Why Do Cats Blink at Humans? The Science of the Slow Blink

If you’ve ever noticed your cat giving you a slow blink, you may have wondered what this odd behavior means. Cats slow blink to show trust and happiness in their relationships with their human companions. This behavior is often referred to as a “kitty kiss.” The slow blink is a form of cat communication that indicates a cat is feeling calm and friendly toward the person they are interacting with

In this article, we will explore the science behind this interesting cat behavior by looking at information from veterinarians and animal behaviorists. These experts have studied the biology of cats’ blinking and the ways in which cats use this form of communication. This will help you better understand the science of the slow blink and appreciate your cat’s attempts to show you affection in their own special way.

Why Do Cats Slow Blink? The Evolutionary and Biological Roots of the Slow Blink

The slow blink is thought to have evolved in cats as a way to communicate in a non-threatening way and avoid conflict with other cats. As noted in this article in Nature, in the animal kingdom, direct eye contact is often a sign of aggression, so cats tend to avoid staring at one another.

When cats slow blink, they can break the gaze and let the other cat know that they are not a threat. This enables them to communicate in a non-threatening way. Studies have also shown that the slow blink may be linked to the release of pheromones that signal comfort and relaxation in cats.

In addition, research has found that cats are more likely to slow blink at their owners if their owners have slow blinked at them first. This indicates that there is a back-and-forth exchange of nonverbal communication between cats and humans. As one researcher notes, "The slow blink is a demonstration of eye contact without staring, and we interpret this behavior as a sign of relaxation and trust." By learning about the evolutionary roots of this behavior, we can understand why it's such a meaningful sign of affection and trust from our cats.

Fostering Trust and Deepening the Relationship: How to Get and Give Your Cat Slow Blinks

For cat owners, slow blinking can also be a way to foster trust and deepen their relationship with their pets. Best Friends Animal Society explains that to get your cat to slow blink at you, you can start by slow blinking at them but make sure you don’t look them in the eye, which can be seen as threatening. If your cat returns the slow blink, you can then respond by reaching out a finger for them to sniff and letting them decide if they want to take things further.

By positively reinforcing your cat’s slow blinks, you can encourage the behavior and make your cat feel more at ease and secure. Forbes notes that the researchers discovered that the cats in their study were more likely to approach a person who slow blinked at them than a person who had a neutral expression. Remember to be patient and to respect your cat’s comfort level, because, as Tractive points out, trust and love can’t be forced, especially when it comes to cats who are shy or anxious.

Blinking Fast and Other Eye Movements: What Your Cat's Eyes Are Telling You

In contrast to slow blinking, fast or excessive blinking in cats can mean a variety of things. Fast blinking or squinting can indicate fear, anxiety, or a defensive response since cats will often avoid direct eye contact in conflict situations.

Excessive winking or keeping one eye closed can be a sign of an eye infection, irritation, or other medical issues like dry eye syndrome or corneal ulcers. Make sure to look at your cat's other body language and facial expressions as eye movements can be interpreted in a variety of ways.

If you see any of these eye movements or behaviors happening consistently or in a way that seems abnormal, it's best to talk to your vet to make sure there aren't any medical issues at play. That said, learning to read your cat's eye expressions can help you better understand their emotional and physical state.

Cross-Species Communication: The Feline-Human Bond

The slow blink is an example of the special bond and communication that can develop between cats and their human companions. Hill's Pet explains, the slow blink "really is an acceptance gesture" that shows the cat is "absolutely comfortable" with the person. While cats are often thought of as aloof or independent, the fact that they can communicate trust and comfort through the slow blink and other behaviors shows they have a high level of emotional intelligence.

In fact, researchers think cats have evolved to use the slow blink as a way to communicate with humans since it's not something they do when interacting with other cats. As experts have pointed out, the slow blink is different from the way cats blink at each other, which means it's an intentional, rather than reflexive, behavior. By recognizing and responding to these nonverbal signals, cat parents can get a better sense of their cat's mood and even their overall emotional state.

This kind of cross-species communication can help strengthen and deepen the relationship between cats and the people who care for them. In fact, a study in Scientific Reports found that cats were more likely to approach and interact with people who slow blinked at them, which suggests the cats found the interaction to be positive. By recognizing and responding to the slow blink, people can use this form of feline communication to help build trust and comfort with their cats.

Conclusion: What the Slow Blink Means for Your Relationship With Your Cat

The slow blink is a perfect example of the special bond and communication that can exist between cats and their human companions. Hill's Pet explains, the slow blink "really is an acceptance gesture" that shows a cat is "absolutely comfortable" with their person. While cats are often thought of as standoffish or uninterested in their human caregivers, the fact that they can use the slow blink to show trust and affection demonstrates a high level of emotional intelligence.

In fact, researchers think that cats may have developed the slow blink as a way to communicate with humans since it's not something they do with other cats. As experts have pointed out, the slow blink is different from the way cats blink at each other, which shows that it's an intentional, rather than reflexive, behavior. By learning to recognize and return these nonverbal signals, people can better understand their cats' feelings and moods.

This kind of interspecies communication can help strengthen the bond between cats and their human companions. In fact, a study published in Scientific Reports found that cats were more likely to approach people who slow blinked at them, indicating that the behavior is a positive one for them. By accepting this unique form of communication, people can build trust and affection with their cats.