
Cats have 32 muscles in their ears, which is far more than humans, who have nine, or dogs, who have 18. This gives cats a broader range of movement than their canine counterparts, allowing each ear to swivel independently and take in information about the world around them.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of muscles in a cat's ear | 32 |
| Number of muscles in a human's ear | 9 (3 extrinsic and 6 intrinsic) |
| Number of muscles in a dog's ear | 18 |
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What You'll Learn

Cats have 32 muscles in their ears, compared to humans' three and dogs' 18
Humans have nine muscles in their ears (three extrinsic and six intrinsic), but cats' ears are much more manoeuvrable. Cats can hear sounds pulsating at 60,000 vibrations per second, while humans can hear only 20,000.
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Cats' ears swivel independently
Cats have 32 muscles in their external ears, which allow them to swivel independently and take in information about the world around them. This is far more than the three exterior ear muscles that humans have, and also more than dogs, which have 18. Cats' ears have other bonus perks that give them excellent hearing, such as an extra-deep ear canal.
The 32 muscles in the outer ear of a cat allow each ear to swivel independently and take in information about the world around them. This means that cats can hear sounds pulsating at 60,000 vibrations per second, while humans can only hear 20,000. The position and movement of a cat's ears express a broad range of feline moods and emotions. They also help cats to hunt, as they rely on their hearing to determine the location and movement of prey, as well as to avoid being preyed upon themselves.
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Cats' ears have a broad range of movement
Cats have 32 muscles in their ears, which is far more than the nine muscles that humans have. This gives cats a much broader range of movement than humans. In fact, cats can swivel their ears at lightning speed, and each ear can swivel independently. This allows cats to take in information about the world around them. The position and movement of their ears also express a broad range of feline moods and emotions.
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Cats' ears express a range of moods and emotions
Cats have 32 muscles in their ears, which is 14 more than dogs and far more than the nine muscles found in human ears. The vast network of muscles controlling their outer ears allows each ear to swivel independently and take in information about the world around them. This movement also expresses a broad range of feline moods and emotions. For example, a cat's ears will perk up when they hear the sound of a treat bag being opened. Cats' ears also play a key role in their hunting prowess, helping them to determine the location and movement of prey.
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Cats' ears help them hunt
Cats have 32 muscles in their ears, which allow them to swivel independently and take in information about their surroundings. This gives them an auditory edge over humans and dogs. Cats can hear sounds pulsating at 60,000 vibrations per second, while humans can hear only 20,000. This ability to hear and locate prey is the secret behind a cat's amazing hunting prowess.
Cats' ears are a marvel of nature. The 32 muscles in the outer ear allow each ear to swivel independently and take in information about the world around them. This gives cats a broader range of movement than dogs, who only have 18 muscles in their ears. Cats' ears also have other bonus perks that give them excellent hearing. For example, their ear canals are extra deep, which helps them to pinpoint the location and movement of prey.
Cats' ears are also very expressive. The position and movement of their ears can express a broad range of feline moods and emotions. So, the next time your cat's ears perk up at the sound of a treat bag being opened, remember that it's not just about the food – it's also about the hunt!
Cats' ears are an important part of their hunting toolkit. With their 32 muscles, deep ear canals, and ability to hear high-frequency sounds, cats are able to locate and track their prey with precision. So, the next time you see a cat's ears twitching, remember that they're not just listening – they're hunting, too!
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Frequently asked questions
Cats have 32 muscles in their ears, which is 14 more than dogs and 23 more than humans.
Cats have 32 muscles in their ears, while dogs have 18.
Cats have 32 muscles in their ears, while humans have nine (three extrinsic and six intrinsic).










































