Cats' Ear Positions: Decoding Their Meanings

Cat Ear Characteristics

Ear Structure

The external ear of a cat consists of the earflap, the outer ear fold, and the external auditory canal. The outer ear fold, also known as the Henle's pocket, features a pouchlike opening that serves a filtering and amplifying role for signals. This structure enhances the cat's perception of highfrequency sounds and can even act as a timing device, allowing the cat to differentiate between sounds that have already stopped.

The middle ear includes the tympanic cavity, tympanic membrane, mastoid process, and the ossicles. The inner ear is composed of the semicircular canals, vestibule, and cochlea.

The cat's vestibule, which is semicircular in shape, is filled with endolymph and lined with fine hair. The movement of the fluid over these hairs allows the cat to accurately perceive changes in direction, relaying this information to the brain. This is crucial for the cat to judge its position and orientation, which is vital for maintaining balance and posture.

Of course, this can also lead to a mismatch between the cat's sensory system and its brain's experience, resulting in motion sickness, similar to humans experiencing motion sickness during travel.

WellDeveloped Ear Muscles

Cats have 32 muscles in their ears, compared to the six in humans. The cat's left and right ears can independently rotate 180 degrees, which enables them to more easily collect sound waves and expand their range of auditory monitoring.

Cats possess a strong ability to locate sounds. Different cats can distinguish between two distinct sound sources 15 to 29 meters away, separated by only one meter. This impressive skill allows cats to accurately pinpoint the location of an object, provided they are familiar with the game.

Threshold of Hearing

The range of audible sounds for humans is approximately 1620 kHz. Cats can hear lowfrequency sounds between 2045 kHz, slightly less than humans. However, cats have an exceptional ability to detect highfrequency sounds, far surpassing both humans and dogs. Sounds above 20 kHz are considered ultrasonic. Cats can discern frequencies up to 78 kHz, which is about four times higher than humans and two to 1.5 times higher than dogs.

Cat Ear Posture

Cats exhibit a variety of ear postures, with about five common ones. Their ears can be straight or tucked close to their heads, and they can rotate or tremble.

Natural Upright

When a cat's ears are naturally upright, it indicates a state of calm and relaxation. This is a longterm natural state and a general state of being.

Ears Forward

Ears that are forward and extended suggest the cat is fully engaged with something, or it is curious and drawn to an object's attention.

Ears Up and Forward

Ears that are both up and forward typically indicate that the cat is preparing for a fight, trying to appear larger. This posture is accompanied by arching the back and emitting a growling sound, as well as standing the ears straight up.

Ear Rotation

When a cat rotates its ears, it shows that it is listening to subtle sounds around it. Observing the cat's eyes can help determine its state. If the eyes are relaxed, it may have just heard something unexpected while still feeling at ease.

Plane Ears

When a cat feels threatened, its ears may collapse, making it look smaller. The ears are usually flattened back against the head. This reaction is common when a cat has done something wrong and is approached by its owner. The cat may feel anxious and want to escape, and if it is stopped, it might attack.

Ear Trembling

Cats may tremble their ears while sleeping, which often indicates that they are dreaming. During the REM (rapid eye movement) stage of sleep, cats may experience tremors in their limbs and ears. It could also be a way to shake off pests or an indication that the ears are itchy.