The Science Behind the Slow Blink: How Cats Say 'I Love You'

Your cat has been talking to you this whole time. That half-closed, drowsy-looking gaze they give you from across the room? It's not boredom. According to peer-reviewed research, it's the feline equivalent of saying "I trust you."

What the Research Actually Found

In 2020, psychologists at the University of Sussex conducted the first scientific study on cat slow blink meaning. Led by Dr. Tasmin Humphrey and Professor Karen McComb, the research published in Scientific Reports proved something cat owners long suspected: slow blinking is genuine cat communication.

The study ran two experiments. In the first, cats responded to their owners' slow blinks with significantly more eye narrowing than when owners simply sat without interacting. The second experiment tested whether this worked with strangers. It did. Cats were more likely to approach an unfamiliar researcher who slow-blinked at them versus one with a neutral expression.

The takeaway: slow blinking makes you more attractive to cats. It's a universal trust signal they recognize regardless of your relationship history.

Why Eye Narrowing Matters to Cats

To understand cat eye narrowing, consider what wide eyes mean in the animal kingdom: alertness, fear, potential threat. A predator locks eyes on prey. A scared animal scans for danger.

When your cat narrows their eyes around you, they're doing the opposite. They're signaling vulnerability. Closed eyes mean "I don't need to watch you for threats." It's the same reason cats expose their belly to trusted humans—it demonstrates they feel safe.

Researchers noted that cat slow blinks share similarities with the Duchenne smile in humans, the genuine smile that reaches the eyes. Both are involuntary expressions of positive emotion. Understanding how cats see the world helps explain why visual signals carry such weight in feline communication.

How to Slow Blink Back (The Right Way)

Ready to bond with your cat using this technique? Here's the method from the study:

• Step 1: Wait until your cat is relaxed and looking in your direction. Don't force eye contact.
• Step 2: Narrow your eyes slowly, keeping them half-closed for a moment. Think "sleepy" not "squinting."
• Step 3: Close your eyes fully for a second or two, then open them softly.
• Step 4: Look away casually. Prolonged direct staring can feel threatening to cats.

Don't expect immediate results. Some cats respond within seconds. Others need repeated positive interactions before they reciprocate. The key is consistency without pressure. This is similar to why cats love boxes—they seek safe, low-pressure environments.

What This Means for Cat Welfare

The Sussex researchers highlighted practical applications beyond cute bonding moments. Veterinarians could use slow blinking to calm anxious cats during exams. Shelter workers might help fearful cats feel safer, improving adoption outcomes. Understanding cat trust signals helps us meet their emotional needs.

Start the Conversation

Your cat already knows this language. Now you do too. Tonight, try a slow blink from across the room. That gentle eye narrowing you get back? That's your cat saying they feel safe with you. No translation app required.