Decoding cat language may be difficult at times. (Why did he suddenly blink his tail? What’s the reason for that glare?) Cats can be quite effective at giving us clues about the way they’re feeling and thinking.

“It isn’t always easy to discern a cat’s behaviors or moods. However, with a basic understanding of feline nature and practice recognizing the body language of their pets, and the personal experience of pet owners, owners can be aware of the messages their cat might be saying,” said Melissa J. Sigala Behavior trainer for spcaLA.

Here are 7 typical behaviors that your cat may display, and what it could mean when he displays these behaviors.

7. Scared Cat

What it appears like: Cats scared of being scared can sit down and huddle with their ears closed and express their terror through grunts or hisses or even escape and cover themselves. “His eyes might be widening due to dilated pupils and his claws may be raised while he is on his hind legs with his back straight,” says Sigala.

A cat who is scared might attempt to appear as small and unthreatening as is feasible, according to an expert in cat behavior, certified by Pam Johnson-Bennet. “He might sit on his feet tucked under and his tail wrapped tightly around his body. He could also avoid looking at you as a way to indicate that he’s not interested in being involved,” she says. “A scared cat might not be able to engage in normal daily routines such as eating or going to the toilet and playing.”

6. Happy/Content Cat

What they look like: Cats who are happy often display gentle or serene body language, with a curled tail that is raised at the tips, upright (but not rigid) ears, and soft eyes that have slow blinks. cat in heat sounds

“Pupils could dilate when stimulated for example, such as during the smell of a favorite treat or time for play and you might be able to hear low purring,” says Sigala. A cat who is happy may play with you or even directly touch you on foot. “Cats typically groom their companions to show their affection and kindness and grooming their owners might be a means of showing their affection,” Sigala says.

5. Cat that is anxious or insecure

What is it like to look like: Anxious cats can scratch or bite inanimate objects such as shoes and blankets. They might also chase after and bite their tails, or be unable to stop.

“A cat could bite its owner’s feet and hands if the owner isn’t seeking any form of interaction,” Sigala says. “Plus his tail could be curled or tucked into and he could be able to hide from guests or stroll along the edges instead of in into the center.”

Additionally, look for a cat who exhibits stress-reducing behavior such as grooming, according to Johnson-Bennet. “While cats are famous for their meticulous grooming but an anxious cat might increase that grooming routine to the next level and groom excessively.” A cat that is anxious might also exhibit modifications in its daily routines, such as eating, using the litter box, or scratching So be alert for these indications.

4. Cat that is Agitated/Annoyed

What is it like? Fast bobbing tails and loud and lengthy vocalizations are signs of anger or frustration as per Sigala. “Your cat could be able to leave or move away and also swat with his paws, and then make a “warning bite” to signal that he’s angry.” The bite doesn’t typically break the skin.

3. Aggressive Cat

What is it like to look: The cats that show aggression are the easiest to identify. A swollen pupil, a growl or swats, as well as lunges and swats, are the most obvious signs of aggression along with rigid bodies with straight hackles, teeth that aren’t visible or ear tufts pulled back. “This could lead to fighting with another cat, or an attack against the cat’s owners,” Says Sigala.

2. Hungry/Needy Cat

What it appears like: A cat that is hungry or needs more from its owner could make you snore or be very vocal with loud, repeated, brief meows. Sigala cautions that each cat has its own meows to its owner. “He could also be seated near his food bowl or take to items that are that are needed, such as food water, litter box or food.”

1. Affectionate Cat

What they look like: Cats show that they’re happy through a variety of methods that we overlook since they’re not so obvious as cuddling Johnson-Bennet explains.

“Affection is displayed through head bunting, grooming for social occasions eyes that blink slowly or purrs, as well as being physically close to you,” she states. “The cat might prefer to sit close to you however, he will do so with his back to you. This may be considered to be infuriating to us that a cat will turn around, but in reality, it’s quite a gesture of respect and an expression of confidence.”

Cats can be seen in an empathetic mood in many ways, some of which we don’t notice because they’re not always as explicit as cuddling, says Johnson-Bennet.

“Affection is displayed through head bunting, grooming for social occasions eyes that blink slowly or purring, as well as being physically close to you,” she adds. “The cat could decide to lie down close to you however, he will do so with his back towards you. This may be considered to be offensive to us that a cat will turn around, but actually, it’s admiration and demonstration of confidence.”