What do flattened cat ears mean?
A cat's ears are one of its clearest mood indicators. Their position shifts with emotion — from relaxed and forward to pinned flat ('airplane ears') when frightened or angry.
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Forward & upright
Relaxed, curious, and content.
Swivelling / twitching
Alert and tracking sounds — heightened attention.
Flattened sideways (airplane)
Frightened, irritated, or defensive — give space.
Pinned flat back
Strong fear or aggression — a bite or swat may follow.
Frequently asked
Why does my cat put its ears back when I pet it?
Ears going back during petting often signals overstimulation — the cat has had enough touch. Stop and give it space to avoid a swat.
Are flattened ears always a bad sign?
Flattened ears signal stress, fear, or irritation. They're not 'bad', but they're a clear request for space — a moment to back off, not push.
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