Scientists show how we can predict a cat's mood

Scientists have found that very few people can understand a cat's feelings through its behavior, but this can be learned. The research results are published in Animal Welfare journal.

Cats are known for their mysterious, intelligent animals. It is not easy to understand their thoughts and feelings.

Only some people have the ability to understand the language of cats.

A study conducted by Canadian scientists from the University of Guelph shows that cats have their own facial expressions, but humans still don't know how to recognize it.

Study participants were 6329 volunteers from 85 countries. Most of them raise cats. Participants were shown short excerpts from movies, mostly collected on Youtube and filled in online questions describing the mood of the animals.

Videos of 40 cats showing positive emotions when petted or in a bad mood, for example when they are ill, or trying to run away or against humans. Experts only show participants the cat face at that time, without giving specific context. At the same time, the study authors also removed videos that clearly showed the cat's feelings, for example when they were purring in pleasure, or hissing with their ears pulled back.

Most people don't know how to accurately determine their mood.

But what is surprising is that 13 percent of respondents answered fairly correctly. In general, women answered slightly better than men and younger people gave slightly more accurate answers than older people.

Scientists hope that their research will force us to change attitudes towards these animals, increasing the bond between the owner and the cat.

• Cats also know how to cry, and you must be careful with that
• Did you know how to pet a cat?