June is Adopt a Cat Month and, from a blog-writing perspective, my favorite month because I get to write about cats for four consecutive weeks!

Facial expressions are an important aspect of nonverbal communication. We all know what an eye roll or raised eyebrow means. When you think about it, we have even codified our facial expressions into written communications through our devices’ emoji libraries. Since cats don’t speak or write, monitoring their facial expressions can help us better understand what might be on their minds. Here are some interesting facts about feline facial expressions and what your cat’s face may be telling you.

Measuring Feline Facial Expressions

A scale originally developed to assess human facial expressions had been adapted for cats. It is called the Cat Facial Action Coding System, or CatFACS.

CatFACS standardizes how scientists evaluate facial expressions in cats. To use the system, cat’s faces are recorded on video, and trained observers assign a CatFACS score to the video. CatFACS evaluates facial movements such as a blinking, whisker position, eyebrow raising and nose wrinkling, among a few dozen other expressions. These movements are also called “action units.”

By using a consistent system for scoring feline facial expressions, scientists can correlate expressions with behaviors, offering new insights into a cat’s mind.

The Feline Grimace Scale

Pain can change our facial expressions, and veterinarians use feline facial expressions to assess cats for pain using a tool called the feline grimace scale.

This scale uses five aspects of a cat’s facial expression to determine if a cat is experiencing pain: ear position, eyelid tightness, lip tension, whisker position and head position.

Each feature is given a score of 0 to 2, and the total score helps determine the need for pain medication. Veterinarians also use the scale to assess whether a cat’s pain appears to decrease after pain medication is given.

Cat Facial Expressions and Food

Food can also change our facial expressions – just think about the way your lips pucker from a tart lemon.

Food scientists studying food preferences in cats use facial features to better understand what cats like and what they don’t. In one study, cats kept their eyes half closed for a longer period of time when they preferred a taste, and they stuck out their tongues more often when they didn’t. Seems like cats and toddlers have this facial expression in common!

What Does a Cat’s Slow Blink Sequence Mean?

The slow blink sequence is believed to function as a form of positive communication between cats and humans. This behavior involves a series of half blinks followed by either a prolonged narrowing of the eye or full eye closure.

The positive nature of this behavior is supported by research showing that shelter cats who responded to humans with a longer slow blink sequence were adopted more quickly than other cats.

So, when your cat gives you a slow blink, she may be sending a friendly message — and you can try slow blinking back.

When to Pay Attention to Your Cat’s Face

Want to apply your new knowledge about feline facial expressions? Start by watching your cat’s eyes, ears, whiskers and head position during relaxed moments, mealtimes and interactions with you.

If you’re worried your cat might be in pain, contact your veterinarian. You can also download the Feline Grimace Scale app on Apple and Android devices and use your cat’s facial expressions to check for yourself.

Your cat’s face may be quieter than a meow, but it still has plenty to say!