Glossary

Slow blink

A relaxed half-closed blink that cats use to signal comfort and goodwill, and that people can return.

Also called: cat kiss, eye squint, slow blinking, eye smile

A slow blink happens when a cat narrows its eyes, closes them for a moment and then opens them again, usually while looking at you. A relaxed face goes with it. Many owners call it a cat kiss. Because a cat that feels threatened keeps its eyes wide and watchful, the blink is read as a sign of trust and calm.

You can try it. Look at your cat softly, narrow your eyes, close them for a second or two and open them slowly. A 2020 experiment with household cats found that cats were more likely to blink back, and to approach an outstretched hand, when a person had slow-blinked at them than when the person kept a neutral face. That suggests the signal can work in both directions, though it is only one study.

Do not stare, which cats often take as a challenge. If the cat looks away or turns its head, it needs space. A cat that blinks a lot with a watering or half-shut eye, however, may have eye trouble, and a vet should look at it.

Last reviewed November 7, 2026

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Related terms

Body language How a cat shows mood and intent through its tail, ears, eyes, whiskers, posture and fur. Bunting A cat pressing its head, cheeks or chin against a person, object or another cat to leave scent and say hello. Hissing A sharp, breathy warning sound a frightened or angry cat makes to tell another animal or person to back off. Trilling A short, rolling, rising sound cats use as a friendly greeting, copied from the way a mother calls her kittens.

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