Understanding dog and cat body language

Dogs

Happy or relaxed dog

Your dog is happy or relaxed when their:

• body is generally relaxed
• head is held high
• tail wags freely and enthusiastically
• tongue hangs out in a relaxed manner.

Nervous or frightened dog

Your dog is nervous or frightened when their:

• size is reduced by crouching or rolling over to show their underbelly
• tail is tucked between legs or move from side to side in a lowered position
• ears are back or flat on the head
• eyes appear slightly closed and they avoid contact
• tongue extends in a licking motion.

Aggressive dog or ready to attack

Your dog is aggressive or ready to attack when they:

• stand on the tips of their paws
• have hackles on neck and back standing erect
• wag their tail slowly and stiffly while held high
• snarl with lips pulled back showing teeth
• have their eyes wide open and staring
• hold their ears erect
• are growling and snarling.

Cats

Happy cat

Your cat is happy when their:

• body is generally relaxed
• tail is high with the tip hanging over the back or relaxed and low
• ears erect
• eyes are wide open or if completely relaxed may appear half closed
• whiskers in neutral position.

Frightened or timid cat

Your cat is frightened or timid when it's:

• body is low to the ground making itself look small
• ears are generally laid flat on the head
• whiskers are laid back or flattened against the face
• tail may be under the body.

Defensive cat

Your cat is defensive when it's:

• tail is erect and fluffed up
• back is arched
• ears are flat to their head
• whiskers are back
• pupils are dilated
• hissing.

Aggressive cat, ready to pounce

Your cat is aggressive and ready to pounce when it's:

• tail is low and swishing
• back is straight and head in line with it's body
• ears are forward
• whiskers are bristling forward
• mouth is open and teeth bared and is hissing
• claws are out.