What is your cat telling you? A guide to cat language

The tail

• Straight up with a little curl at the tip: "Hello, I'm glad to see you!"
• Puffed up like a brush: Very scared or feeling threatened. Don't go near.
• Swishing fast or thumping the floor: Getting annoyed. Time to stop stroking.
• Tucked between the legs: Scared or not feeling safe.

The eyes

If your cat looks at you and slowly closes and opens its eyes, that's a "cat kiss": it's telling you it trusts you. You can answer with a slow blink of your own. A long, fixed stare, on the other hand, is a challenge between cats — so don't stare at a cat.

The sounds

• Meow: Adult cats rarely meow at each other — they mostly meow to talk to people.
• Purr: Usually means happiness. But cats can also purr when they're ill or in pain, so watch for changes in behaviour.
• Hiss: Means "Stay away!" Leave the cat alone.

The belly trap

A cat lying on its back showing its belly trusts you a lot. But it doesn't mean "rub my tummy"! Many cats dislike belly rubs and will grab with their claws. Most cats prefer gentle strokes on the head and cheeks.