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If you’re a cat owner, I’m sure there are dozens of adorable things your precious pet does every day that leave you saying, “Awww!” Whether it’s making biscuits on my stomach or begging me for pets when he feels like he’s being ignored, my little guy knows how to brighten my day countless different ways.
And one of the cutest things every cat parent loves catching their fur baby doing is “airplane ears.” So we took a trip to the aptly named Airplane Ears subreddit and gathered some of their best pics down below. I’ll warn you right now that this list might cause a cuteness overload in your heart. But enjoy scrolling through, and keep reading to find a conversation with Stacy LeBaron, Head Cat, Founder and Host of The Community Cats Podcast!
This post may include affiliate links.
#1
I Blew My Nose. Sorry Sir Won’t Happen Again
Zoe Vokes 6 months ago
Our old dog used to leave the room. Hated sudden noises.
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ElfVibratorGlitter 6 months ago (edited)
🙄....again it's for accessibility mostly. Also called alt tags and alt descriptions, alt text is the written copy that appears in place of an image on a webpage if the image fails to load on a user's screen. This text helps screen-reading tools describe images to visually impaired readers and allows search engines to better crawl and rank your website.
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#2
Patches, Who Has Water Ptsd From Her Previous Ab***ve Owners Dunking Her In The Tub When She Was "Bad" After Nearly A Decade Stayed In The Bathroom While I Ran A Bath
April Pickett 6 months ago
She loves you and feels safe with you. Take that compliment seriously.
A girl 6 months ago
Who would do that? The dunking? I had to take a "test" to adopt my dog that was pretty much a phycological evaluation to ensure I was mentally stable to have a pet. The meanest thing I've done to my dog is withhold a treat because he was trying to get a treat by scratching my leg. So he doesn't scratch my leg anymore.
Krd 6 months ago
We really need severe penalties for animal abuse. For one, it's a major indicator someone is sociopath. Second, it's just plain f'ed up and horribly cruel. Third, the animals were purposely bred to instinctualy trust humans, so to be hurt by humans really messes with them. At least humans can understand some people are just horrible, despicable, and cruel, whereas animals can't understand that concept. If I ever see animal abuse, I'm getting violent against the person. I'm 6'3" and have plenty of experience, I won't think twice about beating someone like that to the brink of death. F' them!
Teresa Spanics 6 months ago
Same here, and I would be more than happy to help out and I have friends who would also help out 😠😡🤬👿
Load More Replies... #3
I Told Her She Had Tuna Breath And She Promptly Moved To The Wife’s Side Of The Bed To Glare
tw 72 6 months ago
"But will 'slide' is your foot when you discover what I left in your shoe."
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To learn more about the adorableness that is "airplane ears," we got in touch with Stacy LeBaron, Head Cat, Founder and Host of The Community Cats Podcast. She was kind enough to have a chat with Bored Panda and explain exactly what it means when cats do this.
"'Airplane ears' is a lighthearted way to describe when a cat flattens or angles their ears sideways — kind of like wings on a plane," Stacy shared. "While it may look cute or funny to us, it’s actually a very functional piece of feline body language. Cats use their ears to communicate and also to assess what’s happening around them."
#4
A Stray Dog Passed By
#5
After We Applied Ear Drops
#6
I Brought My Newborn Home And She Wasn't Pleased
minnieslave0 6 months ago (edited)
Nooooooooo! Take it back and get me a nice scratching post instead.
LauraDragonWench 6 months ago
This was gonna be my comment. I swear I can hear the cat saying that.
Load More Replies... Beth Wheeler 6 months ago
Hopefully you had your husband take something with the babys scent on it
April Pickett 6 months ago
I never thought of that. Of course, my grandkids are 20-28. I'll be sure to tell them about this in the future.
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"When their ears go into that sideways position, it usually means the cat is feeling uneasy, anxious, overstimulated, or annoyed," the expert continued. "It's their way of saying, ‘I’m on alert, and I’m not entirely comfortable with this situation.'"
"It’s also important to distinguish airplane ears from ears pinned back flat against the head," Stacy noted. "Pinned-back ears are a stronger signal, usually indicating fear, high stress, or defensive aggression. Airplane ears are more of an 'I’m giving disapproving side-eye' than an 'I’m about to unleash feline fury' kind of signal."
