AskPetVet

Educational information only. AskPetVet does not replace an exam by your veterinarian, and reading this site does not create a veterinarian-client-patient relationship. Read the full disclaimer

Green Light, Red Light: An Interactive Guide to Dog and Cat Body Language

Body language

Green light, red light

Choose dogs or cats, then tap a light to see what to look for and how to help. When you are ready, test yourself with the quiz below.

Read the whole animal, not just one body part, and notice what is happening around them. Each signal is tagged with where to look:

EyesEarsMouthBodyTailBehavior

Tap a light to begin. Each light shows what a dog looks like at that level and what you can do to help.

Red: stop

This dog is very stressed or fearful.

  • EyesFreezing with a hard stare
  • BehaviorWill not eat, even food they took before
  • BodyCrouched low or leaning away
  • TailTail tucked tightly
  • EarsEars flat against the head
  • MouthGrowling, snarling, or snapping
  • MouthHeavy panting with a tight mouth
  • BodyRolling onto their back with a tense body
Not a belly rub A tense dog on their back is not asking for a belly rub. They are saying, “Please do not hurt me.”
What to doStop right away and give the dog space. Do not approach, reach toward them, or make direct eye contact.

Yellow: slow down

Early signs of stress or worry.

  • MouthLip licking when no food is around
  • MouthYawning when not tired
  • EyesWhale eye, with the whites of the eyes showing
  • BehaviorHesitant to approach
  • EarsEars pulled back or to the side
  • BodyLifting a paw or turning the head away
  • BehaviorSudden sniffing of the ground
  • TailTail lowered with a stiff body
What to doSlow down. These are early warning signs. Reduce pressure, give the dog a moment, and watch closely. Responding to these quiet signals early means the dog does not need to use louder ones.

Green: comfortable

This dog feels safe and comfortable.

  • EyesSoft, almond-shaped eyes
  • EarsEars in their natural position
  • BodyRelaxed, loose body
  • BehaviorApproaches you willingly
  • MouthTakes treats gently
  • TailTail at a neutral height or softly wagging
What to doGreat signs. This dog feels safe. Continue with gentle interaction and keep watching for changes.

Tap a light to begin. Each light shows what a cat looks like at that level and what you can do to help.

Red: stop

This cat is very stressed or fearful.

  • BehaviorHiding or frantic attempts to escape
  • MouthHissing, growling, or spitting
  • EarsEars pinned flat, making the head look round
  • TailTail down with the fur standing up
  • MouthNot eating at all
  • BodySwatting when approached
  • BehaviorOnly active at night, over time
  • EyesFrozen still and tense, with eyes shut
Still is not the same as relaxed A still, quiet cat with tense muscles and eyes shut is not relaxed. This is learned helplessness: the cat has given up trying to escape. They may suddenly bite or scratch with no warning. Always check muscle tension.
What to doStop right away and back off completely. This cat needs the stressor removed. Provide places to hide, since research shows hiding can lower stress hormones. Do not force interaction.

Yellow: slow down

Early signs of stress or worry.

  • EyesDilated pupils and wide eyes
  • EarsEars turned sideways or back
  • BehaviorTrying to move away or escape
  • TailTail flicking or held low
  • BodyCrouching with feet tucked under the body
  • MouthNose wrinkling or nose licking
  • BehaviorSwitching quickly between behaviors
  • BodySkin rippling or twitching
Frustration or fear? A cat who switches quickly between meowing, pacing, and scratching is likely frustrated, because they want something they cannot get. A cat frozen in one position is likely fearful. Each needs a different response.
What to doSlow down. Cats can escalate faster than dogs because they show fewer warning signals. Give the cat control over the interaction and watch for changes.

Green: comfortable

This cat feels safe and comfortable.

  • EyesAlmond-shaped eyes and slow blinks
  • EarsEars up and facing forward
  • BodyResting comfortably with relaxed muscles
  • BehaviorApproaches willingly
  • MouthEats willingly
  • TailTail up with a curve at the tip, like a candy cane
What to doGreat signs. This cat feels safe. Continue with gentle interaction and let the cat set the pace.

Sources: Durston (2025) · Ryan (2017) · Shepherd’s ladder · Low Stress Handling®

Sources: Ellis (2018), JFMS · Durston (2025) · Low Stress Handling®

Which light is it?

Read each situation and choose the light that fits.

Powered by CookieAdmin