Featured image (from left): Lyon College Chaplin Rev. Maggie Alsup and Clarance; Dr. Britt Florkiewicz
A Lyon College professor’s research into the facial expressions of cats is receiving global recognition.
A recent feature in Science magazine focuses on new research by Dr. Britt Florkiewicz, assistant professor of psychology at Lyon College, and her student mentee, revealing how cats use facial signals to communicate with each other.
The article, titled “Cats Have Nearly 300 Facial Expressions,” was featured in the October 2023 edition of Science, which is published by the American Association for the Advancement of Science.
The Science feature highlights the research, which was recently published in the journal, Behavioural Processes. Florkiewicz began her work on the feline expressions with fellow researcher Lauren Scott at the University of California at Los Angeles. Over 275 different facial expressions cats use to communicate intent were recorded.
From the Science magazine feature:
The pair discovered a total of 276 distinct facial expressions made toward other cats—not so far removed from the 357 produced by chimpanzees, Florkiewicz says, and well more than many had thought cats capable of. Each expression combined about four of 26 unique facial movements, including parted lips, jaw drops, dilated or constricted pupils, blinks and half blinks, pulled lip corners, nose licks, protracted or retracted whiskers, and/or various ear positions. By comparison, humans have 44 unique facial movements, although researchers are still working out how many different expressions they combine into, Florkiewicz says. Dogs have 27 facial movements, but again, their total number of expressions isn’t known.
Science magazine is recognized as one of the most prestigious science publications globally. Smithsonian Magazine, the Washington Post, CNN, and India Times have recently covered news of Florkiewicz’s study.
Lyon College said the feature’s publication and focus not only highlight the remarkable findings of Florkiewicz’s research but also serve as a testament to Lyon College’s commitment to fostering innovative and cutting-edge scientific exploration.
Read the complete article from Science magazine by clicking here. To learn more about Florkiewicz’s research, click here.
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