Would you like to switch to the accessible version of this site?

Go to accessible site Close modal window

Don't need the accessible version of this site?

Hide the accessibility button Close modal window
Accessibility View Close toolbar
Meridian Animal Care Center and Riverbirch Animal Care Center

5010 Poplar Springs Dr

Meridian, MS 39305 US

601-693-3940

Open mobile navigation
  • Home
  • New Patient Center
    • Online Forms
    • What to Expect
    • Virtual Office Tour
    • Veterinary Resources
    • Payment Options
  • About Us
    • Services
    • Monthly Specials
    • Meet The Doctor
      • Meet Our Team
  • Petsimonials
  • Pet Memorials
    • Memorial Photos
  • Clinic Hours
  • Contact Us
  • Online Store
  • Veterinary Topics
    • Pet Health
      • Chronic Conditions
      • Digestive and Oral Health
      • Diseases and Viruses
      • Pests and Parasites
      • Orthopedics
    • Today's Veterinarian
    • Choosing Your Pet
      • Finding Your Pet
      • Cats
      • Dogs
      • Exotics
        • Amphibians
        • Birds
        • Reptiles
          • Lizards
          • Turtles
      • Small Mammals
        • Ferrets
        • Rabbits
        • Domesticated Animals
          • Prairie Dogs
        • Pocket Pets
          • Chinchillas
          • Guinea Pigs
          • Hamsters
          • Hedgehogs
          • Rats
      • Livestock
        • Cows
        • Donkeys, Horses & Mules
        • Goats
        • Pigs
        • Poultry
        • Sheep
    • Living With Your Pet
      • Bringing Your Pet Home
      • Children and Pets
      • Providing Care
      • Travel
      • Saying Goodbye
    • Newsletter Library
      • Tips for Pet Owners
      • Behavior & Training
      • Fleas & Parasites
      • Keeping Pets Healthy
      • Cats
      • Recognizing Illness
      • Nutrition & Food
      • Pet Dangers
      • Seasonal Topics
      • Visiting the Vet
      • Equine
      • Newsletter Archive
        • Fun with Pets
        • Unbelievable Pets
    • Video Newsroom
      • Health Topics
      • Technology and Science
      • Other Interests
    • Client Survey
    • Pets4Kids
  • Home >
  • Articles >
  • Newsletter Library >
  • What Your Cat's Eyes Can Tell You

What Your Cat's Eyes Can Tell You

  • Created in Newsletter Library

Cat with wide pupils

Your Cat's Different Pupil Sizes and What They Mean

Unlike humans, cats don't show their emotions on their faces, which may make it a little difficult to decipher your favorite feline's moods. Luckily, paying attention to subtle changes in your cat's eyes can help you tell if your pet is calm and happy or feeling a little frightened or anxious.

Changes in the Eyes Provide Important Information About Your Cat's Mood

The pupils provide important information about your cat's moods. Pupils, the dark openings inside your cat's colored irises, constrict and expand as the light changes. In dark areas, the pupils expand to allow more light into the eye. The openings get smaller in well-lit areas or bright sunlight.

Pupil size can also be an indication of your pet's mood. Changes in the appearance of the pupils or eyes can indicate:

  • Pleasure. As your cat purrs on your lap, you may notice that its pupils become narrow slits. Narrowed pupils may be a sign that your pet is happy and content, particularly when accompanied by purring. Although purring often happens when cats are happy, some cats also purr when scared or in pain.
  • Aggression or Anger. Pupils also tend to get smaller and narrower when your pet is feeling aggressive. Before your furry friend playfully pounces on a toy or lashes out at another pet, you'll notice a change in pupil size. Cats may also stare and squint if they're feeling aggressive. Squinting helps protect your cat's eyes from injury during a fight, according to Catster.
  • Fear or Excitement. Wide eyes or pupils can be an indication that your pet is facing a scary or stimulating situation. You may have noticed that your cat's eyes widen when you turn on the vacuum or bring out the kitty fishing rod.
  • Relaxation. Half-closed eyes and normal pupils mean your cat is feeling relaxed and comfortable in your company.

What Blinking Means

Have you ever noticed that your cat locks eyes with you then blinks slowly? Cat behavioral experts compare slow blinking to a kiss or smile from your cat. It's the way your cat shows affection. The next time you notice the slow blink, return the sentiment with your own leisurely blink.

Putting the Clues Together

Your cat's eyes aren't the only information you need to consider when you attempt to figure out your pet's mood. You'll also need to pay attention to:

  • Posture
  • Tail and ear position
  • Vocalizations

Small pupils, flattened ears, an arched back, and a high tail with fur standing on end means your cat is angry and feels aggressive. In contrast, a neutral tail and erect ears coupled with normal or large pupils and neutral or relaxed posture are signs that your pet is confident and happy. Cats that feel threatened or anxious may hunch over and place their tails between their legs.

