This suggests that interpreting cat faces is a skill that could improve with training and experience.ĭo you think you could be a cat whisperer? You can test your cat-reading abilities by taking this interactive quiz. While many people seem to struggle with reading cat faces, some individuals are able to read them well. Being able to read cat faces can also improve the bond between cat owners and their cats, through an improved understanding of how their cats may be feeling. For example, facial expressions can indicate when a cat may be in pain and require treatment. My work has shown that cats display different facial expressions and that these facial expressions differ depending on how cats are feeling, both positive and negative.īeing able to read and interpret these different facial expressions can help to ensure that cats receive appropriate care.
Cats body language series#
This may be because cat owners learn the intricacies of their own cat through continued interactions, but likely cannot draw on varied experiences when faced with a series of unfamiliar cats. Suprisingly (or not, depending on your personal experience as a cat owner), cat owners are not any better at reading cat faces than people who have never owned a cat.
People in these occupations encounter a large number of cats on a daily basis and must learn to interpret their behaviour to recognize illness and avoid injury. I found “cat whisperers” also tend to have experience working as a veterinarian or veterinary technician. This is not surprising, since research has found that women are generally better at interpreting non-verbal emotional cues this has been shown with human babies and dogs. Individuals in this group are more likely to be women than men. Cat whisperersĪlthough most people were poor cat face readers, a small subset of people (13 per cent) were quite skilled, scoring 15 points or higher out of a possible 20 points. They’ll teach you, so be ready to learn.An example of a video from the study: here, a cat is hiding in the examination room of a veterinary clinic, a negative situation. Learning to interpret and respond to cat-talk can truly enhance your relationship with your feline. They roll onto their backs, or pose like a “J” with their head sideways and upturned, the rest of their body lengthened and still.Įyes can convey relaxation, too, in slow blinks, normal-sized pupils, and soft gazes. They just seem to melt into whatever surface they’re on. Relaxation (Picture Credit: Getty Images)Ĭat parents have all seen - and envied - the postures of a relaxed cat.
They may still strike, however, so be prepared. When you see these signs, stop the activity and give kitty a time-out until their adrenaline calms down. Most of us recognize a growl, snarl, or hiss as a warning sign to stay away. Cat vocalization is the easiest for us to interpret. But there are warning signs: Their tail will begin to swish back and forth, ears will twitch forward and back, they may vocalize, or they might turn their head toward your hand. Signs of feline aggression, at least ones that we humans are able to decipher, are expressed through a cat’s body language, which includes body postures, facial expressions, and vocalization. Overstimulated cats sometimes respond with a burst of energy directed at the nearest object - maybe you. Many pet parents end up bewildered - and with a few scratches - by a “sudden” attack during a play, petting, or brushing session. Over Stimulation (Picture Credit: SAMUEL KUBANI/AFP/Getty Images) Obviously a kitty lying on their side but unresponsive or breathing funny needs immediate medical attention. Look for half-closed eyes, downcast ears, or a blank expression. They may pace back and forth, sigh, or talk to you as if to say, “I need something to do.” Illness (Picture Credit: Getty Images)Ī crouched body and tucked tail may mean your kitty is in pain or ill. Their tail might be low, at “half-mast,” or swishing slowly back and forth, telling you, “I’m not happy.” If your kitty is bored, they may groom constantly, with long, intense strokes. A cat in this pose is ready to - but may or may not - attack. Offensive aggression is the “ Halloween Cat” - hair standing up, back and tail arched, pupils huge, tongue curled, hissing or yowling.
Stay several feet away and speak softly until they calm down - and let them come to you for reassurance afterward. If you see your cat in this position, don’t approach. If the threat continues, they may launch an attack. Their ears will be flattened, pupils dilated, and they may be hissing. They might be curled up in a ball, rolled to one side, tail tucked in close. Aggression (Photo by BSIP/UIG via Getty Images)Īggression can be defensive or offensive.Ī defensive cat is fearful, and reacting to a threat. Bright eyes, perked up ears, and forward-facing whiskers mean they’re ready for some interaction.
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