Feline Communication 27
compared to that of dogs. But it is also due to specific differences between canine
and feline ancestry and social structure influencing the need for complex visual
signalling.
One of the major differences is that dogs, and the wolves they are descended
from, are highly social animals and affiliative hunters. This means that they often
need to share resources, especially food, so it is necessary for them to be able to signal
appeasement and deference to others to avoid or lessen the likelihood of physical
conflict (Bradshaw et al., 2009; Hedges, 2014).
Cats are descended from a species that is predominantly solitary in nature, and
although domestic cats are capable of group living, they are still solitary predators.
They have not therefore developed, nor have the need for, intricate appeasement sig-
nalling. Conflict between cats is avoided by distancing, and aggressive or competitive
encounters deflected with defensive measures rather than deference or appeasement.
Most feline visual signalling, especially between cats, can be defined as either
distance-increasing – aimed to increase or maintain a distance from another individual –
or distance-reducing – directed towards other individuals with which the cat wants
to interact.
The following describes emotional states and individual elements of visual signal-
ling. Care must be taken, however, not to attempt interpretation without also being
aware of factors such as the situation that the cat is in at the time, plus concurrent
behaviour and vocalizations. Looking at no more than a ‘snap-shot’ of a body posture
or facial expression can easily lead to a misinterpretation of the animal’s emotional
state or signalling intent. It is also wise to be aware that a cat’s mood, physical intent
and associated signalling can change very quickly.
The face
The ears
A cat’s ears are ideal for visual signaling: not only are they large and therefore highly
visible, but also the musculature of the cat’s pinnae (outer ears) allows for a wide range
of movement that can be rapidly altered. The resting position of the ears is forward,
although the ears also move frequently and independently to detect sounds. The fol-
lowing ear positions can be indicative of emotional states:
● Ears flattened sideways can be an indicator of fear. The more frightened the cat
the more the flattened the ears. (Fig. 3.1).
● Frustration can be demonstrated by the ears being rotated backwards (Fig. 3.2).
Finka et al. (2014) found that in cases of frustration or anger there appears to be
greater rotation of the right ear.
The eyes
Dilated pupils, other than as reaction to reduced light, can be a sign of increased arousal
rather than a specific mood state. So other visual signals and the cat’s current situation
should always be considered in order to identify the type and cause of arousal.