International Cat Day: How feline friends have become connoisseurs of comfort

Hyderabad: On International Cat Day, researchers and pet owners alike are paying attention to a subtle but powerful feline behaviour, the slow blink.

Often described as a “cat’s kiss,” this unhurried eye movement has been linked to trust, relaxation, and even cross-species communication.

What Is a Slow Blink?

A slow blink occurs when a cat makes eye contact and then gradually closes and opens its eyes. Unlike a rapid blink, which may indicate irritation or a reflexive response, the slow blink is deliberate and often accompanied by relaxed body posture.

“Cats don’t maintain prolonged eye contact with those they don’t trust. In the animal world, staring can be a threat,” explained Dr. Maya Krishnan, animal behaviourist, speaking to Newsmeter. “The slow blink is a way of signalling, ‘I am safe, and you are safe with me.’”

The Research Behind It

Studies conducted by behaviour scientists, including a 2020 experiment published in Scientific Reports, have shown that cats are more likely to approach humans who slow blink at them compared to those who maintain a neutral expression.

Dr. S. Naveen Rao, a veterinary neurologist, notes: “We now have evidence that the slow blink is a form of positive emotional signalling. Cats interpret it as a friendly gesture, and many will reciprocate.”

Communication Beyond Species

The slow blink is not just reserved for human-cat interactions. Cats often use it with other cats to diffuse tension or indicate social comfort. In multi-cat households, observers can sometimes see one cat slow blink before lying down near another, a non-verbal sign of peaceful intent.

How to Slow Blink at Your Cat

Experts suggest that owners can build stronger bonds by intentionally using this gesture:

1. Make Eye Contact – Look gently at your cat without staring intensely.

2. Blink Slowly – Close your eyes for over two to three seconds, then reopen them.

3. Pause and Observe – Give your cat a chance to respond with its slow blink.

Dr. Krishnan adds: “Don’t force it, the goal is to create a calm environment where the cat feels in control.”

Why It Matters

Understanding subtle cues like the slow blink can improve human-cat relationships, especially for rescue animals or those in stressful environments. It offers a non-invasive way to communicate safety and trust, reducing anxiety in both the cat and the human.

As Dr. Rao points out, “Cats are masters of micro-communication. The slow blink is just one example of how attentive we need to be if we want to understand them on their terms.”

Beyond International Cat Day

While International Cat Day brings global attention to feline welfare, experts agree that recognising and respecting a cat’s communication methods should be a daily practice. The slow blink serves as a reminder that sometimes, the most meaningful exchanges happen in silence.