The secret language of cats: research on cat behavior

Not every cat owner knows that their pet is a real mystery – full of secrets, subtle gestures and non-obvious messages. Fortunately, scientists have set out to unravel some of these mysteries through studies of cat behavior. “Ethogram of the Domestic Cat” is a project (link and project details at the end of the article) that has provided a detailed catalog of feline gestures, movements and attitudes, identified from observations of 170 cats. As a result, we now know more about how cats express their emotions and intentions. Take a journey into the world of cat “language,” full of microexpressions, secret codes and surprising gestures.

Feline facial expressions-what do the ears and whiskers say?

Ears and whiskers are real barometers of a cat’s mood. Let’s take a look at what the different ear placements mean, which often escape notice but hide many meanings.

• Ears pointed forward – full focus or interest. Your cat is ready to interact and is watching with curiosity to see what is going on in its environment.
• Ears slightly tilted to the side – a state of relaxation, sometimes on the verge of sleep. The cat feels safe and relaxed.
• Ears pointed back and slightly lowered – irritation or anxiety. This is one of those placements that should draw the owner’s attention – the cat may be ready to defend itself, especially if the deviation of the ears is accompanied by a raised tail or tense body.
• Ears “glued” to the head – fear or readiness to escape. If a cat presses its ears against its head, it means that it feels threatened and is ready to react quickly.

Moustache as “emotion antenna”

The whiskers also say more than we think. They can change their position depending on the cat’s mood:

• Front-facing whiskers – excitement, intense focus. The cat is preparing to interact with an object (this may be a toy or some small object that it intends to attack).
• Whiskers pointing to the side – a state of relaxation. In this position the cat most often rests, sleeps or just “chills”.
• Moustache pressed against the cheeks – readiness to attack or defend. This positioning often accompanies aggression or severe stress.

Welcome tail vibration – subtle tail speech

In the cat world, tail twitching has a special meaning, especially when it is subtle and rhythmic. Cats don’t wag their tails in greeting like dogs, but the twitch can be a form of feline “hello.” It often occurs in situations where a cat approaches its owner or another cat it likes. It’s a sort of “nice to see you” in feline style. The closer you get to the “friend,” the more gentle the shaking becomes.

Cat diplomacy – averting eyes and easing conflict

If cats could be diplomats, they would probably be successful in alleviating many conflicts. Cats don’t always avoid a problem by running away – sometimes they simply look away or stop looking in the direction of the “threat.” This is their way of deescalating tension and showing that they are not looking for trouble. This behavior is similar to the human technique of “looking the other way” in awkward situations.

Moment of silence before jumping – masterful focus before the hunt

Cats are born hunters, and their senses allow them to perfectly prepare to leap on their prey. Studies have shown that cats freeze in stillness just before attacking, which allows them to focus all their senses on their prey. Anyone who has seen a cat sneak up on a toy knows that this is the “calm before the storm.” At this point, the cat is maximally focused, its body tensed and its eyes directed toward its target. It’s like recharging your energy before the final jump!

Digging with surgical precision

Burying feces is not just a habit for a cat – it’s also a demonstration of motor coordination. Cats dig in a specific way, using each paw independently, which allows them to bury their tracks with precision. It’s as if they have a “gene for digging,” which allows for accuracy comparable to that of a surgeon. Interestingly, wild cats also use this technique to prepare beds, proving that this behavior is firmly rooted in their instincts.

Cat arias – extraordinary singing in meows

Some cats “sing,” emitting long, modulated sounds in specific situations. When a cat is excited or anxious, its vocalizations can take the form of a cat “aria,” which is more distinct than a simple meow. It’s a way of calling for help, attracting attention or signaling something important, such as “hey, there’s someone down the hall” or “didn’t you forget my dinner?”. This singing is not just a whimper, but a sophisticated communication technique.

Absolute trust – a special position by the man

If your cat lies down next to you in a specific position, lying on his side with his paws slightly extended, this is a sign of supreme confidence. This is not a typical belly show (which is often mistaken for an invitation to be stroked). This position shows that the cat feels completely safe with you and puts itself in your hands, literally and figuratively.

Ears on guard – extreme concentration when hunting

When a cat is in “hunter” mode, its ears assume a characteristic position – forward-facing but tense. This is not mere wakefulness, it is “ear work at full speed.” A cat in this position picks up every sound, even the quietest, to perfectly judge the distance and direction of movement of its “prey.” These “fighting ears” are a testament to their evolutionary skills.

Cat secrets revealed

Cats are masters of subtle signals and non-verbal communication. Thanks to scientists’ research, we are learning how rich their world of gestures, micro-expressions and codes is. From tail wagging to subtle whisker movements, every element has a meaning. Now that you know more feline secrets, you can understand your pet and his unusual body language even better. Who knows, you may even start “talking” in new ways – and eventually your cat will gain yet another friend who truly understands him.