#7
She Heard My Toddler Calling For Her
April Pickett 6 months ago
You haven't taught your toddler how to be with a cat? Shame on you.
V 6 months ago
Some cats just aren't kid cats no matter how gentle the kids are. My SILs cat is like that, despite living with 3 kids who are very gentle with animals.
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Upstaged75 6 months ago (edited)
It's not AI generated. It's just how the picture's title was tagged. Way to freak out over nothing. Every single picture has it - you just never noticed before.
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#8
My Cat Gets A Little Intense When She Wants To Play
Crazy Cat Lady 6 months ago
Oh that reminds me of the time when I put the bed sheet on and I didn't know that the cat was underneath it and I just saw a moving lump and it was so cute😂
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April Pickett 6 months ago
One of my cats did that. It was hilarious, and we both had a good time.
#9
Showed Her A Portrait Of Herself
So why is it important for cat owners to understand what their kitties are trying to communicate with their ears?
"Cats are subtle communicators. They don’t always vocalize how they feel—they show it through body language, and their ears are a huge part of that," Stacy explained. "Learning to 'read the ears' helps you catch early signs of stress, fear, or irritation before it escalates into a growl, swat, or bite."
#10
I Spent 2 Years As The Intake Technician At A Shelter In Florida, And My Camera Roll Is A Gold Mine Of Airplane Ears
martymcmatrix 6 months ago
I think everyone loves that stage of development where the cat's ears seem to be a little bit too big for it's head, in addition with their first zoomie attempts and the kitten crab dance all day long....🤗
Sara Frazer 6 months ago
I could never have that job because all those babies and more would come home with me
#11
He Was Acting Like A Little Demon. I Didn’t Know Whether To Laugh Or Run
Beth Wheeler 6 months ago
He definitely has something brewing in that furry little brain of his.
#12
I Said His Name
Linda Johnson 6 months ago
But did you say with the correct REVERENCE?? doesn't look llike it....
On the other hand, Stacy says forward and perky ears can show curiosity or confidence. "When you know what your cat’s ears are telling you, you’re better equipped to support their emotional and physical well-being—and build a more trusting relationship overall," she shared.
#13
I Started Talking To Her In AC/DC Singer Voice
Gavin Johnson 6 months ago
Maybe she’s upset that it was Brian Johnson voice rather than Bon Scott or vice versa?
#14
Her Son Wanted To Cuddle
LauraDragonWench 6 months ago
"Kevin, we've talked about this, yes? Mommy needs her alone time or Mommy's claws will come out, m'kay?"
MyQueenGirl_72 6 months ago
well I'm pretty sure the sister cat doesn't like her brother to cuddle with her.
#15
I Didn’t Let Her Get On The Kitchen Counter While Husband Is Cooking
Deborah B 6 months ago
They can be trained to stay off of counters and kitchen tables while you are watching. I've never known a cat that could be trained not to do something they wanted to do while no one was looking.
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Next, we asked the expert for some advice on learning how to interpret a cat's behavior. "Start by observing your cat without trying to interact right away. Watch their ears, tail, whiskers, and overall posture in different situations—when they’re relaxed, when someone new enters the room, or when a loud noise happens," Stacy says. "You’ll begin to see patterns."
"It’s also important to remember that every cat is an individual. What one cat finds stressful, another might not even blink at," she continued. "So learning your cat’s unique 'language' takes a bit of time and attention, but the payoff is huge."
#16
I Failed My Cat Overlord
Geoffrey Scott 6 months ago
Make your hand into a claw and put it by their face. Tail twitchin' attack.
#17
My GF Told Him Pspssps
LakotaWolf (she/her) 6 months ago
Look at those dilated pupils. This is one second away from pounce XD
Load More Replies... LauraDragonWench 6 months ago
"Look, lady, I'll put up with you for the human male's sake, but don't think you can just 'pspspspss' at me!"
#18
I Dared To Look At Her
Sophia Pandia de Delphia 5 months ago
I love cat pics and take a billion of mine every day. She is *the* most beautiful cat I've ever seen. Pure or not doesn't matter to me when it comes to beauty. She's incredible!
