The Way Animals Interpret Your Body Language

How does my body language affect animals’ perception of me? This question was originally posted on Quora, a platform that fosters knowledge-sharing and enables people to learn from one another and gain a deeper understanding of the world.

Answer by Dr. Abbie Maroño, a Behavior Analysis and Psychology expert, on Quora:

I find this question fascinating because people often underestimate how animals perceive and interpret human nonverbal cues. The truth is, animals are highly attuned to human body language, and how you carry yourself can significantly affect their perception and response towards you.

Now, let’s delve into some specifics.

If you’re familiar with my research, you’ll know that I emphasize the importance of open body language when conveying confidence, attentiveness, and trustworthiness. Interestingly, displaying open body language can also make animals feel more at ease around you. This involves directly facing them, avoiding crossed arms or legs, and maintaining a relaxed and open posture. Just like humans, animals may interpret closed-off body language as signs of aggression or defensiveness.

Similarly, animals can sense your level of calmness and confidence through your body language. Approaching an animal with a relaxed posture, steady movements, and a calm demeanor will make them perceive you as non-threatening and feel more comfortable in your presence. On the other hand, sudden or erratic movements can startle or intimidate animals. This is understandable considering that animals are constantly on the lookout for potential threats and are highly sensitive to anything that may indicate an attack.

Moreover, anyone who has owned a cat or spent time with one knows that animals have an awareness of personal space preferences. Just like humans, animals have their own comfort zones. For instance, one of my cats prefers to stay near me and be within a few meters, while the other is more comfortable at the other end of my apartment, checking in on me occasionally. It’s important to respect their boundaries and give them space, allowing them to approach or retreat as they feel comfortable.

The examples mentioned above are only a few among many. If you want to explore this topic further, I highly recommend reading the book “Are We Smart Enough to Know How Smart Animals Are?” by Frans de Waal.

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