Cats have long been considered mysterious, aloof, or even indifferent — especially compared to dogs, who tend to be more open with their affection and needs.
But the truth is, cats do communicate with us and can be affectionate, just in their own subtle and meaningful ways.
Through their voices, cat body language, and pet behaviour, cats are constantly telling us how they feel, what they want, and when something is not quite right.
Understanding these signals is the key to building a stronger, healthier bond with your cat and supporting their emotional and physical needs.
Here are five clear ways what cat body language really means.
1. Tail movement
A cat’s tail is one of its most expressive features in cat body language, and how they hold and move it can reveal a lot about their mood.
Types of cat tail movement:
- Upright with a soft curve at the tip: a friendly greeting
- Flicking or lashing tail: annoyance or overstimulation
- Puffed-up tail: fear or high alert
Observing tail language can help you understand whether your cat is feeling confident, threatened, or agitated.
2. Cat vocalisations
Unlike dogs, cats generally do not meow to each other — they save this special behaviour for communicating with humans. Many cats even develop a personalised range of vocalisations to interact with their owners.
Typical sounds and meanings:
- Meows: requests for food, attention, or reassurance
- Chirps or trills: friendly greetings or “come with me”
- Hisses or growls: clear signs of fear or wanting space
If your cat hisses consistently in certain situations, it is best to respect their boundaries and allow them to feel secure before trying to interact again.
3. Cat eyes
A slow blink from your cat is a beautiful sign of trust and calm. When a cat slowly closes its eyes in your presence, it is saying, “I feel safe with you.”
You can strengthen your bond by returning the gesture. Many cats will respond with their own slow blink, creating a moment of mutual understanding and connection.
4. Cat Body language
When your cat rubs against your legs or gives you a gentle head butt, they are marking you as part of their territory.
While it might sound possessive, this is a huge compliment. Cats are naturally territorial, so including you in their scent profile is their way of saying you belong to their trusted circle.
5. Following You or Bringing Gifts
One common cat body language is that cats follow you around or bring you “gifts” like toys (or sometimes insects), as a way of expressing a strong social connection. They want to be near you, share resources, and involve you in their world.
This pet behaviour is one more reason to keep cats indoors — a safe indoor cat is less likely to bring you native wildlife, while still able to express their natural social instincts through toys.
Understanding cat behaviour
We all love our feline companions for their independence, charm, and quirky personalities. But sometimes, cat ownership can come with challenges—scratching furniture, avoiding the litter box, aggression, or anxiety when left alone.
These behaviours can feel overwhelming, especially when they start to disrupt daily life. The good news is: you’re not alone, and you don’t have to navigate it on your own.
Behavioural therapy can make a big difference in understanding and improving your cat’s behaviour.
With the help of qualified animal behaviourists or veterinary professionals, many pet owners find effective ways to support their cat’s emotional wellbeing, strengthen their bond, and create a more harmonious home.
At Knose, we believe behavioural care is a key part of pet health. That’s why we offer behavioural therapy as an optional add-on to our cat insurance plans.
Whether you’re dealing with anxiety, aggression, or other behavioural concerns, our cover can help ease the financial pressure of getting the right support—so you can focus on what matters most: helping your cat feel safe, happy, and understood.
