How Many Facial Expressions Can Cats Make?
In the world of cats, where every movement appears calculated and every glance conceals a mystery, facial expressions form a subtle communication system. Scientists have now used artificial intelligence to decode these feline gestures, shedding light on the social dynamics within cat groups.
Dr Brittany Florkiewicz, a psychologist from Lyon College, and Anna Zamansky, a computer scientist from the University of Haifa, developed an AI program capable of analyzing feline facial expressions with unparalleled precision. By studying interactions between cats at a café in Los Angeles, the team identified 26 distinct facial movements from 48 reference points on their faces.
Key findings include:
- Cats mirrored their companions’ expressions in 22% of observed interactions.
- This mimicry, often involving subtle ear or lip movements, correlated with friendly behaviour 60% of the time.
The study, published in Behavioral Processes, identified 276 unique feline expressions. These gestures allow cats to convey a range of emotional states, supporting the idea that their social interactions are more complex than previously thought.
Cats That Play Like Dogs
While fetching is often associated with dogs, around 40% of cats also enjoy this activity. A study published in Plos One revealed that many domestic cats engage in fetching with their owners, challenging the stereotype that only dogs participate in such games.
Dr Mikel Delgado from Purdue University led an analysis of over 10,000 surveys from cat and dog owners. The results showed that fetching behaviour is common among active indoor cats, particularly breeds like Siamese, Burmese, and Tonkinese. These findings suggest that cats, like dogs, have adapted certain playful behaviours during the long process of domestication.
For dogs, fetching is strongly linked to their history as working animals bred for hunting and herding. The study noted that 78% of dogs, especially Labradors and border collies, frequently play fetch, further reinforcing the shared instinct between these two species.
What Is Facial Mimicry in Cats?
Facial mimicry is a quick, subconscious response where cats replicate each other’s facial expressions in real time. This behaviour helps reinforce social bonds and may even indicate a basic form of empathy. According to Florkiewicz, “Cats use facial mimicry to gauge their playmates’ mood and maintain positive social connections.”
Artificial intelligence played a crucial role in this discovery. The AI program allowed researchers to detect fleeting facial movements that are often too subtle for human observation.
This breakthrough has practical implications, such as helping cat owners monitor their pets’ social interactions. By recognizing early signs of stress or tension, conflicts between cats can be prevented, improving their overall wellbeing.
Applications and Future Research
The research team hopes their findings will inspire further studies on how feline expressions relate to play, hunting instincts, and interactions with other species. As technology continues to advance, tools like AI may become indispensable in understanding and enhancing the emotional health of pets.
Whether through subtle facial gestures or shared games, cats are revealing new dimensions of their social capabilities, challenging long-held perceptions of their independence and aloofness.