A new study on how people perceive cats may contain valuable clues for feline care and welfare.

Researchers showed 665 study participants images of 12 cats, which included AI-generated backgrounds of both indoor and outdoor settings. Participants were then asked to rate the cat’s emotion in each setting.

Indoor backgrounds led to higher ratings of positive emotions, while outdoor backgrounds were associated with more unsettled ones. This trend held even among people who thought cats should be allowed outside. What’s more, the participant’s own emotions tended to reflect how they judged those in cats.

Our perceptions about cat communication strongly influence how we care for them — including how to best position those needing homes. Results of the study could be a valuable teaching tool.