Cat blinking slow is one of the most interesting cats moves ever. But what does it mean? Is it the sign of pure love and affection, or just an aiming look for the furious jump?
The truth is that cats have a specific way of communicating with us humans. They use their body language to tell us how they feel and what they think. In order to do so, they have to use certain moves or signals.
Cat blinking slow is one of those signals and also the most interesting one, as humans relate it with love.
Cat Kiss
Cat blinking slowly is also called ‘cat kiss’. It is rumored that when your cat, or any whatsoever, blinks slowly it’s a way of saying ‘I love you.’ As gracious as they are, this would be a truly sophisticated move of feline creatures sharing their love!
However, the real truth is that we can’t know for sure what is going on in their minds, and therefore we can’t know for certain what it means. But, there is evidence that suggests that this famous blinking motion actually means that the cat trusts its companion.
This kiss motion is just one of the signals that the cat uses to transmit its message when they are not using any other form of signals, like strong vocalizations, powerful facial expressions or body postures. One of the reasons why it’s crucial to know to read your cat’s signs is to understand her nature better and to manage to connect better with your cat.
Furthermore, with a deeper understanding, you can prevent any potential misunderstanding and even aggression.
Yes, cat lingo feels like a language from a planet far, far away, and it’s difficult to understand it. However, trying to is the first step toward the better cat-human relationship ever.
Eye Contact
It’s in cats nature to be not fully trusted toward animals or humans. Simply said, their trust has to be earned. In general, cats will avoid eye contact in specific situations. Usually, when they are threatened or afraid, or even if they are being extremely aggressive. Cats can also stare if they feel like they are in a huge treat.
Cats love being on the watch. They follow your every move, and any movement within the house, or around it. It’s just one of the ways to keep things under cat control. Some may say that they are awake all the time because they don’t trust anyone. Let’s put it this way – if they close their eyes around you while they are asleep it is a clear sign that they don’t see you as a threat.
This movement is rather similar to the way some cats explore their bellies to their humans. And it’s a clear sign of vulnerability and complete trust.
The Direct Stare
First thing first, a sign of affection in humans and cats world are two completely separate things. For example, people have a tendency to stare at another person very often as a way to show their affection, while in a cats world its seen as a sign of threatening. That’s the main reason why is a cat always drown to that one person that constantly ignores it.
Good to know: Cat expand its pupils when she feels fearful
On the other hand, if cat pupils are dilated, it means that the pupils take as much visual information as possible. A clear sign that cat is utterly frightened and wants to retreat is bug-eyed saucer look.
Furthermore, the pupils may become constricted or narrowed when the cat is angry or aroused. In that case, she is focusing on detail. Like when your feline is trying to catch a fly.
Good to know: Cats eyes also respond to ambient lighting
The fun thing is that once a cat realizes that she is being watched, she may stop what she’s doing.
Is It a True Slow Cat Blink?
Cats are by nature suspicious beings and they are not going all around and showing their love and affection. They don’t bother themselves by doing so.
That’s the main reason why we, humans, fall so fast for that slow blink. But, is it really a sign of love and affection or there is some science behind it?
All in, cats blink to spread tears over the surface of their eye or eyes in order to remove the dirt. This is a fast move and it’s not the same as the ‘slow blink of love’.
Learn to understand the difference between these two.
The ‘love’ look includes slower movement and slow blink that includes your cat looking at you, and slowly closing its eyes on purpose and opening them.
To truly understand the difference between a regular and slow blink, observe your cat’s body language. Especially the part from his ears to his tail. During the ‘love blink,’ cat’s body should be relaxed because this kind of movement can only come from a cat that feels comfortable.
The slow blink must include easy and relaxed eyes. That means that your cat is not worried.
Quick tip: A true cat slow blink includes normal pupils
What Does a Slow Blink Mean?
Slow blinking says that cat is relaxed and happy. Slow blinking is a hard-evidence indicator that your cat is communicating with you her current state of happiness and satisfaction.
This basic and slow move hides strong feelings. This rare action happens when your cat feels that you two have reached a certain level of trust, and you are completely open to one another in sharing affection and some love moments.
After all, you did find your perfect match. If after this your feline closes her eyes entirely it means that she is allowing herself to be 100% vulnerable to you.
People mostly believe that a slow blink is a true gesture of real trust. This is one of those rare moments when your cat indeed trusts you that you won’t harm her in any way possible. It is a great way to express her comfort and to help you build your connection.
Fun fact: The slow blink is used by workers in cats shelter to learn if a certain cat can be handled safely.
This slow blink behavior is not strictly reserved for domestic cats. Larger felines are regular slow blinkers. Including tigers.
Therefore, this move is not strictly reserved for pet-human relation only. Cats use this move to communicate with each other. They use it to say ‘hello’ to their feline friends.
Slow blink is a common indicator of social behavior among cats of all types, from domestic cats to Jaguar. It is a type of a buddy approach that is seen often among cats who are friendly with each other.
Make sure to watch carefully next time when two cats met. If you watch really carefully you will see that they blink slowly on each other. This happens just before nose bumping and body rubbing.
Slow blink says that your cat loves you, simply said. So, you probably want to know how to get your cat to slow blink and do it more often, no?
How To Make Your Cat To Do The Slow Blink?
First thing first, you know that with cats only one rules apply – everything in their own time. So, don’t get your hope up to high, because your cat is likely to slow blink at you when she wants to.
Secondly, no matter how strong you want for slow blink to happen don’t stare too much. Easier said than done, we know, but still – don’t stare too much.
Staring directly into your cat’s eyes is interpreted differently from humans and cats perspective. For cats, staring long is interpreted as a threat and confrontation. It’s simply not polite by feline etiquette style.
The best and proven way to make your cat blink slowly at you is to have her come to you. It’s rather not that challenging when you break it down on a few simple steps. Just take a few deep breaths and let the feeling of relaxation goes all over your body.
Your feline will pick up your relaxed and positive energy. Don’t run toward your cat, just make sure that you look in the direction of your cat with relaxes eyes and slowly blink until she notices it. Your cat should respond to a slow blink.
But what happens when you do everything by the book and your cat doesn’t blink back at you? It’s not the end of an era. It just means that your cat maybe shows affection differently. Like turning her belly to you to pet it. After all, don’t be discouraged so easily. Try again with an upgraded approach.
Good to know: When your cat blinks at you, you immediately blink back to her. That’s the best way to make it continuous.
Always Return The Blink
Yes, make sure to always return the blink. Particularly in the first days of blinking or first days of getting your new feline. Always return the gesture. Think of it as a step toward your strong understanding with your feline friend. This is a first step in creating an intimate dialogue that will nurture your bond.
When you return the blink wait for your cats’ reaction. Maybe your feline friend has a few more blinks for that day reserved just for you.
After returning the slow blink, you can take a step further, extend your hand toward your cat while looking away. The thing is that your cat will feel more comfortable if you look at her indirectly. If you see that your cat dips its head or behind running your hand with its small and super-cute face, it’s an open invitation for you to pet them.
On the other hand, don’t lose your spirit if your cat just walks away. Bear in mind that the ultimate purpose of the slow blink is to acknowledge your friendly presence.
This ‘I love you’ gesture is often overlooked as something that cats just do. But, the truth is that this move is something that helps you to get into your pet’s mind and understand it better.
Also, it helps you to connect on a different and stronger level. Nevertheless, make sure that you always return the slow blink and acknowledge those moments as a unique moment that your feline saves just for you.