Is your cat's tail thumping back and forth furiously? That may be a sign that your feline wants you to stop the petting session immediately. If you disregard the warning, your pet might scratch you or wrap its teeth around your hand to make sure you understand the message.

The sounds your cat makes also provide information about its mood. By now, you can probably tell the difference between a happy meow and an agitated or aggressive one. Of course, growling is never a good sign and lets people or other animals know it's best to back away and give your pet some space.

Familiarizing yourself with the clues your cat's eyes provide will help you keep your cat healthy and happy. If you notice a sudden change in your pet's behavior, an illness or injury could be the reason. We can help you determine why your cat's behavior has changed and if there's a cause for concern. Contact us to schedule an appointment for your furry friend.

Sources:

Catster: Cat Pupils: Here’s What Your Cat’s Eyes Are Telling You, 10/15/19

Petfinder: Cat Talk: A Guide to Pet Body Language

The Humane Society of the United States: The Cat’s Meow

  • Pet Health
    • Chronic Conditions
    • Digestive and Oral Health
    • Diseases and Viruses
    • Pests and Parasites
    • Orthopedics
  • Today's Veterinarian
  • Choosing Your Pet
    • Finding Your Pet
    • Cats
    • Dogs
    • Exotics
      • Amphibians
      • Birds
      • Reptiles
        • Lizards
        • Turtles
    • Small Mammals
      • Ferrets
      • Rabbits
      • Domesticated Animals
        • Prairie Dogs
      • Pocket Pets
        • Chinchillas
        • Guinea Pigs
        • Hamsters
        • Hedgehogs
        • Rats
    • Livestock
      • Cows
      • Donkeys, Horses & Mules
      • Goats
      • Pigs
      • Poultry
      • Sheep
  • Living With Your Pet
    • Bringing Your Pet Home
    • Children and Pets
    • Providing Care
    • Travel
    • Saying Goodbye
  • Newsletter Library
    • Tips for Pet Owners
    • Behavior & Training
    • Fleas & Parasites
    • Keeping Pets Healthy
    • Cats
    • Recognizing Illness
    • Nutrition & Food
    • Pet Dangers
    • Seasonal Topics
    • Visiting the Vet
    • Equine
    • Newsletter Archive
      • Fun with Pets
      • Unbelievable Pets
  • Video Newsroom
    • Health Topics
    • Technology and Science
    • Other Interests
  • Client Survey
  • Pets4Kids

Featured Links

Click to find out more

  • Services

    We strive to provide complete care for our patients. Learn more about all the services we provide.
    Learn More
  • Online Forms

    Our patient forms are available online so they can be completed in the convenience of your own home or office.
    View Forms

Office Hours

Our Regular Schedule

Monday:

7:30 am

5:30 pm

Tuesday:

7:30 am

5:30 pm

Wednesday:

7:30 am

5:30 pm

Thursday:

7:30 am

5:30 pm

Friday:

7:30 am

5:30 pm

Saturday:

Emergency Calls

Emergency Calls

Sunday:

Emergency Calls

Emergency Calls

Location

Find us on the map

Testimonial

Read What Our Clients Say

  • "Testimonial Coming Soon..."

Featured Articles

Read about interesting topics

    June Newsletter: How X-Rays Can Help Detect Early Stages of Dental Diseases

    Could X-rays protect your pet oral health? ...

    Read More

    June Newsletter: How Often Should Cats Be Vaccinated?

    Do you know how often your cat needs to visit the veterinarian for vaccinations? ...

    Read More

    May Newsletter: How to Keep Your Cat at a Healthy Weight

    Do you know how to help you cat maintain the ideal weight? ...

    Read More

    May Newsletter: Pets Have Allergies too!

    Wondering why your pet is constantly scratching, biting or licking its skin? ...

    Read More

    April Newsletter: Tips on Keeping Your Cat Calm through the Night

    Is your cat disturbing your sleep? Check out help your kitty stay calm. ...

    Read More

    April Newsletter: Signs Your Dog May Have Bloat

    Do you know the signs that may mean your dog has bloat? ...

    Read More

    March Newsletter: Care Tips for Your Pocket Pets

    Do you follow these pocket pet care guidelines? ...

    Read More

    March Newsletter: First Time Pet Owner? Here's What You Need to Know

    Bring a pet home soon? Take a look a few things you should know. ...

    Read More

    Caring for Your Older Pet

    Many of the same problems that affect people as they age, such as arthritis and diabetes, can also affect your pet. Making a few changes to the way you care for your furry friend will help you ensure that your pet stays healthy and happy as the years go by. Look for Common Signs of Illness Changes ...

    Read More

    February Newsletter: Weird Things Your Cat Does and What They Mean

    Looking for an explanation for your cat's strange behaviors? ...

    Read More

Newsletter Signup

Sign up for more articles

Connect With Us

  • Copyright © 2023 MH Sub I, LLC dba iMatrix.
  • Admin Log In
  • Site Map