Load More Replies... LakotaWolf (she/her) 6 months ago
OP on Reddit says "She’s a Russian Blue point aka Pika Blu (Russian Blue + Siamese)." However, cat breeds don't work like dog breeds do - so this gorgeous cat is just a moggy/domestic shorthair/mutt-cat (mixing two purebred cats doesn't "make a new breed", they're just a mixed breed.) Her coat pattern is "pointed/colorpoint" and would probably be referred to as a "blue point" or a "lilac point".
The expert also noted that determining if a cat is in pain or not feeling well is one of our biggest challenges. "Tools like the Feline Grimace Scale and using AI are becoming the norm in determining how your cat is feeling."
#19
I Said Hi To My Neighbors Cat
#20
She Heard My Boyfriend Imitating Her Purrs
#21
Slightly Moved My Leg
"And don’t be afraid to turn to trusted resources! We host an annual Feline Behavior Conference and sometimes feature behaviorists on the podcast," Stacy told Bored Panda. "It’s a great way for cat guardians to learn more and hear from experts in the field."
#22
Muenster Screams At The Door To Go Outside. I Try Telling Him It’s Cold. He Was Displeased To Find Out That It Is, In Fact, Cold
LauraDragonWench 6 months ago
"You say it's cold, but you're a mere human, human! I shall be the judge of what is 'cold'. *3 seconds later* Holy Bast, it's freezing out there! Why did you let me go outside? Foolish human."
zovjraar me 6 months ago
my only indoor-outdoor cat, who grew up and lived outside until i catnapped him, is convinced that i must control the weather and gets really annoyed at me when it's raining or cold.
Marlene Ricker 6 months ago
My Frankie wants to go out so I open the door for her and then she just stands there looking out, and then turns around and goes back into the house!
#23
He Found Me Hungover In The Bath At 5am, I'd Call Him Disappointed But That Would Be A Understatement
Anne Roberts 6 months ago
Yes! Every cat I have ever had likes to throw up on the carpet. Never mind that the tile floor is 6 inches away
Load More Replies... LakotaWolf (she/her) 6 months ago
I wasn't hungover, but I do have a great photo of Preacher when he found me taking a bath: SCREEM-682...36860c.jpg 
Clown fish 6 months ago
Mine scream when I'm in the bath as well. And he as to sit on my knee whilst I'm on the loo. I'd put a picture if I knew how
Load More Replies... LauraDragonWench 6 months ago
"Human, I question your life choices. Do we need to have a conversation?"
Kim Kermes 6 months ago
I'm shocked. Shocked and appalled. Shocked and appalled and very, very, disappointed.
Inservio Smurf 6 months ago
Yeeah my parents have looked at me that way in parent teacher conferences; can confirm.
#24
I Said His Paw Looked Clean
LauraDragonWench 6 months ago
Must clean paw, must clean paw, clean, clean, clean away the human filth!
Nancy Lynch 6 months ago
I usually tell them that they missed a spot and they wash the paw again.
Finally, Stacy added that cats are constantly communicating with us—we just have to learn how to listen. "Ear position is just one piece of the puzzle, but it’s a really helpful one. And if you’re curious to dive deeper into feline behavior, I’d encourage folks to subscribe to the Community Cats Podcast. We’re always exploring topics like this and sharing tips from professionals who’ve dedicated their careers to understanding cats better."
#25
Today We Learned About Harnesses
LakotaWolf (she/her) 6 months ago
It takes a little time... but then you can go anywhere you want to! XD kohl_walki...fbc96a.jpg 
and_a_touch_of_the_’tism 6 months ago
lol mine just decides his legs have stopped working when I try to take him out. And then tries to get out later without the harness.
#26
I Have No Idea What I Did But She Really Hated It
LauraDragonWench 6 months ago (edited)
Apparently, you were breathing too loudly. Don't feel bad, it's happened to me and, yes, I did then hold my breath until the peeve passed.
#27
My Husband Poured Himself A Glass Of Water
#28
The Downstairs Neighbor Sneezed
LauraDragonWench 6 months ago
My nextdoor neighbor sneezes so loud it sounds like he's being mūrdered every time.
