New research confirms what many cat owners suspected all along: cats respond positively to human imitation of their own relaxed facial expressions. Specifically, slowly narrowing your eyes and blinking at a cat – mimicking their “cat smile” – significantly increases the likelihood of reciprocal interaction and approach behavior. The study, published in Scientific Reports, demonstrates that this simple gesture bridges the communication gap between species.
The Science Behind the Slow Blink
Researchers at the University of Sussex conducted two experiments to test this behavior. In the first, 21 cats observed their owners deliberately slow-blink at them from a distance of approximately three feet. The results showed that cats were significantly more likely to reciprocate the slow blink when their owners initiated it, compared to scenarios where no blinking occurred.
The second experiment involved 24 cats, this time interacting with researchers they had never met. Again, slow blinking from the humans prompted a higher rate of reciprocal blinks from the cats – and crucially, increased their willingness to approach the extended hand of the human. This confirms that the effect isn’t limited to familiar relationships.
Why This Matters: Beyond Cute Interactions
This isn’t just about having a warmer connection with your pet. Understanding feline communication has broader implications for animal welfare. As psychologist Tasmin Humphrey of the University of Sussex explained, “Understanding positive ways in which cats and humans interact can… improve feline welfare, and tell us more about the socio-cognitive abilities of this understudied species.”
The findings could be applied to veterinary settings and shelters, helping reduce stress for cats by signaling safety and reassurance. It also reinforces a growing body of research showing that cats are far more attuned to human behavior than previously believed. They aren’t merely indifferent; they’re reading us, and responding when we meet them halfway.
How to Try It Yourself
The technique is simple: narrow your eyes as if smiling and slowly close them for a few seconds. The key is to avoid direct, unbroken staring, which cats interpret as a threat. By mimicking their relaxed expression, you signal benign intentions and invite interaction.
This research adds to a growing list of insights into feline behavior, including their ability to recognize their names (even if they choose to ignore them) and their sensitivity to human emotional states. The study emphasizes that if a cat seems aloof, the issue may lie with the human’s communication style, not the cat’s disposition.
Ultimately, this study offers a practical and heartwarming way to strengthen the bond with a feline companion. The simple act of a slow blink can turn a standoffish stare into a shared moment of understanding.
