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Many cat owners are used to their pets communicating through meows and purrs.
But beyond these sounds, kitties seem to be aloof, at most blinking or occasionally nudging their ears.
However, they are much more expressive than we thought.
Photo: pekosman/123RF
Constricted pupils and licking lips were also determined to be signs of confrontation.
The researchers pointed out a particular interaction, where a pair of kitties quickly went from cheerful to aggressive.
This features the corners of the mouth being drawn back with the jaw lowered to form an open smile.
Photo: azalia/123RF
With a little luck, these findings may be the first step to better understanding cats in the future.
About 45% of the expressions were friendly, while 37% came across as distinctly aggressive.
Photo: azalia/123RF
