Scientists believe that these expressions indicate a richer communication ability in cats than we previously imagined.
According to a study published in the journal Behavioral Processes, American scientists have identified 276 different facial expressions in domesticated cats when they interact with each other. This leads them to believe that feline communication is more complex than previously assumed.
Cats have a rich communication ability.
Specifically, study author Lauren Scott recorded 53 cats at a café in Los Angeles, USA, from August 2021 to June 2022. Over the course of 194 minutes of video collected, she documented 186 interactions among the cats, all of which were indoor pets.
Scientist Florkiewicz also explained that domesticated cats tend to have a higher degree of “social tolerance” compared to wild cats due to their close living conditions with humans. Domestication allows cats to have more social interactions, which may be the reason behind their 276 different facial expressions.
Both researchers assessed the differences in expressions using a coding system specifically designed for cats, while also observing the quantity and types of facial muscle movements. The study also noted that muscle movements related to biological processes such as breathing and yawning were not included.
Although they could not decipher the meaning of each expression, the scientists found that 45.7% of the coded expressions were friendly, while 37% were aggressive. Friendly expressions are exemplified by the ears and whiskers moving forward while the eyes are closed. Aggressive expressions occur when the pupils constrict, the ears flatten against the head, and the cat licks its lips.
