Cues for interpreting ears, eyes, tails, and more
We all know when a dog or cat is showing great fear or aggression. The signs are obvious, ears pinned to their head, teeth bared, the rumbling growl, tail lowered, hackles (the fur on the shoulders and base of the back) raised, body arched skyward and often sideways in a defensive position, ready for fight or flight.
      Many of us don't know the other cues, used when the animals are happy, anxious, or alert. For example, both dogs and cats lick their lips when they are nervous or apprehensive, just like some humans. A tail pointing straight up, perpendicular to their back is a sign of happiness and reassurance for both dogs and cats, while a tail running parallel to the back can be a sign of confidence or disinterest.
      Watch any cat or dog's ears and you'll see a wide range of movement corresponding to what they are thinking or feeling. Ears perked straight up and pushed forward means they are curious and paying attention. Cat ears are easier to read than some floppy eared dog breeds, but with a little observation even the most subtle dog ear movements can be translated.
      Cats use their tail to express their displeasure on many different levels. The fast, slapping tail, usually smacked against an object or the floor means a cat is in attack mode. Observe this tail movement when your cat is watching a bird or squirrel from a window ledge. The whippy tail, like a symphony conductors wand, is another sign the cat is annoyed, but also means they are observant. The perpendicular tail, a sign of a relaxed, friendly cat can even include a twitch in the tip. Cats will smack their tails on the floor to encourage other cats to wrestle. Of course we have seen the fluffed out tail, which corresponds to fear.
      Dogs will perform a "play bow." In this maneuver they raise their hind quarters in the air, lower the front of their body by pushing their front paws straight out in front of them and touch their chest to the ground. This is an invitation to other dogs to play.
      Both dogs and cats have relaxed postures in their faces and bodies when they are comfortable. When they feel confident they will stand tall with an alert face, but a calm demeanor.
      If placed in a situation where they are nervous and unsure, cats and dogs will turn their ears back slightly and slouch to make themselves seem smaller. They will lower their tail. Dogs will often place their tail between their legs, and cats will wrap their tail tightly around themselves.
      Ways to de-escalate a stressful situation with a nervous dog or cat include yawning, heaving a big sigh, and picking at the floor or carpet (which translates to sniffing). Making yourself small by sitting on the floor is another way to make a cat or dog comfortable. Offering a hand for a sniff can reassure a pet that you offer no threat.
      All body gestures need to be considered in their context and with other signals the dog or cat is conveying. A wagging tail on a dog could mean fear, rather than joy, but there will be other cues, like bared teeth, as in the picture of the Black Labrador Retriever pictured right.
      Of course there are situations where de-escalation is not possible and in those cases, where the animal is in an extreme state of agitation, it is best to give them plenty of space. Make sure they have an exit route. There may be a situation where your pet is sick, injured, or in need of being moved to a safer location and they may show signs of panic and fear. Even the most affectionate cat or dog can be aggressive in certain situations. Offering a carrier or kennel to a sick or injured pet may encourage them to enter, looking for safety. Watch for the signs of extreme fear and hostility, such as ears pinned against the head, a dog turning his head to show the whites of his eyes, called whale eye, bared teeth, or lowered tail. A hostile animal, may not be approachable and your safety is more important.