Although dogs and cats cannot speak, they can still let us know when they are happy, scared or angry.

We can tell what they are saying by how they look and the sounds they make. 

Dogs

Happy/relaxed

• Body is usually relaxed
• The head is held slightly raised
• Tail either still or in slow wag
• The tongue hangs out in relaxed manner

Nervous/frightened

• Reduces size by crouching or rolling over to show belly
• May tuck tail between legs or move from side to side in a lowered position
• Ears are back or flat on head
• Eyes may appear slightly closed, looking away or flicking side to side
• May be panting or licking lips

Angry

• Stands up on tips of paws
• Hair on neck and back stands up
• Tail held high and may wag slowly
• May snarl with lips lifted, exposing teeth
• Eyes are wide open and staring
• Ears held forward
• Growling and snarling

Cats

Happy

• Body is usually relaxed
• Tail is high with tip hanging over the back or relaxed and low
• Ears are pointing forwards
• Eyes open or if completely relaxed may be half closed
• Whiskers held out to the side

Frightened/timid

• Body is low to ground
• Ears are laid flat on head
• Whiskers laid back or flattened against face
• Tail low

Defensive

• Tail is low and still or swishing
• The back may be arched and ears flat to the head
• Whiskers are back and pupils dilated
• Hissing

CLICK HERE to play the game 'Animal Behaviour'

CLICK HERE to watch the PetNetTV video "Are Cats Misunderstood?

CLICK HERE for more information on Dog Behaviour

CLICK HERE for more information on Cat Behaviour

CLICK HERE to download the worksheet "Body language of dogs"

CLICK HERE to download the worksheet "Meet a new dog safely"

CLICK HERE to download the worksheet "What is this dog telling you?"