Study Confirms a Simple Trick to Communicate With Cats

Cats are often perceived as aloof and independent creatures, but if there seems to be a lack of bonding between them and their owners, it may simply be a matter of not speaking the same language or being able to communicate. Research from 2020 has shown that effectively communicating with cats is more straightforward than one might think—just smile at them, but do it the cat way: narrow your eyes and blink slowly.

A study by researchers observed cat-human interactions and confirmed that this expression encourages cats, whether familiar or unfamiliar, to approach and be more receptive to humans. According to the findings, this form of non-verbal communication significantly impacts feline behavior.

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The Research Behind the Slow Blink

In the words of Karen McComb, a psychologist at the University of Sussex, the research provides tangible evidence for a concept many cat owners have long suspected: that cats and humans can effectively communicate through slow blinking. The expression, often accompanied by partially closed eyes, indicates a relaxed and content state in cats, resembling a cat smile.

To validate the anecdotal evidence, a team of psychologists designed two experiments to observe how cats responded to slow blinking.

In the first experiment, owners were slow-blinked at 21 cats from 14 households. They were instructed to maintain a distance of about one meter from the relaxed cats and slow-blink when the cats looked at them. Cameras recorded the owners’ and cats’ faces to analyze the responses. The results indicated that cats were significantly more likely to slow-blink back at their humans after the humans initiated the slow-blink.

The second experiment involved 24 cats from eight different households. Researchers unfamiliar with the cats executed the slow-blink technique. Again, a control group of cats was recorded to assess their responses to humans who stared without blinking. The researchers combined the slow-blink with an extended hand toward the cats, finding that not only did the cats blink back, but they were also more inclined to approach the human’s hand after the slow-blink was initiated.

Understanding the Importance of Slow Blinking

This study is the first to explore the role of slow blinking in cat-human communication experimentally. McComb emphasized that cat owners could easily practice this method of interaction at home or with anyone encountering a cat in public. Humans can foster dialogue with their feline companions by narrowing their eyes as one would in a relaxed smile and closing their eyes for a few seconds.

While dogs are often more overtly affectionate, these findings reinforce the notion that cats are highly attuned to their human counterparts. Research has shown that cats respond positively to humans who exhibit friendly and receptive behaviors and can even reflect their owners’ personality traits.

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The Implications for Cat Welfare

The exact reason behind cats’ slow blinking remains unclear; however, it has been interpreted as a way to signal benign intentions, given that cats perceive unbroken staring as threatening. It is also plausible that cats developed this expression because humans respond positively to it.

Understanding how to enhance interactions with cats is beneficial for building rapport and improving their emotional health. Insights into how cats and humans communicate can contribute to better feline welfare across various environments, including veterinary clinics and shelters.

As Tasmin Humphrey, another psychologist from the University of Sussex, stated, recognizing positive interactions between cats and humans can lead to a greater understanding of feline behavior and well-being. Ultimately, these findings highlight the importance of fostering strong relationships with these enigmatic animals.