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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!

#1

I Blew My Nose. Sorry Sir Won’t Happen Again

Fluffy cat lying down with wide eyes and airplane ears, resting in a cozy indoor setting on a soft blanket.

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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

    Fluffy black cat with airplane ears sitting on a bathroom rug near a shower with tiled walls and floor.

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    #3

    I Told Her She Had Tuna Breath And She Promptly Moved To The Wife’s Side Of The Bed To Glare

    Orange tabby cat resting on a bed with airplane ears visible, showing its adorable and unique ear position.

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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."

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    #6

    I Brought My Newborn Home And She Wasn't Pleased

    Black and brown cat with airplane ears sitting on a carpet near a beige bag and electronic device cables.

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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.'"

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    "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

    Black cat with airplane ears resting on a soft blanket while a hand gently pets it indoors.

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    The Shark
    Community Member
    Premium
    4 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    "Emphatically NO, Diane. It's YOUR turn this time "

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    #8

    My Cat Gets A Little Intense When She Wants To Play

    Black cat lying on a bed with airplane ears visible, showing an alert and curious expression.

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    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

    Four adorable kittens with airplane ears in different settings showcasing their unique ear shapes and curious expressions.

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    #11

    He Was Acting Like A Little Demon. I Didn’t Know Whether To Laugh Or Run

    Gray cat indoors showing airplane ears while standing on wooden floor near a brown rug and decorative items.

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    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.

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    #15

    I Didn’t Let Her Get On The Kitchen Counter While Husband Is Cooking

    Tabby cat with airplane ears sitting indoors on a dark surface, showcasing adorable cat ears and facial expression.

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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."

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    "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

    Close-up of a white and gray cat showing off its adorable airplane ears while resting on a soft blue blanket.

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    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."

    #20

    She Heard My Boyfriend Imitating Her Purrs

    Ginger cat showing off airplane ears sitting alert on a bed in a cozy indoor setting.

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    "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."

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    #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

    Orange tabby cat standing in snow with ears pointed outward resembling airplane ears on a colorful leash outdoors.

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    #23

    He Found Me Hungover In The Bath At 5am, I'd Call Him Disappointed But That Would Be A Understatement

    Close-up of an orange cat with adorable airplane ears standing indoors on a tiled floor with a curious expression.

    glittervomittt Report

    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."

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    #25

    Today We Learned About Harnesses

    Tabby cat with airplane ears wearing a red harness standing on a brick pathway outdoors.

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    #26

    I Have No Idea What I Did But She Really Hated It

    Gray and white cat lying on a blanket with airplane ears visible, resting indoors near a television and fan.

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    #28

    The Downstairs Neighbor Sneezed

    Calico cat with fluffy fur displaying airplane ears while resting on a gray woven blanket indoors.

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    Doofnuts
    Community Member
    1 month ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Are you going to go downstairs and k**l him, or do I have to do it myself once again.

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    #30

    I Walked Into My Friends House

    White cat with airplane ears peeking through stair railing, showing curious and adorable expression.

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    #32

    I Told Her That Her Sister Is Allowed To Exist Too

    Tabby cat with airplane ears sitting on a desk near a laptop with colorful backlit keyboard.

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    #33

    Claudia Taking A Reluctant Flight To Sleepy Town 🛩

    Black cat with airplane ears lying on a red blanket, showing its striking yellow eyes and sleek fur.

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    #34

    We Made The Mistake Of Getting Her A Baby Brother…

    Two cats indoors on wooden floor, both showing off their airplane ears with one standing and one lying down.

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    #35

    My Wife And I Put Our Wedding Rings On Each Ear. He Seemed To Have Felt Violated

    Tabby cat displaying airplane ears with curled ear tips, resting indoors on a white blanket near a person's legs.

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    #36

    He Was Laying On My Gfs Chest And I Made Her Laugh

    Black and white cat lying down indoors showing off its airplane ears with a calm expression.

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    #38

    I Brutally Torture My Cat (I Kissed His Forehead)

    Close-up of a cat with airplane ears resting on a bed, showing its unique ear shape and relaxed expression.

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    #39

    I Told Her It Wasn't Dinner Time Just Because It's Dark Outside

    Gray tabby cat sitting on a brick floor with adorable airplane ears visible, showcasing unique feline ear shape.

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    #40

    She Mad Because Nobody Is Taking Her Order

    Calico cat sitting on a red cushion with ears positioned like airplane ears in a cozy indoor setting.

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    #41

    I Told Him He Couldn’t Eat My Daffodils Because They’re Toxic To Cats

    White cat with unique airplane ears and gray spots sitting on a soft surface in dim lighting showing airplane ears.

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    #43

    I Touched “My Boyfriend “ He Didn’t Like That!

    Black and white cat with airplane ears sitting calmly indoors on a dark surface, looking slightly to the side.

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    #44

    I Told Her To Stop Crushing My Organs :(

    Close-up of a tabby cat showing off its unique airplane ears while resting on a patterned blanket indoors.

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    Beth Wheeler
    Community Member
    1 month ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    And you're gonna love me crushing your organs whether you like it or not!

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    #45

    I Tried To Comfort Her When The Dryer Went Off

    Tabby cat with airplane ears being gently petted on the chest, showcasing adorable feline ear posture up close.

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    Krd
    Community Member
    4 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    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.

