A recent study has revealed a straightforward method for enhancing communication between humans and their feline companions. Researchers from the University of Sussex found that by employing a simple technique known as slow blinking, cat owners can foster a stronger bond with their pets. This gesture mimics a cat’s own form of communication and encourages a more engaging interaction.
The study, conducted in 2020, involved observing the behavior of cats in their home environments. It confirmed that both familiar and unfamiliar cats are more likely to approach humans who use this slow blinking technique. Karen McComb, a psychologist at the university and co-author of the study, expressed excitement over the findings, stating, “It’s something that many cat owners had already suspected, so it’s exciting to have found evidence for it.”
Understanding the Slow Blink
Cats often exhibit a facial expression characterized by partially closed eyes, which is typically accompanied by slow blinking. This expression is akin to a smile in humans and signifies relaxation and contentment. The researchers aimed to test whether humans could replicate this behavior to signal friendliness to cats.
In the first experiment, 21 cats from 14 households participated. Owners were instructed to sit approximately 1 meter (just over 3 feet) away from their cats and perform the slow blink while the cats were watching. The results indicated that cats were more inclined to slow blink back at their owners after they had received this non-verbal cue.
The second experiment expanded the scope by involving 24 cats from eight different households. This time, researchers who had no prior contact with the cats performed the slow blinking while extending a hand toward the animals. The findings showed that not only did the cats blink back, but they were also more likely to approach the researcher’s hand after the interaction.
Implications for Cat Welfare
The research is significant as it is the first to experimentally investigate slow blinking as a means of cat-human communication. McComb highlighted the practical applications of these findings, suggesting that this technique could be easily applied by cat owners to enhance their relationship with their pets. “It’s a great way of enhancing the bond you have with cats,” she noted.
Research in recent years has indicated that cats are more attuned to their human companions than commonly perceived. They respond positively to humans who exhibit friendly behavior. This suggests that if a cat appears standoffish, the issue may lie with the human’s approach rather than the cat’s disposition. Cats have also been shown to mirror the emotional states of their owners, indicating a deeper connection than previously thought.
Understanding the nuances of cat communication can also contribute to improving feline welfare in various settings, such as veterinary practices and animal shelters. Tasmin Humphrey, another psychologist involved in the study, emphasized the importance of these interactions, stating, “Our findings could potentially be used to assess the welfare of cats in a variety of settings.”
As cat owners seek ways to connect with their pets, this research offers a simple yet effective technique to bridge the communication gap. Learning to engage with cats through slow blinking may enhance not only the bond between humans and their pets but also support their emotional well-being.
The study’s findings were published in Scientific Reports, highlighting a growing interest in the social and cognitive abilities of cats, a species that continues to intrigue both researchers and pet owners alike.
