Cats have become one of the most beloved pets. Cats and dogs fill homes worldwide with companionship and love. And yet, they are also among the least understood animals. Even veterinarians themselves acknowledge that there are few studies on the inner workings of these animals. Furthermore, cats are known for their aloofness and fierce protectiveness of their privacy. In any case, scientists have found a simple and effective way to communicate with them. According to studies from the University of Sussex, all it takes is smiling more broadly while squinting and blinking slowly.
One of the most complex aspects of cats is their unpredictability
The interaction between humans and cats is often complex, as we don’t communicate in the same way. A study led by psychologist Karen McComb of the University of Sussex has shown that a simple gesture like squinting and blinking slowly—the well-known “feline smile”—significantly increases the likelihood that a cat will approach, interact with, and trust a human, even a stranger. One of the most complex aspects of cats is their unpredictability, which can often surprise those who interact with them. Their size also plays a crucial role; their relatively small size naturally encourages people to approach and interact with them. The problem is that cats don’t usually feel this reciprocity.
“It’s great to be able to show that cats and humans can communicate in this way”
“As someone who has both studied animal behavior and is a cat owner, it’s great to be able to show that cats and humans can communicate in this way,” University of Sussex psychologist Karen McComb said when the study was published. By observing cat-human interactions in 2020, scientists confirmed that the simple gesture described above makes cats, both familiar and unfamiliar, more likely to approach and interact with humans.
The cats typically responded by blinking slowly and with a very calm demeanor
Specifically, the experiment involved observing the behavior of 21 cats from 14 different households when their owners looked at them and blinked slowly. The cats typically responded by blinking slowly and with a very calm demeanor. In the second experiment, 24 cats from eight different households were included. In this case, it was the researchers, not the owners, who blinked slowly and reached out to try to touch them. The cats’ reaction, despite not recognizing these humans, was calm and involved slow blinking.
People who live with cats have probably seen that facial expression
Although cat behavior can be complex to understand, as we explained, those who live with these animals are more accustomed to their behavior and how they react to certain situations. The fact is, people who live with cats have probably seen that facial expression, the “partially closed eyes,” accompanied by slow blinking. It’s similar to how humans squint when they smile and usually occurs when the cat is relaxed and content. In fact, in the feline world, this gesture appears when the animal feels calm and safe.
Cats are a domesticated animal species, but communication with them can still be challenging
Living with cats makes it easier to understand these kinds of gestures. In fact, scientists interpret them as a sign of good intentions. Anecdotal evidence from cat owners suggests that humans can mimic this expression to communicate to cats that we are friendly and open to interaction. Unlike a fixed stare, which cats may perceive as a threat, slow blinking conveys calm and a sense of safe behavior. Ultimately, cats are indeed a domesticated animal species, but communication with them can still be challenging. However, there are tricks and techniques that can help make living together more pleasant.