Cat Facial Expressions: What Do They Mean?
Cats are masters of communication, and their facial expressions are a key part of their repertoire. They use their ears, eyes, mouth, and whiskers to convey a wide range of emotions, from happiness and contentment to anger and fear. Some are laugh-out-loud funny, and some are downright scary.
Here are 12 of the most common cat facial expressions and what they mean:
Relaxed:
Ears are up and relaxed; eyes are open and half-closed; mouth is closed; whiskers are relaxed. This expression indicates that your cat is feeling happy and content.
Alert:
Ears are up and focused, eyes are wide open, mouth is closed, whiskers are forward. This expression indicates that your cat is paying attention to something and maybe feeling curious or excited.
Happy:
Eyes are narrowed and crinkled at the corners, and mouth is open in a slight smile, and whiskers are relaxed. This expression indicates that your cat is feeling happy and playful.
Content:
Eyes are half-closed, mouth is closed, whiskers are relaxed. This expression indicates that your cat is feeling content and relaxed.
Angry:
Ears are flattened against the head, eyes are wide open, mouth may be open in a snarl, and whiskers are forward. This expression indicates that your cat is feeling angry or threatened.
Scared:
Ears are flattened against the head, eyes are wide open, pupils are dilated, mouth may be open in a silent meow, and whiskers are forward. This expression indicates that your cat is feeling scared or threatened.
Pain:
Ears are flattened against the head, eyes are wide open, pupils may be dilated, the mouth may be open in a cry, and whiskers are forward. This expression indicates that your cat is in pain.
Playful:
Ears are up, and relaxed, eyes are wide open and playful, mouth may be open in a playful meow, whiskers are relaxed. This expression indicates that your cat is playful and wants to interact with you.
Curious:
Ears are up and focused, eyes are wide open and curious, mouth is closed, whiskers are forward. This expression indicates that your cat is curious and wants to investigate something.
Surprised:
Ears are up and focused, eyes are wide open and surprised, mouth is open in a slight gasp, whiskers are forward. This expression indicates that your cat is feeling surprised.
Anxious:
Ears are flattened against the head, and eyes are wide open and anxious, the mouth may be open in a silent meow, and whiskers are forward. This expression indicates that your cat is feeling anxious or stressed.
Aggressive:
Ears are flattened against the head, and eyes are wide open and narrowed, the mouth may be open in a snarl, and whiskers are forward. This expression indicates that your cat is feeling aggressive.
It is important to note that cats’ facial expressions can be subtle, and it may take some time to read them accurately. However, by paying attention to your cat’s overall body language and behavior, you can start to understand what their facial expressions mean.
If you are ever unsure about what your cat is feeling, it is always best to err on caution and give them some space. However, if you are concerned about your cat’s behavior, it is a good idea to talk to your veterinarian.
12 Things You Should Never Do to Your Cat
We all have our dos’ and don’ts. Don’t we? Cats, too, have their dos’ and don’ts. As cat owners, understanding these boundaries is vital.
Here, we’ll explore 12 actions that should never be done to your cat.
Kitten Wonders: Discover the Charm of These 12 Irresistible Photos
There’s something truly uplifting about a kitten. That newborn curiosity, the boundless energy (until it’s naptime), and the face that just looks like the picture of innocence…we really do struggle to resist their charms, don’t we? So why try?
Chatty Cats: 10 Talkative Cat Breeds that Love a Good Conversation
Are you ready for a lively and engaging conversation with your feline friend? Some cats are known for their talkative nature.
If you are ready for a chat, read more here.
Kitten Cuties: 12 Adorable Photos That Will Make You Go “Aww”
Discover the endearing magic in their delicate whiskers as these kittens explore their surroundings with curiosity, captivating us with their adorable expressions.
These little moments just capture our hearts.
Top Reasons Why Cats Follow Us to the Bathroom: Unraveling the Feline Fascination
Cats have a peculiar habit of following us to the bathroom, turning what should be a private moment into a shared experience.
Let’s delve into the top reasons why they can’t seem to leave us alone.
12 Things You Should Never Do to Your Cat
We all have our dos’ and don’ts. Don’t we? Cats, too, have their dos’ and don’ts. As cat owners, understanding these boundaries is vital.
Here, we’ll explore 12 actions that should never be done to your cat.
Kitten Wonders: Discover the Charm of These 12 Irresistible Photos
There’s something truly uplifting about a kitten. That newborn curiosity, the boundless energy (until it’s naptime), and the face that just looks like the picture of innocence…we really do struggle to resist their charms, don’t we? So why try?
Chatty Cats: 10 Talkative Cat Breeds that Love a Good Conversation
Are you ready for a lively and engaging conversation with your feline friend? Some cats are known for their talkative nature.
If you are ready for a chat, read more here.
Kitten Cuties: 12 Adorable Photos That Will Make You Go “Aww”
Discover the endearing magic in their delicate whiskers as these kittens explore their surroundings with curiosity, captivating us with their adorable expressions.
These little moments just capture our hearts.
Top Reasons Why Cats Follow Us to the Bathroom: Unraveling the Feline Fascination
Cats have a peculiar habit of following us to the bathroom, turning what should be a private moment into a shared experience.
Let’s delve into the top reasons why they can’t seem to leave us alone.
Hi, I’m Jenny Dean, creator of Floppycats! Ever since my Aunt got the first Ragdoll cat in our family, I have loved the breed. Inspired by my childhood Ragdoll cat, Rags, I created Floppycats to connect, share and inspire other Ragdoll cat lovers around the world,
