What Does It Mean When A Cat Blinks At You?

Why is a slow blink meaningful?

Closing your eyes in the presence of another animal is inherently vulnerable. In the wild, a cat that closes its eyes near a potential threat would be at a serious disadvantage. When your cat slow blinks at you, they're communicating that they don't perceive you as a threat at all. It's a deliberate, voluntary signal of safety and trust, which is why behaviorists consider it one of the most significant positive signals in cat body language.

Can I slow blink back?

Yes, and research shows it actually works. A 2020 study from the University of Sussex, published in Scientific Reports, found that cats were significantly more likely to slow blink at humans who slow blinked at them first compared to humans who maintained a neutral expression. The researchers also found that cats were more likely to approach an unfamiliar person who slow blinked at them. So it's not just a one-way signal; it's a genuine form of interspecies communication you can participate in.

Is a wink the same thing?

A single-eye slow closure (a wink) can carry a similar meaning, though it's less studied. Some cats naturally blink more with one eye than the other, and some owners report their cats winking during relaxed interactions. If your cat winks at you while otherwise relaxed and comfortable, it's likely a variation of the same trust signal. However, persistent winking or squinting in one eye can indicate an eye irritation, infection, or injury, so watch for accompanying symptoms like tearing, redness, or pawing at the eye.