Cats are known for their quirky behaviors, but one peculiar behavior that continues to baffle pet owners is when they hold up their airplane ears. This seemingly strange behavior has a purpose and it’s not necessarily a good thing that your cat has airplane ears, even if it does look adorable. Usually, a cat with airplane ears wants to be left alone. Here are some reasons why your cat might do this.
But First… What Are Airplane Ears?
Airplane ears are when a cat holds its ears low and to the sides of his or her head, making them look like an airplane’s wings. Interestingly, you can tell a lot about a cat’s mood by the position of its ears 1, and airplane ears aren’t exactly a good thing.
The position of a cat’s ears is often used as a form of communication, and in the case of airplane ears, it’s usually an indicator that your cat is feeling stressed, anxious, or frightened and it wants to be left alone. If you don’t leave your cat alone and give it space, he or she could start to develop signs of aggression. But what could be causing your cat’s ears to go into airplane mode?
Image Credit: airplane ear cat, Shutterstock
The 5 Reasons Why Cats Do Airplane Ears
1. Threats/Predators
Cats use their airplane ears as an early warning system for potential predators or things they see as a threat. This could be a new dog you just brought into the house, something they see outside, or even a new person that they find threatening, even if the person doesn’t mean any harm to them. By laying their ears down, this is a sign that your cat might be feeling a little aggressive and protective as they prepare to fight off the threat.
2. Fear/Stress
When cats are scared, they will often lift their airplane ears in order to better detect and listen for any potential threats even if there isn’t anything visibly threatening nearby. By holding up its ears, a cat can more easily hear the direction of any possible danger and decide whether or not it’s safe to stay put or make an escape. Or, the cat may be in a new environment that it is unfamiliar with but that is causing them stress.
Image Credit: Fang_Y_M, Pixabay
3. Focus
Airplane ears can also be used as a way for cats to focus on something in the distance, particularly sounds that may be stressing them out. A cat may also twitch their ears. By twitching their ears, cats can better determine where sounds are coming from and target it more accurately. This is why cats will often tilt their heads when listening for something.
4. Cautious Curiosity
Cats may display airplane ears when they’re curious about something or want to investigate further while being cautious about it. If your cat has its ears up and alert, chances are it heard or saw something that piqued its interest and wants to know more!
Image Credit: Seregraff, Shutterstock
5. Attention
Your cat may be holding up its airplane ears when it wants you to notice something! Whether it’s a bird outside or the doorbell ringing, cats often use this behavior to grab your attention and show you that something is going on and they’re aware of it.
Are Airplane Ears a Sign of Illness or Distress?
Usually, airplane ears are simply a sign that your cat is nervous or stressed. By giving your cat space and letting them calm down, the ears should return to their normal, relaxed, position. But if your cat is exhibiting any of the following behaviors along with airplane ears, it could be a sign that something is wrong, and you should take them to see a vet:
Refusing food or water
Vomiting or having diarrhea
Lethargy and lack of energy
Excessive scratching, biting, or licking of their fur
Change in breathing patterns
Disorientation or confusion
Excessive vocalization, meowing, or hissing
Additional Ways Cats Communicate with Their Ears
1. Ears Flat Back or Clenched
This is another sign of fear, anger, or aggression. When your cat’s ears are flat back, it usually means that they are feeling threatened or have a negative reaction to something. Ears in this position may follow airplane ears if the cat isn’t left alone. This is their way of putting up an emotional barrier to protect themselves from potential danger.
2. Ears Rotating
This is a sign of curiosity and interest. When cats rotate their ears, it usually means that they are curious about something and want to know more. Cats will often do this to pick up on a sound or scent and investigate further.
Image Credit: Stewart Myers, Shutterstock
3. Ears Wiggling
This is a sign of joy and excitement. When cats wiggle their ears, it usually means that they’re feeling excited or happy. This can be seen when they are playing with you or another cat, as a way of expressing joy and anticipation.
4. Ears Pointing Up
When cats point their ears up, it usually means that they are feeling alert and paying attention to something. This could be a sound, scent or movement in the environment that has caught their eye and sparked their curiosity.
Image Credit: Ali Khaled2020, Shutterstock
5. Ears Flicking Back and Forth
When cats flick their ears back and forth, it usually means that they are feeling uncertain about something. This can occur when a situation is unclear to them, and they need more time to process what’s going on.
6. Ears Pinned Back
When cats pin their ears back, it usually means that they are feeling submissive or intimidated. This can happen when a cat is faced with something new and unfamiliar and needs to display their humility in order to keep the peace.
Image Credit: JSep, Shutterstock
7. Ears Point Down
When cats point their ears down, it usually means that they are feeling relaxed and content. This behavior is often seen when cats are resting or sleeping, as they no longer feel the need to stay alert and attentive.
8. Ears in Two Different Positions
When cats have their ears in two different positions, it usually means that they are feeling confused and uncertain about something. This behavior can be seen when a cat is trying to process conflicting information or make sense of an unfamiliar situation.
Image Credit: Zossia, Shutterstock
How Do I Know My Cat Is Happy and Content?
If your cat is exhibiting any of the following behaviors, it could be a sign that they are feeling happy and content:
Rolling onto their back
Playful behavior or chasing objects
Purring or making chirping sounds
Following you around the house
Rubbing up against you
Image Credit: Pixabay
Which Ear Movements Are a Sign of Ear Infections in Cats?
As we mentioned, airplane ears are usually nothing to worry about, although you should give your cat space if you see them. However, if your cat is exhibiting any of the following ear movements or signs, it could be an indicator that they have an ear infection.
Head shaking or tilting
Rubbing their head against furniture or other objects
Christian is the Editor-in-Chief of Excited Cats and one of its original and primary contributors. A lifelong cat lover, now based in South East Asia, Christian and his wife are the proud parents of an 11-year-old son and four rescue cats: Trixie, Chloe, Sparky, and Chopper.
