Introduction
Blinking is one of the most important forms of non-verbal communication for cats. While meowing, purring, hissing, and body language all play a role in how cats relate to each other and their human companions, the simple act of opening and closing their eyes conveys a wealth of meaning. From expressing affection to defusing aggression, blinking allows cats to connect across species barriers and transmit a wide array of emotional states. Understanding feline blinking patterns and mimicking those behaviors yourself can deepen the bond with your cat and pave the way to a happier and healthier relationship.
Slow Blinking Shows Affection
When a cat slowly blinks at another cat or a human, it is a sign of affection, trust, and calmness. Slow blinking serves as a cat’s way of saying “I love you.” Cats blink slowly at each other to indicate they feel safe and content in each other’s company. A slow, elongated blink that briefly breaks eye contact demonstrates a cat is relaxed and comfortable with their surroundings. According to feline experts, the cat is essentially saying, “We’re friends here. Everything is ok.” [1]
Slow blinking establishes a bond and connection between cats. When one cat deliberately slow blinks at another as a gesture of affection, and the blinking is reciprocated, it reinforces the relationship between the cats. Slow blinking often occurs when cats greet each other or are settled near each other. By exchanging unhurried blinks, the cats are affirming their trust and conveying calmness. [2]
Rapid Blinking is a Greeting
Rapid blinking, when a cat closes and opens their eyes quickly, is a common greeting behavior between cats. It signals a friendly intent and can be thought of as the cat version of saying “hello.” Cats often greet each other this way when first approaching, as a way to indicate they come in peace. According to cats.com, rapid blinking shows “I mean you no harm” in cat language.1
When two cats encounter each other, they may engage in a blinking exchange as a way to synchronize and show mutual trust. It’s like their version of a handshake. By rapidly blinking back at your cat when they greet you this way, you can return the friendly gesture and strengthen your bond.
Rapid blinking is distinct from the slow blinking associated with affection and contentment. While slow blinking is about sustaining eye contact, rapid blinking is broken eye contact in quick succession. So next time your cat says hello with a flurry of blinks, go ahead and blink back to speak their language!
Blinking Regulates Aggression
Blinking is a useful tool for cats to diffuse tense situations and avoid confrontation. When cats encounter each other, a prolonged unblinking stare is often interpreted as aggression or dominance. Rapid blinking helps signify that the cat is not a threat. One study found that cats were much less likely to attack when the other cat blinked first (https://phys.org/news/2020-01-cats-strategies-aggression-territorial-conflicts.html).
Blinking slowly while closing the eyes demonstrates a cat is relaxed and not prepared to attack. It sends the signal that there is no need for aggression or competition. A cat may deliberately slow blink at another cat it is having a confrontation with as a gesture to say “we’re okay” and prevent the situation from escalating. Slow blinking can help avoid unnecessary cat fights and injuries.
Cats will also slow blink during tense moments with people as a way to calm the situation down. It shows they are not feeling hostile or threatening. Rapid blinking from a cat toward a human can signal over-stimulation and a request for some space. Slow blinking back at a cat is a way for humans to mimic cat communication and say “we’re cool” during moments of potential tension.
Kittens Learn to Blink from Mom
Blinking is one of the earliest social skills that kittens learn. From just a few days old, kittens start slow blinking at their mother when nursing or being groomed. This helps form the mother-kitten bond. The mother cat will slow blink back at her kittens, which teaches them this important social cue. Blinking synchronizes the kitten and mother, indicating trust and affection. Kittens that don’t learn to slow blink from their mother may have more difficulty relating to other cats later in life. The early weeks are a critical period for kittens to pick up basic communication skills like blinking from their mother.
Blinking Synchronizes Cats
Mutual slow blinking helps cats bond with one another and synchronize their emotions. When two cats slowly blink at each other, it signals that they are relaxed and friendly. This back-and-forth blinking serves as a social gesture that reinforces trust and understanding. Studies show that cats who frequently exchange slow blinks have lower stress levels and get along better. The synchrony created through mutual blinking helps cats communicate that they are not feeling threatened or aggressive.
