Kansas Researchers Discover Cats Speak With Nearly 300 Purr-fect Facial Expressions!
Who knew cats were such drama queens? Turns out they’ve got nearly 300 facial expressions to show their feelings! 🌐 #News #KansasCityKS #Kansas #Animals
KANSAS CITY, KS – Many people may think cats are indifferent or emotionally distant creatures, but a new study by Kansas researches reveals they actually use a vast array of facial expressions to communicate with each other. Far from being aloof, felines have developed a sophisticated system of signaling, with nearly 300 distinct expressions that help them interact socially.
The Discovery of 300 Facial Expressions
A recent study led by researchers from the University of Kansas Medical Center has unveiled how cats use a wide range of facial movements to express their feelings.
Over the course of a year, researcher Lauren Scott recorded the interactions of 53 adult domestic shorthair cats at a cat cafe in Los Angeles (ok, seriously, this sounds like the best job ever!). The study captured 194 minutes of footage, covering 186 interactions between the cats.
Through detailed analysis, the team identified 276 unique facial expressions. These expressions were made up of 26 different facial movements, such as changes in ear position, whisker adjustments, and eye blinks. For perspective, humans can make about 44 facial movements, while dogs have roughly 27.
Friendly, Aggressive, or Ambiguous?
The research categorized the expressions into three main groups: 45% of the expressions were found to indicate friendly behavior, 37% were linked to aggression, and 18% were considered ambiguous. For pet owners, this provides a clearer understanding of when their cats are relaxed or on edge.
The study also uncovered a unique “play face” among cats. This expression, which features a dropped jaw and pulled-back mouth corners, is not only seen in cats but also in dogs and humans during playful moments. While the researchers couldn’t fully decode the meaning behind each facial expression, they did uncover significant patterns that show how cats communicate.
Practical Insights and Future Research
Understanding how cats use their faces to express emotions could benefit both current and future cat owners. By recognizing facial cues, people could better assess their cats’ moods and even choose a pet that is more likely to get along with others.
The study also suggests that these findings may be useful for the development of tools like an app to decode feline expressions, with companies already reaching out to the researchers about this possibility.
Although this study provides valuable insights, it has its limitations. Researchers hope to broaden their sample to include cats in different living environments, including multi-cat homes and feral colonies, to explore how these facial expressions vary in diverse social contexts.
Cats may have been misunderstood as solitary creatures, but this new research shows just how complex and social their communication can be. As we learn more about their behaviors, it will be easier to form stronger bonds with our feline companions.
RELATED TOPICS: Animals and Pets | Science | Kansas
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