Decoding the Meow: Understanding Your Kitten's Body Language

Living with a British Shorthair or Longhair kitten is a delightful experience. These fluffy bundles of joy bring laughter and love into your home.

However, kittens, like all felines, communicate primarily through body language. Deciphering their meows, tail swishes, and ear positions can feel like a foreign language at first. Don't worry; this guide will equip you with the skills to translate your kitten's body language, fostering a deeper understanding and a stronger bond.

Ears: Perked Up for Communication

Forward and Upright

When your kitten’s ears are forward and upright, they are alert and curious. This position indicates they are interested in their surroundings and ready to explore or play.

Flattened or Backward

If your kitten’s body language shows flattened or backward ears, it often signals fear or aggression. If your kitten’s ears are in this position, they might feel threatened or stressed. Give them space and time to calm down.

Twitching Ears

Twitching ears can indicate irritation or annoyance. It’s best to observe what might be bothering your kitten and address it to ensure they feel comfortable.

Why Your Kitten’s Eyes Are The Windows to Their Soul

Wide Open and Dilated Pupils

One thing to look out for in a kitten’s body language is their eyes. Wide open eyes with dilated pupils usually signify excitement or fear. Context is key here; during playtime, it means excitement, but in unfamiliar settings, it could indicate fear.

Slow Blinking

Slow blinking is a sign of trust and affection. When your kitten blinks slowly at you, they are showing that they feel safe and comfortable in your presence. You can reciprocate by slowly blinking back.

Narrowed Eyes

Narrowed eyes often indicate contentment or relaxation. Your kitten might squint their eyes when they are feeling particularly comfortable or sleepy.

How Tail is The Emotional Barometer

Upright Tail

Another thing to keep a lookout for in your kitten’s body language is their tail. An upright tail usually means your kitten is happy and confident. They feel secure and are likely looking forward to interacting with you or exploring their environment.

Puffed-Up Tail

A puffed-up tail is a clear sign of fear or agitation. Your kitten might be startled or feel threatened. It’s important to remove any potential stressors and help them feel safe.

Twitching or Flicking Tail

A twitching or flicking tail can indicate irritation, frustration, or excitement. Pay attention to the context and other body language cues to understand the exact emotion.

Now that you understand what to look for in your new kitten’s body language welcome your new feline friend home with CatKing Cattery in Toronto.

Our British Shorthair and Longhair kittens come from impressive lineages, consistently achieving top honours in TICA and CFA competitions. This ensures exceptional quality and loving temperaments. Our knowledgeable team is passionate about responsible breeding practices. We go above and beyond to ensure the well-being of our cats.

Call us now at 647 - 994 - 3210 to buy a kitten.