A new study suggests grumpy faces and behavior is due to the human breeding of domesticated cats.

Uncontrollably Cute Cats

For several decades, humans have been selectively breeding and domesticating cats and dogs to exhibit exaggerated features, especially in their faces. Breeds like the exotic shorthair and modern Persian are examples of cats with overly round and flat faces. These features were the results of humans preferring cats with infant-like features.

While these features are sought after by many because of their irresistible charm and cuteness, a new study suggests a downside to cats' alterations and may have affected their communication skills.

In a paper published in Frontiers in Veterinary Science, Lauren Finka, author of the study from Animal, Rural and Environmental Sciences Nottingham Trent University, and her colleagues observe domesticated cats who have been altered by artificial human selection.

"Our research suggests that our preferences for looks in animals may go beyond the mere 'cute' also to include animals that exhibit pain-like features on their faces," says Finka to an interview by Salon.

Some cats are known as "brachycephalic"; these cats have flat faces and shortened muzzles related to health risks such as breathing difficulties and heatstroke.

The study notes that selective breeding may have also affected the animals' ability to communicate effectively, especially towards other cats. 

Cats, like humans, have varying expressions based on their moods and thoughts. Drastic alterations due to selective breeding have disrupted the clarity of their emotions and expressions.

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Studying the Effects of Human Breeding in Cats

The study used 1,888 images from the Oxford Pet dataset and Google Images to manually annotate various breeds' facial expressions.

Researchers found the Scottish Folds as a breed with "pain-like" expressions compared to short-haired breeds in real pain.

Also, a considerable variation across breeds in terms of face shape was noted. For example, Siamese and Abyssinian cats have "dolichocephalic" or elongated faces.

Experts say that the neutral expressions on the faces of average felines that are unusually flat and round "suggested greater pain-like features."

"What this means for our pets is that these animals may end up receiving greater attention from us than they would prefer because their appearance motivates us to want to attend to them," says Finka.

She further explains, " Equally, we may also miss when they may be in pain, because we may not be able to tell the difference from their usual appearance. It also means that we may continue to prefer--and even encourage--the existence of breeds that suffer from serious health problems."

Unfortunately, there is no sign of humans distancing themselves from breeding domesticated cats to look like they're in pain. Researchers are hopeful that the study will bring awareness and attention to cats' expression and the risks involved in each breed. 

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