GoKawiilStudy finds cats respond to human slow blinking with their own eye narrowing
Researchers tested 18 cat–human pairs in the cats' home environments, comparing how cats reacted when their owners performed slow, deliberate blinking gestures versus periods with no interaction. Owners were trained using Facial Action Coding System guidance to standardize the slow blink movements, and cats' facial responses were filmed for comparison between the two conditions.
GoKawiil's interpretation of the reporting above, not reported fact.
The method of testing animals in familiar home settings rather than labs suggests researchers wanted more naturalistic, reliable results about interspecies communication. If slow blinking functions as a recognizable signal between cats and humans, it could inform how owners and caregivers build trust and rapport with cats, including in shelter or veterinary contexts.
- 18 cat-human dyads across 14 households were analyzed after excluding statistical outliers
- Owners were trained to produce standardized slow blink gestures using facial coding guidance
- Testing occurred in cats' home environments to increase realism of the results
PetFusion Cat Treats Interactive Puzzle — Since this study highlights how subtle cat behaviors like slow blinking build trust and communication with humans, an interactive enrichment toy is a great way to deepen that bond further. Engaging your cat in play and problem-solving strengthens the human-cat relationship outside of just facial cues. It's a fun, practical complement to understanding your cat's communicative signals.
See PetFusion Cat Treats Interactive Puzzle on Amazon → Affiliate link — we may earn a commission on purchases, at no extra cost to you. Product picked by AI based on this article; it is not a tested recommendation.Source: nature.com — Humphrey, 2026-10-06
Published there as: “The role of cat eye narrowing movements in cat–human communication (2020)”
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