How Do We Know What A Cat’s Eyes Mean?
A cat’s eyes can communicate a wide range of emotions, including fear, excitement, anger, trust and affection. Of course, it’s important to look at a cat’s eyes in context. For instance, dilated pupils can point to excitement or fear, so the meaning may depend on whether your cat is breaking in a brand-new toy or you just pulled the vacuum cleaner out of the closet. Your cat’s pupils may also dilate in lower light. Along with pupil dilation, you’ll also want to consider body language cues like ears, whiskers, and tail position, as well as vocalizations.
The Slow Blink Of Love
The slow blink, sometimes called a cat smile, is one way cats convey affection and trust. This positive form of communication involves half-closed, relaxed eyes. It gives the appearance of vulnerability, so you can take it to mean your cat feels safe and comfortable with you. "A cat worried about a threat won’t close their eyes in the face of that threat, even briefly". If you pay attention to your cat’s body language as they slow blink, you might notice other signs of contentment, like:
- Purring
- Upright ears
- Sitting nearby or on you
- Lying down or in a loaf position
- Kneading
A slowly swishing tail, or a tail pointed up and curled like a question mark One of the best ways you can respond to a slow blink from your cat? Slow blinking right back at them! Evidence suggests cats perceive your slow blinks as positive and are likely to respond to them. In fact, some experts believe this behavior remains so common because people tend to reinforce it.
Half-Closed Happy Times
Cats also use their eyelids to communicate. If you catch them gazing at you with heavy-lidded, half-closed eyes, they’re likely feeling happy, peaceful, and relaxed. “A cozy cat who is at peace, perhaps lying in the sun, may appear to partially close their eyes as a sign of contentment or impending sleep." If you’ve just returned home, you might also notice this eye behavior when they greet you.
Some other signs of a happy cat include:
- High-pitched meows, purring, and trilling
- Upright, forward-facing ears
- Head butting or rubbing against you
- An upright tail, a softly swishing tail, or an upright tail curled at the top like a question mark
- Lying down in loaf position or showing their belly
To keep your cat happy, try whipping out their favorite toy, whether that’s a wand or a catnip mouse. You can also try offering your lap (or shoulder!) for cuddles.
The Hard Stare
As many pet parents know firsthand, cats are prone to staring at you, the walls, their partially empty bowl of food. And like many other cat behaviors, staring can mean plenty of different things. “A cat who is staring may be feeling aggressive, but you have to look at what else is going on with the cat before assuming that,” says Dr. Mikel Delgado, Certified Cat Behavior Consultant, founder of Feline Minds, and Rover’s resident cat expert.
Other signs of an irritated cat include:
- Growling or hissing
- A lashing tail
- Pinned or flattened ears
- Puffed hair
- Tensed body with arched back
Wide Eyes And Dilated Pupils
Wide eyes with dilated pupils are a hallmark sign an alert and engaged cat. You’ll notice your cat’s eyes appear round, with their eyelids up, but you’ll still be able to see some of the colored iris. “Pupils can dilate when a cat is excited or afraid,” Delgado says. “It’s basically their brain saying ‘get more information’ from the environment.” Their posture can offer more details. For instance, a body crouched low, with a raised rear and low tail, can point to a play or serious attack.
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Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
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Why do cats slow blink at humans ?
Cats slow blink at humans to show comfort and friendliness. When a cat does this, it is communicating that it does not see you as a threat.
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What do dilated pupils in cats indicate ?
Dilated pupils can signal excitement, fear, stress, or playfulness. The meaning depends on the situation and the cat’s overall body language.
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How can I tell my cat's mood by looking at its eyes?
Relaxed eyes with slow blinks usually mean calmness, while wide eyes with dilated pupils may indicate alertness, excitement, or stress.
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Should I blink back at my cat ?
Yes, slow blinking back can help build trust and strengthen your bond. Many cats respond positively to this gentle form of communication.
