Many people think of cats as independent and distant creatures. However, researchers have found that your relationship with your feline friend may improve if you understand their unique ways of communicating. One simple technique can help: slow blinking.
According to studies conducted in 2020, offering your cat a gentle smile — by softening your gaze and blinking slowly — can encourage them to come closer and feel more comfortable around you.
Researchers observed that this behavior can help both familiar and unfamiliar cats engage more openly with humans.
Karen McComb, a psychologist at the University of Sussex, emphasized, "It's wonderful to demonstrate that cats and humans can communicate in this manner."
She also shared her excitement about the findings, noting that many cat owners had long suspected this kind of connection.
When you look closely at a cat, you might notice their eyes squinting slightly or blinking slowly. This expression is similar to a human smile and shows that the cat is relaxed and happy.
Cat owners have shared stories suggesting that mimicking this expression signals friendliness to their pets. To explore this idea, psychologists conducted two experiments to see how cats reacted to slow blinking.
How Cats Respond to Human Communication Techniques
In the first experiment, 21 cats from 14 homes participated. Their owners were told to sit about a meter away from their cats and blink slowly when their cats made eye contact. The videos captured showed that the cats often responded with slow blinks after their owners did the same.
In the second experiment, researchers tried the slow blink technique with 24 cats that they had never interacted with before. They discovered that the cats not only blinked back but also approached the researchers' outstretched hands more often after they blinked slowly.
"This research marks the inaugural experimental exploration of how slow blinking influences communication between cats and humans," stated McComb, according to Science Alert.
This means that even if you are meeting a new cat, you can still use slow blinking to help create a friendly atmosphere.
Despite dogs being known for their affectionate behavior, it is important to recognize the unique qualities of cats. They have developed ways to communicate with us, such as slow blinking, which fosters a deeper connection.
Psychologist Tasmin Humphrey from the University of Sussex pointed out that exploring these interactions can enhance our understanding of cats and improve their well-being.
So, the next time you want to bond with your cat, try the slow blink technique. It could open the door to a stronger, more loving relationship with your feline friend.
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