Copy Cats: Kitties Mirror Each Other’s Faces to Get Along

Research led by Brittany Florkiewicz at Lyon College reveals that cats mimic each other’s facial expressions, much like humans and other social mammals, as a means of building social bonds. This phenomenon, known as rapid facial mimicry (RFM), was observed in 22% of feline interactions and often led to friendly behaviors like playing, grooming, or walking together 60% of the time.

Florkiewicz collaborated with computer scientist Anna Zamansky to develop an AI program that analyzed cat facial expressions using 48 facial landmarks. The AI identified subtle mimicry, such as a slight ear flattening or nose wrinkle, that often goes unnoticed by humans. These expressions help cats gauge each other’s emotional state, ensuring playful interactions remain positive. The study highlights the importance of facial mimicry in feline social bonding and suggests potential applications in improving pet compatibility, reducing conflict, and enhancing cat welfare through AI monitoring and insights.