Load More Replies... #29
I Told Her That She Got Fat
#30
I Walked Into My Friends House
LakotaWolf (she/her) 6 months ago
"I have not approved of your presence. Leave now, and apply for a permit at least a month in advance next time."
#31
I Kissed Her During iPad Time
#32
I Told Her That Her Sister Is Allowed To Exist Too
#33
Claudia Taking A Reluctant Flight To Sleepy Town 🛩
#34
We Made The Mistake Of Getting Her A Baby Brother…
Shark Lady 6 months ago
Apparently that was what my sister said when my parents brought me home from the hospital.
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Lorraine Woollands 6 months ago
A dog we had, looked like when my mum got a puppy for her retirement
#35
My Wife And I Put Our Wedding Rings On Each Ear. He Seemed To Have Felt Violated
#36
He Was Laying On My Gfs Chest And I Made Her Laugh
#37
I Meowed Back
#38
I Brutally Torture My Cat (I Kissed His Forehead)
Linda Johnson 6 months ago
while you're sleeping, Hooman....I will be awake......be afraid.....be vwry afwaid!
#39
I Told Her It Wasn't Dinner Time Just Because It's Dark Outside
#40
She Mad Because Nobody Is Taking Her Order
#41
I Told Him He Couldn’t Eat My Daffodils Because They’re Toxic To Cats
LakotaWolf (she/her) 6 months ago
Joking/cuteness aside, PLEASE research plants/flowers before you grow them or bring them into your house (or even accept a vaseful as a gift.) SO MANY flowers are toxic to cats (and dogs!) and sometimes even just the pollen is toxic. I have five cats, so I don't even risk it - zero plants in the house, and if someone gifts me flowers (rare), they go next door to my childhood home/my mom's house.
Adrian 6 months ago
So true. There are a few safe ones https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control/cats-plant-list
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#42
I Accidentally Coughed Near Her
#43
I Touched “My Boyfriend “ He Didn’t Like That!
#44
I Told Her To Stop Crushing My Organs :(
Beth Wheeler 6 months ago
And you're gonna love me crushing your organs whether you like it or not!
Kristen Woehlke 6 months ago
My Chairman Meow gains winter floor because he goes outside to do his thing when the time comes and he crawls up on me when he's done to get warm (don't know why he gets huge in the winter time!) Maybe its the toe beans that are cold? Well, he crushes the organs... I've learned shallow breathing....
#45
I Tried To Comfort Her When The Dryer Went Off
Krd 6 months ago
Awww. Mine is a scaredy cat, so pound noises and strangers drive her into hiding and her heart goes racing. I have to gently sooth her for a bit to calm her down.
Sophia Pandia de Delphia 5 months ago
Almost same for mine: thunderstorms and visitors. They hide under the closest bed and I can't coax them out after the crisis has been contained. I leave them alone for a while until I hear a little movement. Started shaking the treat container and the fraidy cats come out. One is an orange bebe and he has somehow missed out on getting the braincell a lot, probably b/c he's too stupid to know it's his turn with the braincell.
Load More Replies... #46
Somebody Got M***ered Outside Our Apartment
Chris the Bobcat 6 months ago
Starring Angela Landspurry as Jespsps Fletcher
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#47
He Finished His Fish Slop In A Tube
April Pickett 6 months ago
I think he's trying to figure out which way that "fish slop" is going to go.
#49
I Opened The Duolingo App
Sophia Pandia de Delphia 5 months ago
When is Duolingo going to add "cat"? I very much could use it right now.
#51
On A Scale Of 1-10- How Dead Am I?
#53
I Meowed At Her
#54
Safe To Say Stepan Does Not Like His New Sweater
Beth Wheeler 6 months ago
Can't say I blame him pets shouldn't wear clothes unless it's for medical reasons no how cute they are.
