Do cats have facial expressions? – Here are some different aspects

Do cats have specific facial expressions? Research shows they do. But they are not what we generally expected.

Cats have various facial expressions, just like humans, we can tell the differences from this introductory image.
Cats have various facial expressions, just like humans, we can tell the differences from this introductory image.

For humans, what control our facial expressions?

There are two main parts that participate in facials control:

  • Brain (control center);
  • Muscles.

Brain is the control center of every behaviour, including facials. According to Crystal Touch Bell’s Palsy Clinic, there are two main facials, to be honest (based on how we really feel) or forced (when we want to make the desired expression, even if we feel differently.) These are respectively controlled by the emotional centre (limbic system) and the volitional centre (motor cortex).

In other words, the limbic system controls the involuntary facials, and the motor cortex controls the voluntary ones. According to National Library of Medicine, with only 43 muscles, humans have up to 10,000 different facials.

This is an image showing a cat with generally relaxed napping posture, but carefulness can still be seen as the ears are pointed. This also shows the fact that facials of cats are also complex.
This is an image showing a cat with generally relaxed napping posture, but carefulness can still be seen as the ears are pointed. This also shows the fact that facials of cats are also complex.

How about cats? Do they also have numbers of facials?

Surprisingly, the newest research of CNN shows, cats, as well, have approximately 276 facials. According to CNN news, research also shows that domesticated cats have more varied facials than wild cats, as they live and communicate with humans.

This will guide us to the discussion of why humans still have more facials than cats do. Apart from the fact that cats have less facial muscles than humans do (of about 32 facial muscles, according to Functional Anatomy of the Cat), one important point to consider is evolutionary limitation.

According to NewScientist, due to the fact that their ancestors were lone hunters which they were not in need of close facial communications, and the dark environments contributed to the evolution as well. Instead, they have more renowned body languages.

Some examples?

I myself have two pet cats, which are both tabby American shorthair, and their facials are displayed frequently. Their parents also show subtle facials. Here is a demonstration of some typical facial expressions.

This is a picture with a few points of explanation of some facial expressions of some cat model guests.

Here are some other postures of the cats (including another member of the family):

This is a picture with some more facial expressions.

In conclusion, cats are vivid and have a variety of facial expressions, and they are distinct, just like humans. Please value the fruit of Evolution, and value those subtle expressions, which illustrate their subtle feelings as well.

Please comment below if you have any other thoughts on facial expressions of cats, or simply anything related to cats, I will definitely get back to you!

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