What does it mean when a cat slow blinks at you?
It’s a gesture associated with positive communication—the “cat kiss.” In a study, cats were more inclined to approach an unfamiliar person’s offered hand after that person slow-blinked than after a neutral expression.
The slow blink is sometimes called the “cat kiss,” a gesture associated with positive communication between cats and humans. In a 2020 study, cats were more likely to approach an unfamiliar person’s offered hand after that person slow-blinked than after a neutral expression (Humphrey et al., 2020).
How to answer it, and how to tell it from a hard stare: the slow blink — what it means and how to blink back.
Behaviour and wellbeing only. Nothing here diagnoses or replaces a veterinarian — if your cat’s physical health worries you, call your vet.
New articles, as we publish them
The everyday moments and the behaviour questions — and first word on what we make, offers included. From Deni & Helen.
