Why do cats yawn?

Nothing is more adorable than a kitty curled in a ball with its eyes closed, yawning at you sweetly when you say his name. You might be surprised that cats do not only yawn because they are tired. You might be wondering why cats yawn a lot. It’s not just because they’re tired.

Cats Yawn for More Oxygen

Cats can yawn in a number of ways, but they usually do so when they are feeling sleepy. They yawn to try and stay awake, just as humans do when they are tired. By yawning, they are quickly inhaling more oxygen which can stimulate the blood flow in their heads. 

Animals may yawn involuntarily when they are craving oxygen or have too much CO2. The same may be true for humans.

Your cat may yawn in order to relax and prepare himself for sleep. Although it may seem strange, yawning helps him both stay awake and relax.

The Yawn is a part of their Waking-up Routine

Your cat may stretch and yawn as she wakes up. This could be part of her regular morning ritual. Cats are fond of routines and traditions. She stretches her muscles from head to tail when she first wakes up. She yawns to relax her jaw and facial muscles. This is a great way to relax after a long sleep or nap. It will help her prepare for the rest the day.

Your cat may yawn to communicate.

The yawn is a way for cats to communicate with each other. A cat yawning at another cat can let them know that he feels relaxed and doesn’t pose a threat. The yawn is a sign that he doesn’t want to fight.

Why do cats yawn? Some pet owners believe that their cats yawn to let them know that they are bored and want play. They may also yawn to let you know that they are relaxed and peaceful. You can decipher your cat’s meaning by watching what happens when he yawns. Does he yawn when he is relaxing and then settle down to nap? Does he yawn at you and then come close to you?

Some people have noticed that their cats may yawn if they yawn towards them! If your cat yawns in sympathy, it could mean that you are close to her.

Your cat may yawn due to health issues

This is especially true if they have any pain in their mouth, such as a cut or a sore tooth. If you feel your cat yawns too much, it’s important to consult your veterinarian. Ask your vet to pay particular attention to the teeth of your cat.

Although cats have a variety of ways to communicate, the underlying motivation for yawning is the same in humans and cats. If you want to know why your cat yawns, think about why you would yawn yourself in the same circumstances. You could even try yawning to see if she responds with her own cute little yawn.