Learn how to say “I love you” in cat language
Your cat is staring at you and as you watch them, they do a slow blink. Are they pondering their next sneak attack? Are they trying to get your attention? Are they annoyed that you haven’t fed them yet?
You might have guessed it, but the cat’s slow blink may be your cat’s way of saying “I love you.”
What does the slow blink look like?
Unlike a regular blink (a blink to help spread tears and lubricate the eye), a slow blink happens only when our cats have clear eye contact with us. With normal-sized pupils, they slowly blink, often several times in a row.
Animal behaviorists agree—the slow blink is a way that your cat communicates their love for you. In animal terms, this means they trust you, feel safe, accept you and are bonding with you!
Want to return the love in cat language?
It’s as easy as slow-blinking back. Rather than smiling, laughing or just telling them you love them, try giving them a few long, slow blinks.
When you’ve caught your cat’s attention, try narrowing your eyes as you would in a relaxed smile (practice in the mirror first) and then close your eyes for a couple of seconds before opening them. If you’re lucky, you may even get them to repeat the slow blink back to you. Now you can have “conversations” with them!
Staring contest
Be aware that staring at your cat can be interpreted as confrontational, so be careful not to stare at them. They won’t give you the slow blink if they’re feeling at all intimidated or challenged.
Not every cat slow-blinks
Don’t be alarmed or disappointed if your cat doesn't seem to engage in slow-blinking. It doesn’t mean they don’t trust you, it just means they have a different way of communicating their love and trust! Rubbing against us, rolling onto their back to expose their belly, licking us and head bunting are all ways that cats show their love.
*Live Chat with a licensed veterinary professional is free for VCA clients through the myVCA mobile app, available at Apple’s App Store and Google Play.
