Can Cats Smile? Your Vet Explains Feline Expressions in 2025 😊

By Dr Duncan Houston BVSc, Ask A Vet Blog

Have you ever looked into your cat’s face and thought, “They’re smiling at me!”? 😺 In 2025, veterinary science gives us a clearer understanding of feline expressions. Let’s explore whether cats truly smile—and how they express happiness in their own unique ways.

🧠 What Do We Mean by “Smile”?

For humans, a smile involves the lips curving upwards, open mouth, sometimes teeth showing, and even a sparkle in the eyes. It communicates warmth, friendliness, and emotional connection. 🥰

Cats, however, *don’t* share this facial structure or social purpose. Their "smile-like" expressions don't involve the same muscles—and they certainly aren’t trying to appear friendly in our human terms. ❌

😺 Cat Facial Expressions Explored

1. The Flehmen Response

This is often mistaken for smiling. Cats curl their upper lip, tilt their head, and squint to analyze scents—especially pheromones—using their Jacobson’s organ. 👃 It's *not* emotional—it’s investigative. :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}

2. Aggressive “Grin”

Sometimes cats bare their teeth in warning. But this isn’t happiness—it’s asserting dominance or signaling irritation, often accompanied by growling or hissing. :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}

3. Relaxed, Closed-Mouth Expression

When cats are content, you may notice relaxed facial muscles, partially closed eyes, and whiskers at rest. But this is subtle and easy to miss if you’re expecting a curve in the lips. :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}

😻 Signs of a Truly Happy Cat

While cats don’t smile like humans, they show joy and contentment in other ways:

• Purring: Often heard when relaxed or being petted (but can also mask stress). :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}
• Slow-blinking: Cats narrow their eyes gently in a “cat smile,” then return your slow blink. This mutual gesture builds trust. :contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}
• Kneading: Soft pawing on blankets—is associated with comfort and contentment. :contentReference[oaicite:8]{index=8}
• Body posture: Relaxed, calm movements, upright tail—signs of a confident, happy cat. :contentReference[oaicite:9]{index=9}

These signs reflect the feline version of happiness—not a literal smile, but equally meaningful! 😊

🐱 Why Cats Don’t Smile Like Humans

• Cats lack the lip muscle structure required to form human-style smiles.
• Their social communication emphasizes scent, posture, and tone—not facial expressions.
• Facial gestures like the flehmen response and tooth-baring are functional, not emotional.
• Body language—slow blinks, relaxed posture, gentle purring—speaks volumes in feline interaction. :contentReference[oaicite:10]{index=10}

🤝 Communicating Positively with Cats in 2025

The Power of the “Cat Smile” Slow Blink

Studies from Sussex & Portsmouth universities found that humans who slow-blink at cats elicit a friendly response. ❗

Humans who slow-blink... appear friendlier to cats; cats often slow-blink back and approach. :contentReference[oaicite:11]{index=11}

Try it: catch your cat’s attention, squint gently, then close your eyes slowly. Pause. Open your eyes. If your cat slow-blinks back, you’ve created a heartwarming connection in feline language. 💞

Use Body Language Wisely

• Sit calmly, avoid looming over them.
• Speak softly and slowly.
• Pair blinks with gentle pets or treats for positive reinforcement.

🛡️ What to Watch Out For

Not all mouth expressions are positive:

• Flehmen (top-lip curl): Investigative, not friendly. :contentReference[oaicite:12]{index=12}
• Bared teeth & growling: Signals distress, threat, or pain. :contentReference[oaicite:13]{index=13}
• Slow-blink refusal: If your cat won’t make eye contact or blinks quickly, they may feel anxious or threatened.

If your cat seems tense, offer space, calm reassurance, and consult your vet if signs persist.

📏 Measuring Happy Cat Interactions

Try this quick happiness checklist:

• Do they slow-blink at you? 😊
• Is their body loose and relaxed? Tail upright or softly waving?
• Are they kneading, purring, or rubbing against you? Each is a sign of affection.
• Are they eating, playing, and exploring happily? Slight mouth laxity but no teeth bared = contentment.

Mark how often these behaviors occur each week and notice increases as signs of improved bonding and well-being.

📣 Final Thoughts from Dr Houston

Cats don’t so much “smile” in a human sense, but they absolutely *communicate happiness*—through slow-blinks, relaxed postures, and purring. In 2025, understanding these subtle signals enriches your connection and helps your cat thrive. 🥰

So the next time you think your cat’s smiling—it might just be a silent, feline way of saying, “I trust you, and I'm happy here.” Aim those slow blinks right back and keep that feline friendship glowing! 😽

For more insights, personalized advice, or help interpreting your cat’s cues, download the Ask A Vet app—24/7 expert vet support, available anytime. 😊🐾