasing Cat Insurance

Recognizing when your cat is angry, stressed, playful, or relaxed can help you build trust and provide a happier home environment. And the more time you spend observing your feline friend, the easier it’ll become to decode their signals and respond appropriately.

Even with the best care, cats can experience unexpected health issues that can cause behavioral and physical problems. Purchasing cat insurance from MetLife Pet can help you manage the cost of vet visits and ensure your feline friend receives the care they need.

A cat in Michigan named Blossom began urinating outside of her litter box. Her owner took her to the vet, where she was diagnosed with a UTI and received treatment. The total vet bill was over $1,500, but MetLife Pet covered more than $1,300 of it.⁶

Consider buying a cat insurance policy with MetLife Pet Insurance. Get your free quote today.