In a study published in the journal Behavioural Processes last month, two US scientists counted 276 different facial expressions when domesticated cats interacted with one another.
Both researchers assessed the differences in expression with a coding system designed specifically for cats, called the cat Facial Action Coding System, and looking at the number and types of facial muscle movements.
The study added that muscle movements associated with biological processes such as breathing and yawning were not included.
“Our hope is to expand our sample size to include cats living in other locations…looking at the facial expressions of cats living in multi-cat homes, feral colonies” and so on, Florkiewicz said.
Another goal for the future is to conduct a follow-up study to determine what more of the expressions mean, she added.
Persons:
you’ve, Brittany Florkiewicz, Chris Winsor, Florkiewicz, Lauren Scott, Scott
Organizations:
CNN, Lyon College in, Getty, University of Kansas Medical, University of California
Locations:
Lyon College in Arkansas, Los Angeles