Understanding Pet Body Language: What Your Pet is Trying to Tell You

Pets communicate primarily through body language. Learning to interpret your dog or cat’s signals helps you respond to their needs and build a stronger bond.

For dogs, pay attention to tail position: a relaxed, loosely wagging tail typically means happiness, while a stiff, tucked tail can signal fear or stress. Ear position also tells you how your dog feels — ears forward may mean curiosity or alertness, while flattened ears suggest anxiety or submission.

Cats are more subtle. A slow blink from a cat is a sign of trust and affection; direct, unblinking stares can signal discomfort. A puffed tail or arched back usually means your cat feels threatened. Purring isn’t always happiness; cats also purr when anxious or in pain.

Look at overall posture. A relaxed stance indicates comfort, whereas crouching, lip licking, yawning or turning away are signs of stress. Growls, hisses, whines and barks add context to their body language.

By observing these cues in context, you can better understand what your pet is trying to tell you and improve their wellbeing.