Cats: The Tale of the “Airplane Ears”

I’m Dr. Markie Schiller, veterinarian certified in canine and equine rehabilitation, with advanced training in behavior, acupuncture, pain management, and integrative care. Basically, I spend a lot of time helping animals feel better—body and mind.

The Tale of the “Airplane Ears”

When your cat’s ears suddenly flatten out to the sides—what behavior folks call “airplane ears”—it’s their polite feline way of saying, “Something here is making me very uncomfortable.”

You’ll know it when you see it: instead of the usual forward-facing ears that say “life’s good,” you’ll catch a glimpse of the backs or sides of them. In human terms, it’s the cat equivalent of that tight-lipped look you make when someone starts talking politics at Thanksgiving.

Cats may look mysterious, but according to the American Association of Feline Practitioners, their ear position is one of the clearest emotional barometers you’ve got. A quick rundown:

•  Neutral ears = “All good here.” Your cat’s relaxed, maybe planning their next nap.

•  Upright ears = “Ooh, what’s that?” They’re alert—possibly stalking the fly you’re desperately trying to swat.

•  Mismatched ears = “Hmm… not sure about this.” Think feline confusion or mild curiosity.

•  Airplane ears / sideways ears = “Back off, please.” This can mean anxiety, fear, or that something feels off.

•  Pinned flat ears = “Danger zone.” Your cat’s frightened, defensive, or maybe in pain.

Why It Matters

Ear position isn’t just for show—it’s a major part of feline communication. Cats use subtle body language cues to “speak” to us, other cats, and even dogs in the household. When their ears go sideways, they’re signaling stress or uncertainty, often before any hissing or swatting begins.

If your cat suddenly sprouts airplane ears, take a quick environmental inventory:

• Did something change recently (new furniture, houseguest, pet, or sound)?

• Is someone approaching too quickly, or touching them in a way they don’t like?

• Could there be pain involved (arthritis, dental issues, etc.)?

Remember: cats aren’t dramatic—they’re actually incredible at masking stress. So if those airplane ears are becoming a frequent flyer situation, it’s worth checking in with your veterinarian or a certified feline behavior consultant.

Keep Calm and Cat On

A few practical ways to keep things peaceful in your home:

• Prepare, don’t surprise. Cats appreciate predictability. Introduce changes gradually, whether it’s a new sofa or a new scent.

• Give them choice. Let your cat decide when and how to interact.

• Add pheromones. Feliway® and other pheromone diffusers can help create a sense of calm.

• Enrich their world. Scratching posts, perches, and hiding spots reduce stress and give your cat control.

While “airplane ears” might look adorable (and yes, make excellent TikToks), they’re not a meme moment for your cat—they’re a message. Listen to it, and you’ll have a happier, calmer feline co-pilot for life.