Alec Titan
Cats are often described as inscrutable, with their facial expressions hard to read. However, recent studies have found that cats do have a range of facial expressions, with one study identifying 276 distinct facial expressions. These expressions are made up of a combination of different facial muscle movements, such as open mouths, wide or small pupils, blinks, nose licks, whisker movements, and ear positions. While the exact meaning of each expression is still unknown, researchers believe that understanding cat facial expressions can help improve cat welfare and the relationship between cats and their owners.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of facial expressions | 276 |
| Facial expressions in common with humans | Yes |
| Facial expressions similar to other animals' 'play face' | Yes |
| Number of unique facial movements | 26 |
| Examples of facial movements | Open mouths, wide or small pupils, blinks, nose licks, whisker movements, ear positions |
| Percentage of friendly expressions | 45% |
| Percentage of aggressive expressions | 37% |
| Facial expressions affected by breed | Yes |
| Facial expressions affected by skull shape | Yes |
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What You'll Learn
Cats have fewer facial muscles than humans
Cats have been found to have 276 different facial expressions, made up of a mix of four out of 26 unique facial movements. These include open mouths, wide or small pupils, blinks, nose licks, whisker movements, and ear positions. In comparison, humans have around 44 unique facial movements.
To study cat facial expressions, researchers have used the Cat Facial Action Coding System (CatFACS) to identify facial muscle movements. This involves marking 48 specific facial landmarks based on the facial action units from the CatFACS. Using this system, researchers have been able to determine three distinct categories of differences between different groups and breeds of cats.
The number and types of facial muscle movements in cats are also studied to understand their emotional and physical states, such as pain. For example, the Feline Grimace Scale was validated in 2019 as a way to quickly assess whether cats are experiencing pain. Additionally, facial signals directed towards humans have been used to infer the emotions of domesticated cats and assess their adoption rates.
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Cats have 276 facial expressions
The researchers observed 53 adult domestic shorthair cats at a cat café in Los Angeles, California, between August 2021 and June 2022, recording 194 minutes of video footage of their facial expressions during social interactions. They then used a coding system called the cat Facial Action Coding System (CatFACS) to identify the different facial muscle movements. This system allowed them to identify even the most subtle muscle movements, called "action units," and determine whether the expressions were friendly or aggressive.
The study found that 45.7% of the coded expressions were friendly, while 37% were aggressive. For example, a cat showing aggression will have constricted pupils and ears flattened against its head, and may swipe its tongue. In contrast, a friendly expression is shown when the ears and whiskers move forward while the eyes close. The researchers also observed that domesticated cats are more socially tolerant than their wildcat counterparts due to their proximity to humans, which allows for more cat-to-cat social interactions.
This discovery sheds new light on the popular belief that cats are aloof and uninterested in their owners. Instead, it suggests that cats have evolved these various expressions due to their long history of communication with humans during their domestication. The researchers hope that their work will help pet owners and animal shelters better understand and care for their cats.
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Cats' facial expressions are affected by breed
Cats have evolved to have various facial expressions, likely due to 10,000 years of domestication and communication with humans. A recent study observed 53 domestic shorthair cats and found a wide range of expressions, including a combination of movements of the eyes, ears, and lips.
However, it's important to note that cat facial expressions can also be influenced by their breed. Research has shown that certain breeds may have facial musculature that masks or enhances signals for pain. For example, brachycephalic cats, which have a broad, short skull, such as British Shorthaired and Devon Rexes, tend to suffer from dental malformations, breathing difficulties, and neurological issues. These physical characteristics can potentially impact their facial expressions and communication abilities.
In a study by Finka et al., researchers analyzed 1888 photos from 19 different breeds of cats with "neutral expressions" and identified three distinct categories of differences. The first category was the distance between the ears and different ear landmarks. The second category was how close the nose and eyes are to one another. And the third category was the spacing between the cheeks and mouth.
Mesocephalic cats, which have a medium-length skull, tended to have similar facial features across breeds. On the other hand, dolichocephalic cats, characterized by their long skulls, exhibited the most variability in features. This group includes breeds such as the Sphynx and Abyssinians.
It's worth noting that the effects of breed on cat facial expressions may also have implications for their welfare. For instance, if a pain scale developed for mesocephalic cats is used for other breeds, the signals may be less reliable. This could impact the ability of owners and veterinarians to recognize and address pain in purebred cats with different facial structures.
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Cats' facial expressions are hard to read
Cats have a reputation for being inscrutable, and it turns out that this reputation is well-deserved. While cats do have facial expressions, humans often find them challenging to interpret.
A recent study found that, on average, people could only identify a cat's mood from its facial expressions around 60% of the time. Only 13% of participants scored 75% or higher, and they were dubbed "cat whisperers" by the researchers. This indicates that, while cats may be trying to communicate with their faces, humans are not very good at understanding what they are saying.
There are a few reasons why cat facial expressions might be hard to read. One reason could be that cats have fewer facial muscles and fewer facial expressions than humans. Another factor is that cat facial expressions are often very subtle, such as a slight eyelid twitch or a subtle widening of the eye. These subtle signals can be difficult for humans to detect and interpret.
Additionally, cat facial expressions may be context-dependent, making them even harder to interpret. For example, a relaxed open-mouth face has been observed in several carnivores, including cats, but it is not known whether this expression always indicates relaxation or if it can also signal other emotions in certain contexts. Furthermore, facial expressions of pain in cats may be less reliable in some purebred cats, especially those with "neutral" flat faces, such as Sphynx cats.
Despite these challenges, researchers have made progress in understanding cat facial expressions. For example, scientists have identified 276 distinct facial expressions in domesticated cats, and they have developed tools like the Cat Facial Action Coding System (CatFACS) to systematically study and categorize these expressions. By analyzing the number and types of facial muscle movements, researchers can begin to understand the social function of these expressions and how they have been impacted by domestication.
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Cats' facial expressions are used to infer emotions
Cats are known to have 276 distinct facial expressions, a discovery that challenges the popular belief that cats are aloof and indifferent. These various expressions are likely a product of thousands of years of communication between cats and humans. Cats have lived alongside humans for 10,000 years, and during this time, they have evolved to become considerably social, engaging in positive interactions not only with humans but also with other cats.
The study of cat facial expressions can provide valuable insights into their emotions and improve human understanding of their behaviour. Researchers have identified 26 unique muscle movements that, in various combinations, create 276 facial expressions. These expressions can be categorised as friendly or aggressive, with some falling into both categories. For example, a cat with flattened ears, constricted pupils, and a lip lick is displaying unfriendly cues, while a cat with its whiskers and ears forward and eyes closed appears friendly and at ease.
Whiskers, in particular, are surprisingly telling. Content or happy cats tend to point their whiskers forward. Additionally, cats that hiss and show their teeth are exhibiting aggressive behaviour. By understanding these facial expressions, we can better interpret a cat's intentions and improve our relationships with them.
The study of cat facial expressions is not limited to interactions between cats but also includes cat-to-human communication. Facial muscle movements observed during emotional arousal or pain have been used to develop assessment scales and automated recognition systems for domesticated cats. This research has practical applications, such as helping animal shelter staff identify certain cues and act accordingly, improving cat welfare, and assessing adoption rates.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, cats do have facial muscles.
Cats have been observed to have 276 different facial expressions, made up of a mix of four out of 26 unique facial movements.
Cats have fewer facial expressions than chimpanzees, which have been found to have around 357 different facial expressions. They also have fewer facial movements than humans, who have around 44 unique facial movements, but more than dogs, which have 27.
