CANZ involvement in research to decode cat interactions and facial expressions
In an exciting joint project with Lyon College in Arkansas, USA, Dr. Britt Florkiewicz, undergraduate student researcher Levi Neal and Dr. Gosia Zobel (CANZ) are leading a study to delve into the mysterious world of cat facial expressions.
This study seeks to explore whether New Zealanders can accurately predict the outcomes of interactions between cats by analysing their facial expressions, and to determine what factors—such as age, occupation, or previous experience with cats—affect their accuracy.
Did you know that cats have over 270 distinct facial expressions?
Cats are often misunderstood when it comes to their communication. While many people may think they know what a cat is "saying," there’s far more complexity than meets the eye. Our collaborator knows all about these, having run a study that identified 276 facial expressions! Humans are typically able to pick up on only a few of these, and even then, there’s uncertainty about whether we’re interpreting them correctly.
This study will provide insight into which types of feline communication are easy for people to recognise and where there might be gaps in understanding. This knowledge will ultimately be incorporated into educational materials to help the public better understand how to ensure cats—especially those living in pairs or groups—are comfortable in their environment and able to communicate their needs effectively.
Dr Gosia Zobel, CANZ Welfare Science Programmes Coordinator, says understanding cat communication is vital for creating positive environments for our feline companions.
“Misinterpretation of cat signals can lead to stress, discomfort, or even conflict among cats sharing a household,” says Dr Zobel. “The outcomes of this research could significantly improve how we care for cats and increase awareness of their emotional needs, making it highly relevant to the public. It is important to first understand how people are interpreting cat’s unique facial expressions and what we’re missing.”
What will CANZ be doing?
At CANZ, we believe in the power of education to shape a better future for companion animals. This project aligns with our strategic goals of improving animal welfare through research and practical education. By helping uncover the subtle nuances of cat communication, we are advancing the understanding of feline behaviour and enhancing the quality of life for cats nationwide. This collaboration with Lyon College is just one example of how we’re making a positive difference in the lives of animals.
We are excited to be actively involved in various aspects of this study that will analyse videos of both affiliative (positive) and non-affiliative (negative) interactions between cats. Participants will be asked to predict the outcomes of these interactions based on facial expressions, providing valuable data on how well humans can interpret feline behaviour.
CANZ will support the study by assisting with setup, survey design, participant engagement, and follow-up grant writing for educational materials. CANZ has also sponsored a research fellowship to support Levi’s contribution to the project.
About the research leads
Dr. Britt Florkiewicz and Levi Neal from Lyon College in Arkansas, USA, lead the study. Dr. Florkiewicz brings her extensive knowledge of animal behaviour and cognition, including her 2023 paper “Feline faces: Unraveling the social function of domestic cat facial signals”.
Researcher Levi Neal is gaining invaluable research experience as he spearheads this project. CANZ is proud to partner with such talented individuals, contributing resources and support to ensure the success of this initiative.
Dr Gosia Zobel has nearly two decades of animal behaviour and welfare experience. As the lead scientist at CANZ, she is helping to provide a New Zealand lens to the work, ensuring that the questions asked, and the outcomes will be relevant to kiwi cat guardians.
The research outcomes will be shared in various formats, including a scientific peer-reviewed publication and a publicly accessible "cat expression" dictionary. This will provide cat guardians with a user-friendly guide to better understand their feline friends’ moods and needs.
CANZ looks forward to sharing more information on the survey in the coming months, including an invitation for some people to participate, and hopes to share results late 2024/early 2025.