Why Do Cats Slowly Close Their Eyes at You? Science Says It Means More Than You Think

Cats have been referred to as mysterious creatures, and much of this is due to their means of communication through subtle means that are not easily noticed. One of the most interesting forms of cat behavior is the slow blink. This is where a cat closes and then opens its eyes in a gentle manner as it looks at a human or another animal. This behavior may be seen as unusual for an animal that is normally alert and has hunting instincts.

However, studies have shown that this behavior holds a lot of meaning in cat behavior. Scientists have come to believe that the slow blink is an important behavior in cat social interactions.

What Slow Blinking Really Means

The slow blink is not an arbitrary movement but is rather a specific action that indicates the cat is comfortable and does not pose any aggression. When it comes to most animal species, eye contact is often seen as a challenge or threat, especially for predators. This is also the case for cats. This is what makes the action of closing their eyes slowly in front of someone particularly significant.


According to research done by MDPI and published in the journal Animals, cats use this action to communicate that they feel safe and do not mean to cause any harm.

Essentially, this action tempers the eye contact in such a way that what would otherwise be seen as confrontational is replaced by a much calmer action.

According to a study published by the National Institutes of Health, this change in eye contact is also what helps to prevent any conflict, especially in unusual situations. Simply put, this means that when a cat engages in a slow blink, it is essentially saying that it feels comfortable and trusts its environment.

How Slow Blinking Builds Trust With Humans

The slow blink becomes even more intriguing when the cat does this with humans, as it implies that the animal has learned this behavior outside of its own kind.

In a study published in the journal Scientific Reports, as discussed in the article from ScienceDaily, the researchers discovered that domestic cats are more likely to approach humans and interact with them in a positive manner when the humans are using the slow blink on the cats, indicating a form of communication between the two species.

According to a study published in the journal from Springer, the scientists observed that domestic cats tend to reciprocate the slow blink with humans, which in turn strengthens the bond of trust between the human and the domestic cat.

Slow blinking is not just important for households but also for animal shelters, as cats are often stressed. Studies published in Frontiers in Veterinary Science have shown that cats that are more relaxed and more communicative, such as by slow blinking, are more likely to find adoptive homes sooner than those that are more tense.

Resources for veterinary care, as well as information provided by Purina, also mention that relaxed postures of the eyes, such as slow blinking, may help owners understand when the cat is comfortable and safe. This helps owners show more caring and responsive behavior.

Communication Among Cats and How It Matters

It is important to note that the significance of slow blinking is not limited to communication between humans and cats and that it is involved in communication between cats themselves. A study that has been highlighted by ScienceDirect indicates that slow blinking between cats serves to reduce aggression and promote harmony in a multi-cat household.

The slow blink may seem like a trivial aspect in communication between cats and humans; however, it is evident from scientific research that this action is significant in communication between cats and that it serves to convey a message to other cats and even to humans that everything is safe and okay.

In a world where cats are often viewed as distant or difficult to read, this slow blink is a rare window into their emotional lives, revealing that sometimes it’s the quietest actions that can speak the loudest.