MEOW

How to communicate with cats: One easy trick

Research-based animal fun

Senior Writer

MAY 7, 2025 10:44 PM EDTMAY 7, 2025, 10:44 PM EDT

Cats have gotten a bad rep for not being as communicative and loving as dogs. People know that dogs can read your facial expressions, but turns out your furry felines might too.

Woman at home with cat on the table cuddling her old ginger pet
Candid photo taken indoors in natural light — Woman at home with cat on the table cuddling her old ginger pet Candid photo taken indoors in natural light

According to research from the University of Sussex, you can bond with your cat by smiling. Not in the "human way," Science Alert explains in their YouTube video, but by narrowing your eyes and closing your eyes for a couple of seconds." Basically, a slow blink.

A study found that cats are more receptive and likely to approach humans when they do it. You might even get a slow blink back from your kitty.

You may also like:

In one experiment, 21 cats watched their owners blink slowly from about a meter away. In another, 24 cats were approached by total strangers who either slow-blinked or stared blankly without blinking. The results? Across the board, cats were way more likely to blink back and approach the human when they hit them with a slow blink.

It's a technique you've probably heard about before, so the evidence might not be surprising for devoted cat fans. “As someone who has both studied animal behavior and is a cat owner, it’s great to be able to show that cats and humans can communicate in this way," said psychologist Karen McComb, who co-led the 2020 study. You can try the technique with your pet or stray cats you're trying to become friends with to find a new home.

"It's a great way of enhancing the bond you have with cats. Try narrowing your eyes at them as you would in a relaxed smile, followed by closing your eyes for a couple of seconds. You'll find they respond in the same way themselves, and you can start a sort of conversation," McComb said.

Other ways your cat may be trying to talk to you

If you want to bond more with your cat, try looking out for other clues, like when and how they meow at you. Also to when they purr or rub against you.

Your cat might already be trying to communicate

You might find they do it when they are hungry, need water, or want affection. Also, look for signs they want to play like grabbing or bringing you their toys, playing with bags, or your shoes. Don't get annoyed, get playful, and help them get some energy out.