Sometimes a yawn may be a social signal. In big cats, yawning is often contagious. If the mother yawns, the cubs may follow. This helps synchronize the group's activity. If Mom yawns, she’s signaling that it's nearly time to wake up, move to a new cave, or start a hunt. A relaxed yawn in the presence of other leopards (or even safari vehicles) signals that the leopard is not threatened. It is a sign of a calm, "non-aggressive" state.