Most people think of cats as mysterious or hard to read, but new research suggests they may be communicating far more than we realize. A recent study has identified 276 distinct facial expressions that cats use when interacting with one another, showing that their emotional lives are richer and more nuanced than many assume. These expressions are subtle, complex, and shaped by social situations, from greeting friends to settling disputes.
This article is for general informational purposes only. Every cat expresses emotion differently, and body language should be interpreted in context.
The Study Behind The Discovery
The research was published in the journal Behavioural Processes and focused on a group of approximately 50 adoptable cats living at the CatCafé Lounge in Los Angeles. The café’s open environment allowed cats to move naturally, making it an ideal place to observe authentic social behaviors.
Researchers Lauren Scott of the University of Kansas Medical Center and Brittany Florkiewicz of Lyon College spent one year filming casual interactions between the animals. From 194 minutes of footage, they examined 186 separate social exchanges and broke down each expression into small muscle-based movements.
What the Researchers Found
The 276 facial expressions were grouped into three main categories:
– Friendly expressions (about 45 percent)
– Aggressive expressions (about 37 percent)
– Mixed or ambiguous expressions (about 18 percent)
Each expression reflected a combination of 26 small facial movements involving the ears, eyes, mouth and whiskers. Some were extremely subtle – such as a tiny ear rotation or a slight tightening around the mouth – showing how refined feline communication can be.
How Cats Communicate With Each Other
Facial expressions are only part of how cats share information. They also rely on:
– Vocalizations
– Body posture
– Eye contact
– Scent cues
Interestingly, adult cats rarely meow at each other. Meowing is mainly reserved for communicating with humans. Kittens meow to their mothers, but as adults, they switch to body language and silent signals when interacting with other cats.
The Play Face And Other Shared Signals
The study also identified a common “play face.” This involves a slightly open mouth with the corners drawn back, something also seen in dogs, monkeys and even humans during playful interaction.
When relaxed or friendly, cats may:
– Hold their tail upright
– Keep ears forward
– Stand tall
– Roll to expose their stomach
However, when uncomfortable or fearful, cats may:
– Flatten their ears
– Lick their lips
– Avoid eye contact
– Crouch closer to the ground
If fear turns to aggression, signals escalate into hissing, growling, tail lashing or arched posture.
How This Helps Cat Owners
This research suggests that cats are communicating more clearly than we usually notice. Many of their signals are simply quiet, quick or subtle.
Lead researcher Brittany Florkiewicz explained that watching the ears, eyes and whiskers can reveal a cat’s emotional state, especially whether they feel friendly or uncomfortable.
For cat owners, simply slowing down and observing these details may deepen understanding and strengthen trust.
