Slow-blinking isn't just for cats: You can show love and affection by slow-blinking back. According to the study, cats are more likely to approach an unfamiliar person who slow-blinks at them than someone who keeps a neutral face.
To cats, slow blinking is a form of smiling, and solicits happy, positive emotions. The researchers found that a cat will respond to a human's slow blink with a slow blink of their own, and is more likely to approach an unfamiliar person who is slow blinking at them. Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.
Humphrey suspects that, like many feline behaviors, it arose out of their interactions with us humans. “It could be argued that cats developed the slow blink behaviors because humans perceived slow blinking as positive,” says Dr. Humphrey. “Cats may have learned that humans reward them for responding to slow blinking.
So, should we slowly blink when we see cats? Absolutely! Cats find direct staring threatening so by slowly blinking, we can convey we are not a threat. The slow blink should be nice and subtle, ideally with your glance directed slightly past the cat rather than directly at it.
According to a new study, you can bond with your feline by just narrowing your eyes and blinking slowly. Two experiments were carried out to investigate the role of the slow blink in cat-human communication. Cats are stereotyped as being more aloof and independent than other pets.
The study suggests that cats do indeed respond to slow blink movements from humans by exhibiting slow blink movements themselves; the fact that they would also approach a visitor who would slow blink at them, suggests that this activity is genuinely perceived by cats in a positive way.
Direct eye contact
Cats can find direct eye contact quite threatening. They wouldn't look another cat straight in the face unless they were fixing for a fight. When your cat's relaxed, they might look at you with a peaceful gaze or half closed eyes. A “slow blink” is your cat's way of saying they love you.
Researchers at universities in England think slow-blinking at your cat, who might respond in kind, could be a way to get them to warm up to you. Exchanging slow blinks—blinking your eyes for half a second or more—gives you and your feline buddy a special way to communicate.
To cats, a direct stare paired with other aggressive body language can sometimes seem like a challenge to them. This is why cats avert their gaze to show you that they trust you and know you aren't a threat to them. Business Hours: Tue - Fri.
Your Cat Stares at You to Show Affection
Cats can use staring as a nonverbal way of communicating. Even though a long, unblinking stare may not be the best way for humans to show affection, when your fur baby does this, it may mean they're showing love to their favourite owner.
A cat will not blink slowly around a person or other animal it does not trust. Some call this the “I love you” slow blink. You can do it back to your cat to return the trust and affection.
"Try to quickly establish a routine to not only bond with them but also to keep your cat healthy." That means a consistent daily schedule of meal time, play time, alone time (particularly, if you work outside of the home), and even time dedicated to brushing, if needed.
I guarantee it's not because your cat doesn't love you, it's most likely because he'd wish you'd cut back on the intimidating direct eye contact. In fact, cats usually reserve their direct eye contact to things that they're focusing on, such as a toy or dinner.
The most important thing to remember is not to stare at your cat. They can see this as a threat which can be scary for them and won't respond in a friendly way!
As theorized by animal behavior experts, the slow blink is how a cat tells her human family that she feels safe. According to The Cut's interview with veterinarian Gary Weitzman, author of How to Speak Cat: A Guide to Decoding Cat Language: "The slow blink really is an acceptance gesture.
Our perception of silence is a lot different from a cat's - in fact, the end of our perception is right around the beginning of theirs. So if your cat is staring blankly into the distance, it usually means they're fixating on a noise or echo they heard, and they're trying to figure out where it came from.
Squinted or half-closed eyes are a sign of affection, relaxation and trust. If a cat looks like they're about to fall asleep, they're relaxed and they trust you. Also, they're probably about to fall asleep. Fun fact: Cats also use their eyes to establish the pecking order.
When a cat shows you their belly, the cat is relaxed, comfortable, and doesn't feel threatened. They feel safe enough to expose their vulnerable areas without worrying about being attacked. They are pretty much telling you, “I trust you with my life.” It's a great honour!
Soft eye contact and short peep-like sounds
So, if your cat is happy to look you in the eye with nice soft, relaxed eyes they are very happy in your company and have accepted you as non-threatening. And, if they let out a short peep-like sound, known as a trill, you can be sure they look think of you fondly.
Cats will stare at their owners for all kinds of reasons. This can be because they are being nosey, showing affection, showing they are angry, or because they feel anxious. So, next time you think your cat is trying to challenge you to a staring contest, consider the reasons why.
Cats' pupils fluctuate in size and shape based on light and emotion. Usually, they're vertical and shaped like slits, which means they're content and relaxed. However, if a cat is excited and about to pounce, their pupils will become round and large.
Why do some cats dislike belly rubs? Hair follicles on the belly and tail area are hypersensitive to touch, so petting there can be overstimulating, Provoost says. “Cats prefer to be pet and scratched on the head, specifically under their chin and cheeks,” where they have scent glands, Provoost says.
Rubbing: Affectionate Ownership
It's their way of saying, "Hey, I claim you as mine!" They transfer their scent onto you, almost like marking you as their own. Whether it's a full-body rub or just a gentle forehead or cheek nuzzle, cats are declaring their ownership and seeking your undivided attention.