A team of psychologists from the University of Sussex has pioneered a simple yet effective way for humans to connect more deeply with cats: the slow blink. For the first time, research demonstrates that gently narrowing your eyes—mimicking a cat's 'slow blink' smile—makes you more appealing to felines. This eye-constricting gesture parallels the authentic Duchenne smile in humans and positive signals observed in other species.
Led by Dr. Tasmin Humphrey and Professor Karen McComb, experts in animal behavior, the team conducted two rigorous experiments. In the first, cats were significantly more likely to slow-blink back at their owners after receiving a slow blink, compared to no interaction. The second experiment involved unfamiliar researchers: cats approached an outstretched hand more readily after a slow blink than a neutral expression. Together, these findings confirm slow blinking as a powerful tool for positive cat-human communication.
Key study findings:
Cats slow-blinked more frequently when owners did so, versus owners simply being present without blinking.
Cats slow-blinked more at unfamiliar researchers using slow blinks than neutral expressions.
Cats were more inclined to approach researchers after slow blinks compared to neutral faces.
Professor Karen McComb, from the University of Sussex School of Psychology and a cat owner herself, shared: "As someone who studies animal behavior and owns cats, it's thrilling to scientifically validate this form of communication that many owners intuitively knew worked."
"This is the first experimental evidence on slow blinking's role in cat-human interactions. Try it yourself: Narrow your eyes like a relaxed smile, then close them briefly. Cats often reciprocate, creating a silent conversation that strengthens your bond—whether with your pet or strays you encounter."
Possible evolutionary reasons include cats learning that slow blinks earn human rewards, or using them to defuse direct stares, which can feel threatening.
Experiment details
Experiment 1 involved 21 cats (10 male, 11 female; ages 0.45–16 years) from 14 households, with 14 owners. Conducted in cats' homes, owners sat ~1m away and slow-blinked on cue after the cat settled. Experiment 2 featured 24 cats (12 male, 12 female; ages 1–17 years) from 8 households. Unfamiliar researchers slow-blinked or stayed neutral, then offered a palm-up hand. Both were video-recorded for analysis.
Context in cat psychology
Cats' minds are less studied than dogs', but established insights include:
Cats produce solicitation purrs on demand to capture human attention.
Cats distinguish their names from similar words, even from strangers.
Cats respond to owners' emotions, like head-rubbing when sensing sadness.
