Why Do Cats Slow Blink?

“Slow blinking” is a term used by veterinarians, animal behaviorists, and pet parents to describe when a cat’s eyes slowly open and close repeatedly. Slow blinks often happen when your cat is gazing serenely at you.  

Cats slow blink only with their most trusted family members, so it’s a sign of a strong cat and pet parent bond.  

What Do Cat Slow Blinks Mean?

Slow blinking is a means of positive emotional communication that cats use to interact with humans. This means that cats will only slow blink when they feel comfortable and close with someone.  

Your Cat Trusts You

Cats are prey-predators, meaning they hunt smaller prey in the wild but are also hunted by larger predators. Because of this, they are naturally wary animals, so closing their eyes can put them at risk of being attacked by letting their guard down.  

Cats will only close their eyes and narrow their field of vision around someone they know is safe and won’t hurt them. It’s basically a way cats say, “I love you.” 

Your Cat Isn’t a Threat

When a cat’s eyes are wide open and staring, that’s a signal many other cats find threatening. So, some cats slow blink at humans, dogs, and other cats to communicate that they are not a danger.  

Is It Good to Slow Blink at Cats?

Yes, slow blinking is a great way to bond with your cat.  

Cats not only initiate slow blinking behavior when they are feeling relaxed and content, but they also respond to slow blinks from other family members, such as humans and other cats. 

In fact, one 2020 study found that cats were more likely to approach people who slow-blinked at them than those who kept a straight face.  

Slow blinking at your cat shows them you’re a safe person they can trust. Slow blinks are also a great tool to initiate other bonding activities, such as playing, petting, and grooming. 

Other Ways To Respond to a Cat Slow Blinking

While slow blinking back at your cat is the easiest way to respond to them in the moment, it isn’t the only way you can choose to respond.  

• Petting: If your cat approaches you after slow blinking, you can offer your hand for them to sniff. If your cat bunts your hand with their head, it means they would like to be pet. You can begin with gentle chin scratches and move slowly to other areas of their body as they prefer, which can vary from cat to cat.  

• Talking: You may also speak to your cat in a calm, quiet, slightly higher-pitched voice while they slowly blink at you. This type of speech can be soothing for cats.  

• Playing: You can even begin play sessions with your cat using wand toys and other favorite toys of theirs if they seem in the mood to play. 

• Grooming: A relaxed, slow blink might signal that it’s a good time to brush your cat. Grooming not only keeps a cat’s fur healthy and free of matting, but it’s also a way to bond with your pet, since closely-bonded cats will often groom each other as part of their social interaction. 

• Reinforcement: You may even consider reinforcing your cat’s slow blinks through clicker training. Use a clicker, like the Frisco Pet Training Clicker, and cat treats every time they slow blink at you. Positive reinforcement builds an even stronger association between slow blinking and a positive state of mind, so you can know with even greater certainty that when your cat slow blinks, they are truly happy.