Decoding the subtle signals that help us connect with our feline companions.
At Cambridge Cat Sitting, we know that cats rarely shout about how they’re feeling - but they’re always communicating. From the tip of their tail to the flick of an ear, cats express themselves through subtle body language, and learning to read these cues can make all the difference in how we care for them.
Laura, our founder, learned this skill early on from her grandmother - an animal lover who taught her that truly understanding cats means listening with more than your ears.
The Tail Tells All
Your cat’s tail is like a mood barometer:
- Upright tail = friendly and confident
- Tail with a slight curl at the tip = curious and content
- Low or tucked tail = anxious or unsure
- Flicking or lashing tail = irritated, overstimulated, or preparing to bolt
At Cambridge Cat Sitting, we always pay attention to tail movements. A cat swishing its tail while being petted might not want more affection - it might need space.
Eyes That Say Everything
Cat eyes are expressive, and their meaning often depends on context:
- Slow blinks = a sign of trust and affection
- Wide, dilated pupils = excitement, fear, or play mode
- Narrowed eyes = feeling content—or slightly irritated
We love using slow blinks to help cats feel safe during first visits. Often, they blink back - a beautiful way to say “I trust you.”
Ears, Whiskers, and the Silent Signals
- Forward ears = engaged and happy
- Flat or sideways ears = nervous or annoyed
- Twitching ears = alert and overstimulated
- Forward-facing whiskers = curious and confident
- Pulled-back whiskers = feeling threatened or unsure
Cats who don’t want contact might not hiss or growl—they’ll simply pull their ears back slightly and shift away. It’s all in the details.
What Your Cat Wants You to Know
Your cat doesn’t need to speak to let you know how they feel. Whether they’re greeting us at the door, rolling over (but not wanting belly rubs!), or sitting nearby with a soft purr, every posture and movement is part of the story.
By tuning into these signals, we can make every visit a calm, positive experience—tailored to what your cat truly wants and needs.
Why It Matters
When you understand your cat’s body language, you build trust. And when your sitter understands it too? That trust extends beyond you—it surrounds your cat, even while you're away.
At Cambridge Cat Sitting, we treat every visit as a chance to connect - not just care.