Pet behavior blog › Cats · Bonding
The Cat Slow Blink: How Cats Say 'I Trust You'
- A slow blink — eyes narrowing or closing slowly, then opening — is a sign of a relaxed, trusting cat.
- A 2020 study in Scientific Reports found cats slow-blink more at owners who slow-blink at them, and approach strangers who do it.
- You can use the slow blink as a gentle, low-pressure way to say hello.
What a slow blink looks like
The cat looks toward you, its eyes narrow or close slowly for a moment, then open again — often with a soft face and relaxed whiskers. People sometimes call it a 'cat kiss'.
In cat body language, a long, direct stare can feel threatening. Closing the eyes in front of someone does the opposite: it says 'I am comfortable enough not to watch you'.
What the research found
Researchers at the Universities of Sussex and Portsmouth (Humphrey et al., 2020) ran two experiments. Cats slow-blinked more often after their owners slow-blinked at them than when owners just sat there. In the second test, cats were more likely to approach an unfamiliar researcher's hand after the researcher had slow-blinked at them.
The study suggests the slow blink works as a positive signal between cats and people — something you can use to build trust.
How to 'speak' slow blink
Sit at a comfortable distance, relax your face and look softly toward your cat rather than staring. Narrow your eyes like a gentle smile, close them for a second or two, then open them and look slightly away.
Wait. Many cats will blink back, look away calmly or come closer. If your cat does not respond, that is fine — try again another day. Never force contact.
- Try a slow blink when your cat is calm, not while it is playing or eating.
- Use it with shy or newly adopted cats as a no-touch greeting.
- Notice when your cat slow-blinks at you — that is a good moment for quiet company.
Frequently asked questions
My cat never slow-blinks back. Does it dislike me?
Not necessarily. Cats differ, and some respond by looking away calmly or simply staying relaxed. Keep interactions low-pressure and let the cat set the pace.
Does slow blinking work with other people's cats?
In the 2020 study, cats were more likely to approach a stranger after a slow blink. Still, let any unfamiliar cat choose whether to come to you.
Is my cat sleepy or slow-blinking?
A slow blink is short and directed at you, then the eyes open again. Drowsiness lasts longer and the cat usually settles into rest.