A cats yawning can be for the same reason humans yawn, to increase the intake of oxygen. However, cats yawning can also be an instinct to keep the cat alert.

In their more natural habitat cats would have to be alert to danger from other bigger predators. The domestic cat still has several its natural instincts to survive. Although the domestic cat may not need these instincts any longer the feral cats sure do.

Unfortunately, there are many feral cats in almost every town or city and these cats still rely heavily on all their natural instincts to survive.

Here are some pictures of cats either yawning or baring their teeth. This shows that cats have the tools other than their claws with which to protect themselves. When the cats yawning, its eyes are closed, when the cat is hissing its eyes are open.

1. Why did you wake me up?

2. Leave me alone! Definitely not yawning!

3. I was just sleeping back here….

4. I will wake up later.

5. Big stretch and yawn.

6. I’ll be out of the box now, just need to finish this stretch and yawn.

7. I am not impressed with you…….

8. Stop doing that!!

9. I am so comfy here in the sun.

10. One eyed cat looking after its space.

11. Kitten running with intention.

12. This sun is making me so sleepy.

13. I am not moving now….

Cats love to sleep, so whether they are yawning or hissing soon enough they will be sleeping somewhere.