LakotaWolf (she/her) 6 months ago
Some animals enjoy wearing clothes/costumes. As long as the clothing/costume isn't harming the pet, the pet isn't forced into wearing it, and they are only put on for short periods of time, there's absolutely nothing wrong with a pet wearing clothes. My old girl Wintressia LOVED wearing costumes - I had a whole box full and I used to dress her up for every holiday. I'd take photos of her and we'd use the photos for ads for our family business. She always got treats and extra attention, so she truly enjoyed the costumes. It's the same with my dog Stilgar - he gets fussed over by everyone and gets treats when he wears his baseball cap or a costume, so he LOVES when I bring out the box of costumes. Don't paint all pets in clothing with the same negative paintbrush. win_socks_...75f223.jpg 
#55
She Just Let Out The Most Rancid Fart I Ever Smelled, So I Farted Back At Her
LakotaWolf (she/her) 6 months ago
Can confirm, carnivore farts are the WORST XD I have five of them in my house!
Tabitha 6 months ago (edited)
Dog farts are the most common, and they can truly peel the paint off the walls. But when a cat lets go, dear god it’s toxic. The paint mutates, comes alive, and runs off the walls, screaming.
Load More Replies... #56
I Told Him He Was In The Way
#58
When You Get Yelled At For Eating Dirt
#59
My Boyfriend Stopped Petting Her Because She Was Drooling
#60
I Came Back After A Month Long Vacation
Beth Wheeler 6 months ago
My older sons cat would punish him when he had to travel for work or robotics competitions. The landlord would feed her, give her water, clean the litter box and spend time with her. She wouldn't go near him for 2 or 3 days every time.
minnieslave0 6 months ago (edited)
My last cat would do a protest p*o. Look me dead in the eye while taking a dump on the carpet. Ya know, just to let me know who's boss.
#61
I Asked Him If He’d Still Love Me If I Were A Worm
LakotaWolf (she/her) 6 months ago
"You know that you put preventative medications on me to PREVENT worms, right, Janice? So what is it exactly you're implying here?"
#62
My Husband Yelled At Her For Hissing At Our Other Cat
#63
I Called Her Stinky
Tabitha 6 months ago (edited)
Cat: I wash myself thoroughly all the d**n time, so it’s not me, ffs. You’re the one who smells like you died four days ago, hooman.
Load More Replies... #64
I Asked Him To Not Steal And Eat My Credit Card
#65
I Thanked Him For Laying In Bed With Me And Called Him Handsome
#66
I Told Them I Had To Get Up
April Pickett 6 months ago
If they want fresh food and water, they'll have to learn to accommodate you.
#67
Let Me Introduce My Airplane Bald Cat
April Pickett 6 months ago
The naked kitties are the only ones I would put clothes on.
Load More Replies... #68
I Asked Him If He Is Aware That He Is A Cat
#69
Very Grumpy That I Let A Stranger Into My Home (My Boyfriend Who Has Known Her The Entire Time I’ve Had Her)
LakotaWolf (she/her) 6 months ago
Looks like a tortie (dilute) - so of COURSE she has tortitude, it's in her DNA XD
Load More Replies... #70
I Told Panini He Was Adopted
#71
I Told Her The Crib Was, In Fact, Not For Her
Beth Wheeler 6 months ago
My cat never got in the crib, she would sleep on the floor under it or on the blankets and crib sheets on the bottom shelf of the changing table. I ended up using one of my sheets to cover them.
#72
She Woke Me Up In The Middle Of The Night. I Asked Her What She Wanted. I Have Offended The Baby
#74
I Dropped My Controller While She Was On My Lap
#75
He Stole My Spot And I Stole It Back
#76
I Petted Her
#77
My Mom Was Practicing Knitting Leg Warmers And Started With A Tiny One
#78
I Told Her She Can't Sit On The Vegetables
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Serena Myers 6 months ago
As always, less celebrity (who?) and AITA and a person arguing about their seat on a plane and more of this, pretty please.
Chris the Bobcat 6 months ago
Aurora was surprised when I caught her spying on me. image_5043...b382f8.jpg 
Sara Frazer 6 months ago
I wanna annoy all these babies!!! They're all like "how extremely dare-" 😹
Serena Myers 6 months ago
As always, less celebrity (who?) and AITA and a person arguing about their seat on a plane and more of this, pretty please.
Chris the Bobcat 6 months ago
Aurora was surprised when I caught her spying on me. image_5043...b382f8.jpg
Sara Frazer 6 months ago
I wanna annoy all these babies!!! They're all like "how extremely dare-" 😹
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