To the casual observer, there isn't anything particularly interesting about a cat laying on the ground. But to a fan of felines, every little twitch of the tail and tilt of the head is a secret clue as to what that cat is truly thinking.

While they may meow when humans are around, cats are mostly non-verbal creatures. They use body language to give very subtle (and sometimes not so subtle) hints to other cats.

If you observe them closely enough, you too can decode your cat's body language too. Start by learning these six signs!

Long-time cat owners will tell you they know exactly what's about to happen when their furry friend's tail begins to twitch.

The average observer wouldn't know what to expect, but cat experts will tell you that trouble's about to happen.

Interested

When your cat takes this position, something's definitely caught their attention. Your feline's kitty senses are tingling and she's deciding whether it's worth a pounce. Maybe she saw a bug run across the floor, or noticed that you've opened a can of cat food.

Either way, her ears are perked-up and her head is turning toward the sound. Her eyes will be a little wider and she'll stand perfectly still. It might be fleeting, but it only takes seconds for her to decide whether whatever has caught her attention it's really interesting or not.

This message: Did you see that?

Friendly

Quite a bit like interested, this position is more open and welcoming. Your happy cat has come over to say hello!

Her tail is straight up in the air and she'll tilt her head slightly too. She's happy to see you - probably because you've come home from work and it's time to feed her.

This message: Hello! I'm happy you're home, now feed me!

Attentive

You might see your kitty perk up suddenly like this when you walk by or a bird flies past the window. She may have been snoozing, but she is still quite the predator and her body is always detecting sounds and movement.

This message: What are you doing human? Let's wait and see...

Turn the page to find out three more ways your cat could be trying to talk to you with their body language!

It doesn't take rocket science to figure out what a cat is trying to say, but you've definitely got to be observant.

These subtle creatures move silently and even small changes in their body language can make a big difference between one cue and another.

Learn the difference between four more cat clues below and you'll have decoded six major feline body language signs!

Content

This is one happy cat! She's almost smiling with her eyes and she might be kneading a little with her paws. You'll hear a happy little purr as she rests peacefully beside you.

This message: I love you, let's snuggle all day!

Relaxed

Don't be fooled by 'relaxed.' This position may look welcoming, but kitty doesn't necessarily want you to touch her. She's just feeling calm and confident in her space. If you notice her tail twitching up and down, watch out, she could be preparing to pounce!

This message: I'm queen of this castle, and you know it!

Trusting

This is the ultimate compliment for cat owners. New cat parents know they've made massive progress when their little kitten turns over like this.

She's showing you that she trusts you and you're now officially a member of her family. Just be careful when you go in for a belly rub  - if her tail is twitching, watch out!

This message: I trust you, but pet my belly at your own risk!

Now that you know them all, keep a close eye on your kitty and see if you can spot how quickly her mood changes.

[h/t Mentalfloss / Lili Chin]