A sudden sight, sound, or movement can trigger a cat to instinctively puff up. Cats can get startled by anything that appears out of nowhere, perhaps a shadow, a dust bunny, an approaching dog, or, ...

Because cats can’t tell us they are in pain, it’s up ... puffed out indicates aggression or cause for alarm. If your cat’s pupils are dilated, they are likely ready to attack or are afraid.

If a cat holds its tail straight and upright, its mood is perky and happy. If it’s puffed up, it’s afraid or angry. If it flicks its tail rapidly, it is tense, frustrated, annoyed, or in ...