6 Signs Your Cat Is Angry

| Published on January 27, 2019

Cats are finicky creatures with moods that can quickly change from happy to upset. The ability to see when your cat is angry will allow you to understand when to back off and give your cat space instead of escalating the situation. Continuing to prod a cat who is angry is not only disrespectful, it’s also dangerous. A cat who is exhibiting any of these 6 signs is prepared to strike. Here are 6 signs your cat is angry:

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Image Source: Orias1978 via Flickr.com

1.Vocalizations

Give your cat space if she is hissing, growling, spitting, or emitting a guttural moan. These sounds are the closest your cat can get to saying “Hey, back off!”

2. Tail Signals

Cat tails are very expressive, but in a way that is often subtle. A tail that’s flickering back and forth quickly or held low can indicate an irritated cat. The hair may also stand up on an angry cat’s tail.

3. Eye Signals

Dilated or constricted pupils can both indicate anger. Eye signals can be exceptionally hard to read because your cat’s eyes can be affected by so many factors. For instance, the amount your cat’s pupils are dilated can help determine if your cat is angry, but her eyes can also dilate to adjust to the amount of light in the room. Take note of her eyes, but use the information in conjunction with other clues, such as ear signals and vocalizations.

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Image Source: Tambako The Jaguar via Flickr.com

4. Ear Signals

An angry cat’s ears will lay flat, either towards the side or back of her head.

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Image Source: HannaElise via Flickr.com

5. Body Language

You can gather a good amount of information by observing your cat’s stance. An angry cat will often display an arched back with fur standing on end (an attempt to look as big as possible), or a body that’s hunched close to the ground (ready to strike).

6. Swatting

If your cat swats at you when you try to pet her, respect it as a clear signal that she doesn’t want to be touched.

See: 11 Things Humans Do That Cats Dislike

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