Ever felt like your cat sees you as a mere food dispenser and nothing more? You’re not alone. Cats have a reputation for being aloof, but science says the key to bonding with them is simpler than you think: slow blinking. Yes, really.
A study from 2020 confirmed that narrowing your eyes and blinking slowly at your cat—mimicking their version of a smile—can make them more likely to warm up to you. And it’s not just wishful thinking; researchers put it to the test.
Science proves the slow blink works
A team of psychologists from the University of Sussex and University of Portsmouth conducted two experiments to crack the code of cat-human communication.
In the first experiment, 21 cats from 14 households were observed as their owners slow-blinked at them. The results? Cats blinked back more often and were visibly more relaxed compared to when no interaction occurred.
The second experiment took things up a notch. Researchers—complete strangers to the cats—tried the slow blink, adding an extended hand to see if the cats would approach. Once again, the slow blink worked. Not only did cats blink back, but they were also more likely to approach the outstretched hand.
“This study is the first to experimentally investigate the role of slow blinking in cat-human communication,” said psychologist Karen McComb. “And it’s something you can try yourself with your own cat at home or with cats you meet in the street.”
Why do cats blink like this?
We still don’t have a definitive answer, but there are two leading theories:
- It signals friendly intent. In the animal world, prolonged staring is often seen as a threat. A slow blink may be a cat’s way of saying, “I trust you.”
- It’s a learned behavior. Domesticated cats might have evolved to use slow blinking because humans react positively to it, reinforcing the behavior over generations.
Either way, the message is clear: If you want your cat to see you as more than just a walking can opener, the slow blink is your best bet.
Your cat understands you more than you think
Forget the stereotype of the indifferent feline. Recent studies suggest cats are far more in tune with their humans than previously thought.
- They mirror their owners’ personalities—so if your cat is grumpy, well… maybe it’s not them.
- They recognize their names (even if they choose to ignore them).
- They pick up on human emotions and often respond when their owners are feeling down.
So the next time your cat stares at you with those mysterious eyes, try a slow blink. You might just start a silent conversation—one that says, “I see you, I trust you, and yes, I will feed you in five minutes.”
The research has been published in Scientific Reports.
