Cats communicate with their whole body. A single signal is rarely the whole story: look at posture, ears, tail, and the situation together.
The slow blink
A relaxed cat may narrow its eyes or blink slowly during a calm interaction. You can gently blink back, without staring or moving closer. Let the cat decide whether to approach.
Listen to the tail
A softly upright tail often accompanies a friendly approach. Rapid tail movements can signal excitement or discomfort. Pause touching if your cat becomes tense or moves away.
Give them a choice
Offer hiding places, elevated resting spots, and safe escape routes. For multi-cat homes, provide resources in different locations so one cat cannot block access.
When behavior changes
Sudden hiding, aggression, or litter-box changes may reflect stress or a medical problem. Consult your veterinarian rather than assuming your cat is being difficult.
