The slow blink is one of the most important and well-studied cat communication signals. Often called a “cat kiss,” this deliberate, slow closing and opening of the eyes is your cat’s way of expressing trust and affection, and you can use it to strengthen your bond.

A true slow blink involves a cat partially or fully closing their eyes in a slow, deliberate manner while facing you, then opening them again. It is distinctly different from a regular blink, which is quick and involuntary. The slow blink is intentional communication.

Scientific Validation

A 2020 study published in Scientific Reports confirmed what cat owners have long believed. Researchers found that cats were more likely to slow blink at their owners after receiving slow blinks from them, and cats approached unfamiliar humans more readily when those humans slow blinked at them.

Why Closing Eyes Signals Trust

In the animal world, closing your eyes in the presence of another being is a vulnerability signal. By deliberately closing their eyes, your cat is communicating that they feel safe enough around you to reduce their visual awareness. It is the feline equivalent of turning your back to someone you trust completely.

Face your cat from a comfortable distance. Wait until they are relaxed and make eye contact with you. Then slowly close your eyes halfway, hold for a second, close them fully, and slowly reopen. Do not stare intensely beforehand, as sustained direct eye contact can feel threatening to cats.

Building Trust Through Blinking

Regular slow blinking exchanges can strengthen the bond between you and your cat, especially with shy or newly adopted cats. It is a non-invasive way to communicate friendship without the pressure of physical contact. Many cats who are hesitant about being touched respond well to slow blink exchanges.

Reading the Absence

A cat who never slow blinks at you or who consistently stares without blinking may be feeling stressed, threatened, or simply does not yet feel comfortable. This is not a rejection but an invitation to build trust gradually through patience, positive experiences, and the slow blink itself.