Do Cats Blink? A Vet’s 2025 Guide to Feline Blinks & “Slow Blinks” 🐱

By Dr Duncan Houston BVSc, founder of Ask A Vet 🩺 Helping you decode your cat’s eyes and emotional signals in 2025

🔍 Why Discuss Blinking?

Blinking in cats serves more than eye lubrication—it’s also a key form of nonverbal communication. From health signals to trust cues, understanding blinks helps you care for your cat’s well‑being and emotional health.

🥽 1. The Mechanics: How Often Do Cats Blink?

Cats blink far less frequently than humans. They rely more on their nictitating membrane (third eyelid) to keep their eyes moist, especially during hunting or vigilance. It’s normal for cats to go long periods with minimal visible blinking :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}.

• Humans blink ~15–20 times/min; cats, far fewer
• Their translucent third eyelid physically sweeps across the eye to moisten it :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}
• A brief upper/lower eyelid blink is more like a partial or squinted blink, not a full close

💧 2. Health Clues: When Blinking Indicates Something’s Wrong

Watch for:

• ️Excessive blinking or squinting
• Redness, discharge, pawing at the eye
• Visible third eyelid despite being awake

These signs may indicate eye irritation, infection, corneal ulcers, or dry eye syndrome (KCS). Prompt vet attention is crucial :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}.

😽 3. The “Slow Blink”: A Kitty Kiss

One of the sweetest signals from your cat is the slow blink: a half‑close, slow full close, then open. It communicates trust, relaxation, and affection :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}.

• Usually lasts ~1–5 seconds
• Often accompanied by relaxed body—soft ears, loose posture
• Called a “kitty kiss”—cats rarely do this with those they don’t trust :contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}

🤝 4. Science of the Blink Exchange

Studies confirm:

• Cats return slow blinks to humans who slow-blink at them :contentReference[oaicite:8]{index=8}
• Cats approach strangers who slow-blink, but avoid those who stare :contentReference[oaicite:9]{index=9}
• Slow‑blinking shelter cats were adopted faster than those that didn’t :contentReference[oaicite:10]{index=10}

🗣️ 5. How to Blink Back—and Bond

• Wait for a calm moment: when your cat looks at you, slowly close your eyes, hold 1–2 seconds, then open gently
• Look for a reciprocated slow blink or relaxed behavior
• Repeat to build rapport and strengthen trust :contentReference[oaicite:11]{index=11}

⚠️ 6. Fast Blinks & Rapid Winking: What They Mean

Rapid blinking or quick winking often signals tension, anxiety or fear:

• May indicate discomfort, stress, or a defensive stance :contentReference[oaicite:12]{index=12}
• If combined with dilated pupils and pinned ears, it’s a red flag—step back
• Focus on calming measures and evaluate environment

😴 7. Blinking & Sleep Patterns

Cats sometimes appear to blink slowly before or during light sleep. Partially closed eyes may indicate drowsiness rather than communication, especially in restful contexts :contentReference[oaicite:13]{index=13}.

📊 Summary: Blinks & What They Say

🎯 Practical Takeaways for Cat Owners

• ⚕️ Monitor eye health—seek vet care for abnormal blinking
• 💕 Slow-blink to build trust and connection
• 📉 Avoid direct staring—use soft eye contact
• 🛋️ Respond kindly to stress signals with safe space

🧡 Final Thoughts from Dr Houston

Understanding your cat’s blinks is more than cute—it’s communication. Whether it’s health signals or affectionate slow-blinks, paying attention strengthens your bond and supports their well-being. So slow-blink away—your cat might just slow-blink back! 😽