Cats Speak 276 Facial Languages, But We're Missing the Signs

Research shows domestic cats use a complex system of subtle expressions to communicate, but humans often fail to understand their feline friends.

Mar. 28, 2026 at 2:33pm

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A new study has found that domestic cats use a staggering 276 distinct facial expressions to communicate with each other, far more than the 44 unique facial movements used by humans. While we're familiar with cats' purrs, hisses, and body language, researchers say we're often missing the subtler cues that make up the majority of feline communication.

Why it matters

Understanding how cats communicate is crucial for building stronger bonds between pets and their owners. By learning to recognize the nuances of cat facial expressions and body language, people can better meet their feline companions' needs and avoid misinterpreting their behaviors.

The details

The study, published in the journal Behavioural Processes, observed 50 cats living in a Los Angeles cat café over the course of a year. Researchers recorded 194 minutes of footage and coded 276 distinct facial expressions made up of 26 different facial movements. They found that 45% of the expressions were categorized as 'friendly,' while 37% were 'aggressive,' with the remaining 18% too ambiguous to classify. Some common friendly expressions include forward-facing ears, relaxed mouths, and slow blinks, while aggressive expressions feature pulled-back ears, tense mouths, and dilated pupils.

  • The study was published in March 2026.
  • Respect Your Cat Day is observed annually on March 28.

The players

Lauren Scott

Researcher who co-authored the study on cat facial expressions.

Brittany N. Florkiewicz

Researcher who co-authored the study on cat facial expressions.

African wildcat

The closest relative to the domestic cat, whose vocalizations have evolved to become more kitten-like and appealing to humans over time.

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What’s next

Researchers continue to study the complex communication systems of domestic cats, with the goal of helping owners better understand and meet the needs of their feline companions.

The takeaway

While cats may seem mysterious, they are actually highly expressive communicators. By learning to recognize the nuances of cat body language and facial expressions, pet owners can build stronger bonds with their feline friends and avoid misinterpreting their behaviors.