Cats really do slow-blink back at you, and it helps them approach strangers
The role of cat eye narrowing movements in cat–human communication (2020)
Researchers tested whether cats respond to human slow blinks. In Experiment 1, 18 cats in their homes were shown slow-blink sequences, a neutral face, or no interaction. Cats slow-blinked more after human slow blinks. In Experiment 2, cats were more likely to approach an unfamiliar experimenter who slow-blinked than one with a neutral face. The findings suggest slow blinking is a positive communicative signal in cat–human interactions.
Anecdotal evidence and personal observations suggest that the slow blink sequence can be used as a method of cat–owner communication, and is said to occur in calm, positive contexts.
- paimapi
sticking a finger out for them to sniff and rub against is another good one. hypothesis is that it's not dissimilar from the way cats bump noses and rub their scent off on each other
I also like making myself small and crouching and being as still as possible. I've befriended many skittish feline this way
I really like cats :)
- justnoice
My apartment bans all pets. The agent even told me I can't keep fish.
I really wish I could fall asleep next to a cat. Their purring is absolutely mesmerizing.
- ChristmasTomer
Anyone tried this with a stray cat? Wonder if it works before they get used to people.