Let’s talk body language

By now you've probably realised that your kitten's vocabulary goes far beyond the contented purr and attention-seeking miaow. But did you know she also communicates through her posture and the position of her ears, mouth and tail?

Common sense usually helps you make sense of your little one’s body language. For instance, most of us will recognise that half closed eyes and a completely relaxed posture means a contented kitten. If she does this whilst purring and treading, she’s very happy indeed. Treading mirrors her behaviour as a very young kitten, stimulating the flow of her mother’s milk.

Ears can be very revealing. When she’s alert, they’re pricked forward, when she’s nervous, they’re twitched back and when she’s frightened or angry, they're completely flat to her head. Tails are expressive too, whether raised high in welcome, flicking gently in pleasure and anticipation or thrashing in irritation.

Finally, there’s the magnificent spectacle of a kitten in full, fur-on-end, hissing and spitting frenzy. When putting on this display, she'll present a sideways profile to the intruder to make herself look even more intimidating. Intruders beware!