Researchers believe slow blinking allows cats to create a kind of shared gaze that synchronizes their emotional states. As social creatures, cats rely on body language and facial expressions to understand each other’s moods and intentions. Slow blinking is like a “temporary truce” where both cats can lower their defenses and be vulnerable. This builds rapport and deeper social connections. When cats don’t return a slow blink, it may indicate they are feeling scared, insecure or anxious. Mutual blinking is thus an important ritual that facilitates friendship and social bonding between cats.
Source: https://www.thewildest.com/cat-behavior/cat-slow-blink
People Can Blink Back
Humans can communicate affection to cats by blinking back slowly when a cat slow blinks at them. Slow blinking builds trust and rapport between cats and humans. According to cat behaviorist Pam Johnson-Bennett, when a cat stares at a human and slow blinks, it’s a sign the cat feels safe and trusts that person. Slow blinking back mimics cat behavior and shows the human accepts the cat’s friendly intentions. (https://www.forbes.com/sites/saratabin/2020/10/22/you-can-bond-with-your-cat-by-blinking-scientists-say/)
To blink back at a cat, slowly close your eyes for 1-2 seconds, then reopen them. Time the blink to match the cat’s rhythm. Cats appreciate this gesture and understand it signals trust and affection. Humans essentially say “I love you too” when they deliberately blink back at their feline friends. It strengthens the bond between human and cat.
When a Cat Doesn’t Blink Back
If you slow blink at your cat to show affection but they don’t blink back, it doesn’t necessarily mean they don’t love you. There are several reasons why a cat may not return a slow blink:
Fear or lack of trust. Cats that have had bad experiences with humans or other animals may not feel safe enough to slow blink back. They avoid eye contact to protect themselves. With time and positive experiences, fearful cats can learn to trust again.
Illness or injury. Sick cats or those in pain may not be up for social blinking. Underlying medical issues like eye infections, neurological problems, or mouth pain can prevent blinking.
Overstimulation. Some cats get overstimulated when stared at. Looking away avoids confrontation and self-soothes them. Excessive eye contact can seem threatening.
Personality quirks. Occasionally healthy, social cats just don’t return slow blinks, especially with strangers. Individual personality plays a role. Make sure the cat is reciprocating affection in other ways.
Blinking takes practice. Kittens learn to slow blink from their mothers. Adopted cats or those separated early may not understand blinking signals. Have patience teaching them.
Don’t take it personally if your cat doesn’t blink back. Focus on building trust through play, treats, routine and gentleness. In time, most cats will reciprocate a slow blink, cementing your bond.
Other Cat Communication Signs
Beyond blinking, cats have various other ways they communicate their moods and desires. Ear position is another important indicator. Ears up and forward signal interest, alertness and excitement. Ears flat back against the head often means a cat is scared, anxious, angry or feeling threatened.
Vocalizations also convey meaning. Purring indicates contentment, pleasure or comfort. Meowing can express excitement, distress or a desire for attention. Growling, spitting and hissing typically mean a cat is feeling angry or threatened. Cats also use facial expressions, tail positioning and posture to signal how they feel.
While blinking is one special way cats show affection, reading the full range of feline body language provides greater insight into cat communication. Paying attention to ear positioning, vocal tones, facial cues and more helps us better understand cat behavior.
According to The Definitive Guide to Cat Behavior and Body Language by Tuft and Paw, “Reading your cat’s body language is an important skill every cat parent should master.” Understanding subtle signs like blinking along with broader communication cues allows for closer bonds between cats and humans.
The Power of the Blink
Blinking serves as a powerful communication tool for cats. According to a study published in Nature, slow blink sequences may function as a form of positive emotional communication between cats and humans. The slow blink seems to communicate affection, trust, and contentment. Rapid blinking is thought to be a friendly greeting. Blinking also helps regulate aggression and set boundaries between cats. Kittens learn to blink from their mothers, and blinking helps synchronize cats as they interact.
Perhaps most fascinating is that cats seem to understand when humans mimic their slow blinking. People can effectively communicate positive emotions back to a cat through slow blinking. Theblink is profound in its simplicity yet nuanced meanings. From expressing love to managing conflict, the blink represents a core component of feline communication and social bonding.