What are the functions of a cat's ears?

Cat's ears mainly serve the purposes of receiving sound, locating positions, expressing emotions, and maintaining balance. They are an important auditory organ and a crucial means of obtaining information for cats. If there is a problem with a cat's ears, it will not only affect the cat's hearing and ability to collect information but may also impact the normal function of nearby organs. Therefore, owners should regularly clean their cat's ears and take precautions to avoid letting bath water or foreign objects enter the cat's ears, as this can lead to bacterial growth and affect the cat's health.

Receiving Sound

A cat's ears are an essential sensory organ. With the help of their ears, cats can hear all the sounds around them and even distinguish between their owner's voice and that of a stranger. For example, when calling a cat's name, the cat may wag its tail a few times or have its ears stand still.

Locating Positions

Thanks to the abundant muscles controlling a cat's ears, they can rotate 180°. This enables cats to better locate the source of a sound, allowing them to more accurately detect the direction of their prey.

Expressing Emotions

Cats can also use their ears to convey their emotions. If a cat's ears are forward-facing, it indicates a good mood and relative relaxation. If the ears are backward-facing, it means the cat is tense about its surroundings and may be prone to attack. It is not advisable to approach such a cat lightly, as it could get injured accidentally.

Maintaining Balance

A cat's ears are divided into outer, middle, and inner parts, with the inner ear being connected to the vestibular system, which helps maintain body balance. This is why cats usually remain calm during boat or car rides, as their ears can automatically balance sound frequencies, thus reducing the likelihood of motion sickness.