Cats have 32 muscles in each of their ears, which is more than five times the amount of muscles humans have. This allows cats to have an amazing range of motion in their ears, including the ability to swivel up to 180 degrees. This range of motion contributes to their strong sense of hearing and also allows their ears to be very expressive, giving clues about their mood.
Understanding your cat’s ear signals can provide valuable information about her emotions and strengthen your bond. Here are five cat ear signals every cat parent should know:
5 Cat Ear Signals Every Cat Parent Should Know
1. Relaxed:
When a cat is relaxed, her ears will face forward, possibly slightly tilted back or to the side. This position is typically seen when a cat is lounging in a comfortable setting.
2. Interested or Curious:
Curious or interested cats will have erect ears facing forward. They may also swivel their ears from side to side to gather more information about their surroundings. This position is common when a cat is observing something intriguing, such as birds outside a window.
3. Scared, Anxious, or Nervous:
When a cat is scared or anxious, her ears will be turned back and flattened against her head. The degree of ear flatness can indicate the level of fear or anxiety. This position is often seen in situations where a cat feels threatened or bullied.
4. Angry or Aggressive:
Angry or aggressive cats will have their ears flat against their head but turned to the side. This position indicates a mix of alertness and fear. It’s important to respect a cat displaying this ear position and avoid provoking her further.
5. Confused:
Confused cats may exhibit varied ear positions, such as perked up ears facing forward followed by flat ears against the head. This uncertainty is typically resolved once the cat processes all available information about her environment.
Understanding your cat’s ear signals can enhance your relationship and ensure her emotional needs are met. Paying attention to these cues will help you communicate effectively with your feline companion.