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    #46

    Somebody Got M***ered Outside Our Apartment

    Cat with airplane ears sitting by a window at night, looking outside at parked cars and distant lights on the street.

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    #47

    He Finished His Fish Slop In A Tube

    Orange fluffy cat sitting on a couch showing off its airplane ears with large round eyes in a cozy living room.

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    April Pickett
    Community Member
    4 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I think he's trying to figure out which way that "fish slop" is going to go.

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    #48

    I Did Not Mean To Turn On The Flash

    Close-up of a tabby cat with airplane ears standing out against a blurred yellow curtain background.

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    #50

    I Told Him I Loved Him While He Was Making Biscuits. Sorry???

    White cat with airplane ears standing on a textured green blanket in a dimly lit room near a window.

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    #52

    I Sneezed And Woke Her Up

    Close-up of a cat lying down with adorable airplane ears visible, resting on a patterned surface indoors.

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    #54

    Safe To Say Stepan Does Not Like His New Sweater

    Tabby cat with airplane ears wearing a green hoodie, sitting by a window with a calm expression.

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    Beth Wheeler
    Community Member
    1 month ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Can't say I blame him pets shouldn't wear clothes unless it's for medical reasons no how cute they are.

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    #55

    She Just Let Out The Most Rancid Fart I Ever Smelled, So I Farted Back At Her

    Cute cat with airplane ears wearing a pink collar with a bell, sitting on a soft yellow blanket indoors.

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    Batwench
    Community Member
    Premium
    4 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Kitten farts and p*o smell the worst. They should be banned by some antichemical warfare convention

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    #58

    When You Get Yelled At For Eating Dirt

    Tortoiseshell cat indoors showing off airplane ears while sitting near a plant on a table in a home setting.

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    Tabitha
    Community Member
    4 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Yet they’ll turn their nose up at the three different flavors of cat food you offer them.

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    #59

    My Boyfriend Stopped Petting Her Because She Was Drooling

    Close-up of a cat with adorable airplane ears, resting on a lap with patterned blankets and gray clothing.

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    #60

    I Came Back After A Month Long Vacation

    Orange and white cat with airplane ears wearing a black collar, sitting against a plain beige wall background.

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    Beth Wheeler
    Community Member
    1 month ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    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.

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    #61

    I Asked Him If He’d Still Love Me If I Were A Worm

    Tabby cat with airplane ears resting on a person's legs in a cozy dimly lit room with purple lighting.

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    LakotaWolf (she/her)
    Community Member
    4 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    "You know that you put preventative medications on me to PREVENT worms, right, Janice? So what is it exactly you're implying here?"

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    #62

    My Husband Yelled At Her For Hissing At Our Other Cat

    White cat with black markings lounging on a couch, showing off adorable airplane ears in a relaxed pose.

    Appropriate_Sky_6571 Report

    #65

    I Thanked Him For Laying In Bed With Me And Called Him Handsome

    A cream-colored cat with airplane ears resting on a white bed near a sunlit window in a cozy room.

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    #66

    I Told Them I Had To Get Up

    Two cats lying close together on blankets, both showing airplane ears in a cozy indoor setting.

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    April Pickett
    Community Member
    4 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    If they want fresh food and water, they'll have to learn to accommodate you.

    #68

    I Asked Him If He Is Aware That He Is A Cat

    Gray tabby cat resting on a couch with ears angled like airplane ears, showcasing cute cat ear posture.

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    Tabitha
    Community Member
    4 weeks ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    If the words “a cat” actually mean “a god of all creation”, then yes. Yes I am “a cat”.

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    #69

    Very Grumpy That I Let A Stranger Into My Home (My Boyfriend Who Has Known Her The Entire Time I’ve Had Her)

    Cat resting on a soft blanket showing off its adorable airplane ears with a calm and relaxed expression.

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    #71

    I Told Her The Crib Was, In Fact, Not For Her

    White and black cat with airplane ears sitting in a white baby crib with a star-patterned mattress and hanging mobile.

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    #72

    She Woke Me Up In The Middle Of The Night. I Asked Her What She Wanted. I Have Offended The Baby

    Calico cat standing on carpet with ears tilted outward showing airplane ears in a cozy indoor setting.

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    #73

    I Told Her I Love Her ✈️

    Close-up of a cat showing adorable airplane ears while resting on a person's arm in a cozy indoor setting.

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    #74

    I Dropped My Controller While She Was On My Lap

    Close-up of a gray cat showing off its airplane ears with a relaxed expression in a cozy indoor setting.

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    #75

    He Stole My Spot And I Stole It Back

    A cat with distinct airplane ears sitting on a blanket indoors with a softly lit background.

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    #76

    I Petted Her

    Close-up of an adorable cat with airplane ears sitting next to a wooden chair and dark tabletop.

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    #77

    My Mom Was Practicing Knitting Leg Warmers And Started With A Tiny One

    Calico cat with airplane ears lying on a bed, wearing a pink collar and resting near a hand with a ring and watch.

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    #78

    I Told Her She Can't Sit On The Vegetables

    White cat with airplane ears sitting on a cardboard box filled with celery stalks in a home setting.

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    #79

    I Facetimed Her While I Was On Vacation

    Close-up of a cat showing off its airplane ears during a video call with a smiling person in the corner of the screen.

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    #80

    I Pspsps-Ed On My Evening Walk

    Black and white cat outside at night showing adorable airplane ears while sitting on soil near a stone border.

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