- Not a substitute for professional veterinary help.
Cats have lots of unique ways to show how they’re feeling, but some actions, like yawning, are just like ours! When cats yawn, they use their whole face. How cats yawn is simple: they open their mouth, inhale a lot of air, and then exhale it out. This makes it perfect for cute photos and videos.
“Yawning is a normal part of a cat’s daily routine,” says Preston Turano, DVM, a veterinary advisor at Felix Cat Insurance.
Most of the time, yawning means your cat is tired, just like with people. But sometimes, it can mean other things, like boredom, stress, or even anxiety.
Keep reading to discover why your cat’s yawning and when it becomes too much.
6 Reasons Why Cats Yawn
To figure out why your cat is yawning, pay attention to their body language and behavior. Here are six common reasons cats yawn:
They’re relaxed
Dr. Turano says cats often yawn when they feel calm and comfy, usually with a big stretch. Other signs they’re happy and relaxed include a lightly swishing tail, a loose posture, and slow blinking.
They’re waking up
Yawning helps your cat’s brain “wake up” after resting. A good full-faced yawn boosts blood flow to their brain, getting them ready for their next adventure.
They’re anxious
Some cats yawn when they’re anxious or scared. You might also notice signs like lip-licking, pacing, a twitching tail, or anxious meows.
They’re bored
Dr. Turano says bored cats might yawn because nothing exciting is going on. They may also lose interest in toys, groom too much, or overeat.
They’re communicating
Cats use yawns to “talk.” While hissing says “stay away,” a yawn can mean, “I’m not a threat” or “I’m cool.”
They have a medical condition
Dr. Turano warns that frequent yawning could mean mouth pain or dental issues like gingivitis, gum disease, or tooth resorption.
Do Cats Yawn at Their Owners?
When cats yawn around their humans, it usually means they feel relaxed and safe. But unlike humans and dogs, cats don’t “catch” yawns from their pet parents. A 2019 study found that cats didn’t yawn back when their owners did.
Why? It might be because dogs were domesticated earlier than cats and have had more time to understand human body language. Cats are also more independent than dogs, so they might not engage in “social yawning.” Another possibility is that the cats in the study were stressed and didn’t feel like yawning back.
How to Respond to Your Cat’s Yawn
How you respond to your cat’s yawn depends on why they’re yawning. Here are a few tips for different situations:
- Show them love: If your cat looks happy and relaxed, show them you care with a slow blink or some gentle petting. They’ll love knowing how cute their scrunchy yawn face is!
- Calm their nerves: If your cat looks stressed while yawning, figure out what’s bothering them. For example, if they’re anxious about a vet visit, try using a calming pheromone collar to help them feel better.
- Fight boredom: If your cat yawns because they’re bored, try giving them extra playtime, fun new toys, or even a friend. Just keep in mind, not all cats enjoy having a new playmate!
When to See a Vet For Excessive Yawning
Yawning now and then is normal for cats. But if your cat yawns a lot, it could mean something’s wrong, like an oral health issue.
Dr. Turano says to watch for these signs if you think your cat has a mouth problem:
- Pawing at their mouth
- Not eating as much
- Drooling
- Trouble opening their mouth
“If you feel your cat is yawning more frequently, you should schedule an exam with your veterinarian,” he says. Otherwise, a relaxed yawn often just means your cat feels happy and safe around you!
Takeaway
Cat yawning is usually normal, but it can also reveal clues about your pet’s mood or health. Paying attention to your cat’s behavior and patterns can help you understand what they’re trying to communicate. If you notice frequent yawning along with unusual behaviors, it’s a good idea to consult your vet to rule out any medical issues. Keep an eye on your cat’s cues and show them extra love to keep them happy and healthy!
