Read the whole cat
One signal can fool you. A swishing tail can mean play or the end of someone’s patience. Read the tail, the ears, the eyes and the body together, and if they disagree, trust the worried ones and give the cat some room.
The clearest signs
| Tail straight up | Friendly. A hello. |
|---|---|
| Slow blink | Relaxed and trusting. Blink slowly back. |
| Belly up | Trust. Not an invitation to rub it. |
| Ears flat, tail puffed | Scared. Back away slowly. |
| Tail thumping, ears sideways | Had enough. Stop now. |
With street cats, keep your distance
A street cat that walks up with its tail high has chosen you. One that crouches, flattens its ears or stares hard hasn’t. Don’t follow it or reach for it. Crouch down, look a little away, and give it a slow blink. Our guide to approaching a shy cat has more.
Cats are individuals, and a cat that hides, stops eating or acts very differently may be ill or in pain. If you’re worried, ask a vet.